Sustainable travel should be something everyone aims for. If each of us puts in a little more effort, it can snowball into real change. The UN Sustainable Development Goals help guide us by offering a universal framework for this kind of progress. I’ve already started taking steps to make my international travels more eco friendly.
When booking flights, I specifically looked for one with lower carbon emissions. I also packed lighter to reduce overall weight and fuel use. Every item I bring is intentional. I’m travelling with eco friendly products like a bamboo toothbrush & reusable metal straws. The clothes I’ve packed come from ethical brands like WAWWA and Brothers We Stand. Even my bank card from Wise is the more sustainable version, made from eco friendly materials.
I’ve gone completely paperless too, using digital tickets, guides, and maps. While in South Korea for my summer school exchange, I’ll be learning Korean and taking part in cultural activities to better understand and respect the local customs & traditions. I’ll be staying in a dorm with a shared kitchen and bathroom to help lower energy and water use compared to staying alone or in hotels. All my transport there will be public like subways, buses, and trains so I won’t be relying on taxis or renting cars.
Food wise, the university provides dinners, but any meals outside of that will be local. Supporting local restaurants helps reduce the carbon footprint of imported goods and supports the economy. I will also aim to eat more plant based options, which cuts down on emissions tied to animal agriculture. Overall, my trip to South Korea contribute to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
After Korea, I’ll be heading to Japan, again using only public transport. I’ll also be staying, when possible, in eco-certified accommodations like the Yasuesou Bio Hotel in Nagano, the first in Asia to be officially BIO HOTEL certified, or Treeful Treehouse Sustainable Resort, which uses carbon-negative wooden huts and renewable energy. Choosing green certified places ensures that these businesses will be able to wrong for longer and contribute more to the environment.
These might seem like small actions, but they add up. I also want to share what I learn along the way whether it’s tips on packing light, places to stay, or public transport hacks, so that others can see that sustainable travel is not only doable but can make the whole experience more rewarding. I want my travel to be more than just seeing new places, I want it to be about leaving a lighter footprint wherever I go too.
