As I prepare for my third year of my Psychology degree at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), I’m excited to embrace the city’s energy while making sure my time there aligns with my values of sustainability. HKU’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – especially through initiatives like the HKU Sustainable Office and the Common Core course on sustainability (https://commoncore.hku.hk/tag/sustainability/) – inspires me to be aware of my environmental contributions. Here’s how I plan to make my exchange year as eco-friendly as possible.
Getting to Hong Kong (and Around) Responsibly
Let’s be honest – flying isn’t great for the environment. But since I can’t swim to Hong Kong, I’ll make up for it by offsetting my carbon emissions through HKU’s recommended partners, like CarbonCare Asia (https://hkuspace.hku.hk/our-stories/hku-space-signs-mou-with-carbon-care-asia), a local NGO supporting reforestation and renewable energy projects in the region. Once I land, Once I land, I’ll take advantage of Hong Kong’s world-class public transport, using the MTR and trams instead of taxis. For shorter distances, I plan to use HKU’s pedestrian-friendly campus pathways and Hong Kong’s public bike racks (like those near Centennial Campus) with my own foldable bike – a sustainable solution I’ve heard many HKU students use according to recent chats with current ‘HKUers’.
Living Sustainably on Campus
HKU has made strides in sustainability, from solar panels on buildings to water-saving fixtures in dormitories. Reducing single-use waste by adhering to HKU’s “Bring Your Own” campaign that encourages reusable containers is a simple but effective way of living sustainably. I plan to practice this at HKU’s cafes (which offer discounts for reusable cups) or at local zero-waste stores like Live Zero in Sai Ying Pun (https://livezero.hk/). The HKU campus also has vegetarian options, and I’ll explore plant-based eateries nearby, like Treehouse in Sheung Wan, to cut down on my carbon footprint. Lastly, I will follow HKU’s “Switch Off” initiative, by keeping lights and my AC usage minimal (even if Hong Kong’s humidity makes it tough).
Getting Involved in HKU’s Green Community
Beyond personal habits, I want to collaborate with HKU’s sustainability efforts during my exchange year. Volunteering with HKU’s Plastic-Free Seas partnership (https://www.plasticfreeseas.org/fish-feed-bags-project/), is a personal goal of mine. Being able to help with beach clean-ups on Lamma Island or Cheung Chau would be extremely rewarding as it will benefit the scenery and wildlife of the city.
A Psychologist’s Perspective
Sustainability isn’t just about policies – it’s about people. As I study decision-making and habit formation, I want to observe how HKU’s green initiatives actually change behaviors. Maybe I’ll even contribute insights through the Sustainability Alliance before I leave.
This exchange represents more than academic growth – it’s a chance to live my values in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. From my morning bike rides to weekend beach cleanups, I plan to show that sustainable living isn’t about perfection, but persistent, mindful choices.
