I never imagined that learning how to read a map in one of the busiest cities in the world would help me find a clearer direction in sustainability. Studying at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University this summer has been a whirlwind ,one filled with humid mornings, and the constant hum of the MTR. But amid the noise, I found clarity in small, intentional choices.
Every morning, I’d step out of my student residence with a canvas tote and a reusable water bottle tucked under my arm — simple items, but symbols of a promise I’d made to myself: to leave a lighter footprint while exploring this vibrant city.
Hong Kong’s MTR became my lifeline. Sleek, fast, and electric, it transported me from Hung Hom to Admiralty with barely a whisper. In the UK, I’d never thought twice about taking a cab/Uber. But here, underground and among strangers from every corner of the world, I realised how efficient, accessible public transport could be a quiet act of sustainability.
Eating locally also became a conscious adventure. Instead of turning to global chains, I gravitated toward family-run noodle shops and corner stalls bursting with seasonal produce. I tasted stir-fried water spinach for the first time, bought steamed buns from a night market, and chatted (or tried to!) with vendors about their ingredients. These choices weren’t just cheaper or tastier, they supported the local economy and reduced the emissions that come with imported food. I didn’t know that eating tofu in a tiny Kowloon diner could feel like climate action, but it did.
I’m a Computer Science with AI student at the University of Nottingham, and naturally, I think a lot about the future. But this experience grounded me in the present. Learning about sustainability isn’t just for lecture halls. It’s about recognising the plastic bottle you didn’t buy, the train you chose over a taxi, the meal that didn’t cross an ocean to reach your plate.
While learning to map hiking routes around Victoria Peak, I started noticing how popular trails could suffer from overuse, litter, erosion, and crowding and it made me think more seriously about how tourism affects nature. I reflected on how digital tools like data from GPS routes or climate models can help cities manage tourist traffic and preserve green spaces. It made me think about how AI and technology, when used ethically, could contribute to SDGs like Climate Action (Goal 13) and Sustainable Cities (Goal 11). I left each class wondering how I could be part of that solution.
I may only be 19, but I’ve realised sustainable travel isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being conscious. I’m leaving Hong Kong with more than map-reading skills. I’m taking home new habits, deeper questions, and the determination to make future journeys, academic, personal, or professional as sustainable as possible.
