To me, travel is more than moving across borders—it’s a chance to grow, to connect, and to contribute. But I also know that every journey comes with an environmental cost. That’s why I’ve made it my personal mission to ensure my study abroad experience at the University of Leeds is not only enriching but also as sustainable as possible.
Coming from Japan, where sustainability is woven into everyday life, I’ve grown up with the value of Mottainai—a cultural mindset that discourages waste and encourages appreciation for what we have. It’s this idea that inspires my approach to eco-friendly travel: to be intentional, to avoid excess, and to make the most of every resource.
Inspired by this, I’ve approached my upcoming move with the same mindset. I’ve offset my flight’s carbon emissions through MyClimate, supporting clean energy projects in Asia. I’ve packed light and with intention: solid shampoo bars from a refill shop, secondhand sweaters from Mercari (a secondhand thrifting app in Japan), my trusty stainless bottle, and a furoshiki cloth that’s been passed down in my family. Each item in my bag has a purpose and a story.
In the UK, I plan to build a lifestyle that reflects UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. I’ll walk or bike whenever possible, use Trainline and Rome2Rio for low-emission travel, and avoid short-haul flights. My everyday choices will also contribute to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, as I support local, low-impact businesses.
But I also believe sustainability should be shared–not in a preachy way, but in a way that’s inviting and inspiring. That’s why I’m creating a YouTube vlog series called Mottainai Abroad. Through it, I’ll tell honest, creative stories about what sustainable
student life really looks like: from thrift hauls in Leeds and zero-waste cooking experiments, to navigating the challenges of living more consciously in a new culture. I want to show that eco-living isn’t being perfect–it’s about being curious, creative, and caring.
My goal is to spark conversations. If one person starts bringing a reusable bag, or feels empowered to thrift their winter coat instead of buying fast fashion—that’s a win. And if I can help bridge ideas between Japan and the UK, highlighting how different cultures approach sustainability, then I know I’ve made my time abroad meaningful.
In the end, I see this not just as a study abroad experience, but a contribution to the environment, to the community, and to grow a global movement of young people who want to explore the world without harming it.
