Dubuque Sister to Avoid Plastic Bags for Lent

Today is Ash Wednesday for people who follow the Christian faith.

This marks the start of the Season of Lent.

That's the 40 days that lead up to Easter.

Traditionally, Christians promise to give something up like a bad habit or do something good during Lent.

One Dubuque woman is challenging others to an environmentally friendly lenten promise.

It's a tradition as old as ashes on the forehead.

Sr. Michelle Balek said, "lent is a really good time when a lot of people look at their own behaviors and say what can I improve on in my life?"

But for Sister Michelle Balek, this year's lenten promise takes on a modern day issue.

Balek said, "plastic bags to have a lot of implications for health both human and in the natural world."

That's why she's asking people to stop using these plastic grocery bags for at least the next 40 days.

Balek said, "the plastic as it breaks down, it never totally degrades, it just breaks down smaller and smaller. "

She believes being good to the earth is part of being a good Christian. She says the environment is a gift from God.

Balek said, "I want to use it properly. I want to respect it and I don't want to abuse it."

Sr. Balek already convinced several organizations and businesses to stop using the bags during lent. And she's hoping to get the whole city involved all year long.

At one time the Dubuque city council considered banning plastic bags.

But instead the city is working with businesses to promote the use of reusable bags.