The recommendations aimed at addressing global warming have been included in the book Lenten Thoughts: Reduce Carbon Footprints, Practise Carbon Fasting, co-authored by the Metropolitan and Roy P. Thomas, Deputy Conservator, Forest Department.

‘Carbon fasting' is described as “a 50-day journey through Lent, towards a lighter carbon footprint,” and church members should implement one thing a day to reduce their environmental impact. “The carbon fast is in response to an urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and to protect poor communities around the world that are already suffering from the ravages of climate change,” the book says.

The carbon reduction propositions include talking about carbon fasting in churches, switching off electrical equipment,when not in use, and removing one electric bulb and living without it for the 50 days.

Tread lightly, recycle everything possible, run the washing machine with full load, shop from local markets, refuse food imported by plane, use ink pens and candles made out of natural wax in churches … thus goes some of the green ways of life advocated by the authors. On Easter day, the “Christ is risen. Your lent is over but carbon fasting continues. It should become a way of life,” they say. The 50 {+t} {+h} day should be marked by replacing the missing bulb with an energy-saving one. Over its lifetime, it will save 60 kg of carbon dioxide per year and up to Rs.500, they add.

Last year, the senior prelate had requested the Marthoma Church members to cut down on personal carbon use for 50 days. He had enlisted energy-saving measures that could lead towards a lighter carbon footprint, including no to plastic bags, a day off for dishwashers and avoiding travel by vehicles. “This year, let us reiterate our pledges which can be practised for carbon fasting this lent season. These Lenten thoughts are mostly ecological with a biblical/ethical footing. May God Almighty help us understand these thoughts in their true spirit and be our inspiration to walk accordingly,” the authors hope.