‘Lent’ is an Old English word meaning ‘lengthen’, referring to its observance in springtime when the days begin to get longer. During these 40 days before Easter, some decide to give up habits or addictions. Students who observe Lent commonly choose to give up things like watching online TV or certain foods like chocolate and meat.
Lent, a time of self-restriction, goes hand in hand with movements to curb consumption and lead a more environmentally-sustainable life. The Natural Resources Defense Council suggests making annual Lenten resolutions like giving up plastic and paper bags, refraining from buying bottled water, opting for plant-based, concentrated and biodegradable laundry detergents, using recycled toilet paper brands and reducing household energy use (by setting your thermostat two degrees colder).
