You can definitely tell spring is approaching when the topic of Lent arises. The season of Lent begins 40 days prior to Easter Sunday and though it is practiced by most Christian denominations, the tradition of individuals abstaining from a particular activity or behavior is widespread beyond religious folk.

This year, two senior bishops in the Church of England challenged Lent participants to forego the customary practice of giving up a favorite food or drink and eschew carbon instead. The Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Rev James Jones and the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Richard Chartres are taking environmental commitment seriously and want to increase eco-awareness amongst parishioners by encouraging them to reduce their carbon footprint.

Some of the suggestions of the church leaders to reduce energy use include weather-proofing the house by fixing draft problems, refraining from the use of plastic bags and leaving the dishwasher alone, opting to clean dishes by hand (or not washing them at all!) at least one day per week. The bishops are also suggesting individuals remove a lightbulb from a common area in their home for the duration of Lent and replacing it with an energy efficient bulb once the season draws to a close.

Bishop James said: "Traditionally people have given up things for Lent. This year we are inviting people to join us in a Carbon Fast. It is the poor who are already suffering the effects of climate change. To carry on regardless of their plight is to fly in the face of Christian teaching. The tragedy is that those with the power to do something about it are least affected, whilst those who are most affected are powerless to bring about change. There's a moral imperative on those of us who emit more than our fair share of carbon to rein in our consumption."

Last year I gave up white flour for Lent and my social life all but ended. Going out for dinner or dessert with friends was painful and by the end, I would have traded vital organs for a cupcake, however I suppose the point of Lent isn't to give up something entirely comfortable (otherwise what's the point?). Though I already do many dishes by hand and only run the dishwasher once or twice a week, I'm still guilty of using plastic bags for their convenience. I'm not a member of the Church of London, but the bishops' challenge is intriguing enough that I might just have to consider it this year.

» Telegraph