The Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine Ostap Semerak urged Ukrainians to reduce the use of disposable utensils, plastic bags and packs in their everyday lives and encourage others to make choices in favor of reusable things.

In particular, he suggested following the example of the United States and Great Britain to join challenge #giveupplasticforlent or #Великий_піст_без_пластику (Lent without plastic) and refuse to use disposable plastic for the period through March 11 - April 27, as well as on April 28 during the Easter celebration.

"This idea belongs to the churches of Great Britain and the United States. Local priests urged worshippers during the Lent not only to restrict themselves to food and drink but to abandon single-use plastic utensils, to avoid excessive use of plastic bags and packages. In my opinion, it is a rather ecological challenge. Put the hashtag #giveupplasticforlent if you are ready to join the challenge", urged the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine.

Meanwhile, he emphasizes that ecological education actually plays an important role in shaping climate-conscious behavior and habits. Over the past few years, the strive towards action is growing amongst people in Ukraine who are initiating interesting environmental rallies to promote climate-conscious behavior, while Ukrainian churches play an important role in this matter as well.

"Many of our citizens have been gradually reducing the use of plastic flowers through church commandments over recent years. In fact, this is a very important educational work - for which I am sincerely grateful to all stakeholders and I hope that this year the church will help us with environmental education", summed up the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine Ostap Semerak.