Travel has always felt like a privilege to me—a chance to experience new cultures, meet new people, and grow through unfamiliar perspectives. But I also know that with that privilege comes responsibility, especially when it comes to sustainability.
In preparing for my international placement at the University of the Arts London, I knew I wanted to be intentional about reducing my environmental footprint. I’ll fly from Des Moines to Chicago and then directly from Chicago to London to cut down on the number of takeoffs and landings, which helps reduce overall emissions. I also purchased a certified carbon offset to help counterbalance the environmental impact of flying.
Now that I’m living in London at The Costume Store in North Acton, I rely on the Tube to get to Chelsea College of Arts every day. It’s not only the most efficient way to travel in a city this size—it’s also far more sustainable than driving or using rideshares. I chose this housing specifically because of its access to public transportation and walkability, which supports my goal to minimize my carbon footprint while I’m abroad.
As a Product and Furniture Design student, sustainability is more than just a lifestyle choice—it’s something I integrate into my work. I think a lot about materials, waste, and how products can be reused or repurposed. My projects focus on circular design and responsible production, directly aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Day-to-day, I’ve made an effort to live more consciously. I packed light and brought only the essentials to avoid overconsumption. I shop secondhand when I need something new, avoid fast fashion, and reuse materials whenever possible. It’s become second nature to ask myself: “Do I really need this?” or “Can I make use of what I already have?”
Beyond my own habits, I also try to bring sustainability into conversations with peers like during group projects or studio work, I encourage discussions about eco-conscious design and the long-term impact of our creative choices. I think one of the most powerful things we can do as students is to build a culture of awareness and accountability—especially in fields like design, where our work can shape how people live and consume in the future.
Travel doesn’t have to come at the cost of the planet. By making thoughtful choices and staying committed to values like sustainability, I believe we can still explore the world and learn from it—without leaving it worse off than we found it.
