As a student from China, I believe “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.” If I receive the Butex Scholarship, I plan to bring this principle into practice during my joint training. Guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals—especially SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action)—I will outline how I intend to travel and live as sustainably as possible.
Before booking any flight, I will calculate estimated carbon emissions and purchase offsets through a reputable platform in China. By funding a reforestation project in Sichuan, I ensure my air travel emissions are balanced by newly planted trees. This aligns with SDG 15 (Life on Land) and echoes China’s focus on ecological civilization. On departure day, I will use digital boarding passes and carry a reusable metal water bottle—steps that reduce plastic waste and support SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
Upon arrival, I plan to rely on the metro, buses, or shared vans instead of taxis. Sharing a ride with classmates could cut my personal carbon emissions by at least 50 percent compared to solo travel. I also intend to form a “Green Carpool” group among international students, further lowering our collective footprint while fostering cultural exchange. This approach is consistent with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). In the evenings, I will charge my devices using a portable solar panel, reducing reliance on nonrenewable grids and upholding SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
During my joint training, I will join or launch an “Urban Textile Upcycling” project—an idea inspired by China’s circular economy efforts. Weekly, I plan to collect discarded fabric scraps from local markets. Working with community artisans, I will transform these scraps into reusable tote bags or scarves. This initiative cuts textile waste (addressing SDG 12) and supports local craftspeople with upcycled materials. If campus facilities allow, I will collaborate on an art installation made from recycled textiles to raise awareness of sustainable fashion and demonstrate how “waste” can become “resource.”
To reduce dormitory energy use, I will advocate a “Lights Out When You Leave” campaign: whenever someone vacates a common area, we will switch off lights and fans. Small actions like this can significantly lower electricity consumption, in line with SDG 7. For meals, I will organize a “Meatless Tuesday” potluck with international peers. Each participant will bring a plant-based dish—featuring tofu, grains, and seasonal vegetables—to decrease livestock-related emissions (supporting SDG 13) and promote healthier choices.
By the end of joint training, I hope to show that practical choices—from offsetting flights to upcycling textiles—can make any journey more sustainable. As a young person from China, I aspire to share the spirit of “lucid waters and lush mountains” with everyone I meet. True travel, I believe, means protecting our planet even as we explore it.
