Travel is often romanticised as a gateway to culture, but rarely do we pause to ask—at what cost? The environmental impact of international mobility is undeniable, and as a student passionate about meaningful change, I saw my KEDGE Business School summer placement in Paris as an opportunity to make sustainability more than theory—it became my personal mission.
My first step was choosing the Eurostar over flying. According to the European Environment Agency, train travel emits up to 90% less CO₂ than air travel. This single decision aligned with UN SDG 13: Climate Action, proving that sustainable choices can start before you even arrive at your destination.
Once in Paris, sustainability guided my daily life. I opted for public transport and walking instead of taxis, and carried a reusable bottle to reduce plastic waste—supporting SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. I also used the Too Good To Go app, rescuing unsold food from local cafés and bakeries, which not only reduced waste but introduced me to authentic Parisian flavours in a responsible way.
Academically, my modules in Digital Marketing for Entrepreneurs and Sustainable Marketing deepened my understanding of how businesses can reduce their environmental footprint. In one project, we redesigned a major fashion retailer’s strategy around circular economy principles, promoting recycling and ethical sourcing. This linked directly to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 12, showing that sustainability isn’t an obstacle—it’s an innovation driver.
But actions speak louder than lectures. Beyond theory, I adopted a mindset of “practice what you preach”. From choosing reusable tote bags at Parisian markets to supporting eco-conscious local brands, every decision was intentional. I even shared my journey on social media to encourage peers to make greener travel choices—because awareness multiplies impact.
What I’ve learned is that sustainability in travel isn’t about perfection; it’s about purposeful choices that add up. A train ticket, a refillable bottle, a rescued croissant—each one may seem small, but together they create a ripple effect.
The BUTEX Scholarship would help me amplify this message and implement future initiatives like creating student sustainability guides for study-abroad programs, encouraging carbon-conscious travel and waste reduction tips. Because if studying abroad teaches us to embrace new cultures, it should also teach us to respect the planet that makes it possible.
When I think of Paris now, I don’t just see the Eiffel Tower—I see a city where my choices reflected my values. And that, to me, is the essence of responsible travel.
