When I chose Valencia for my study abroad placement, I wasn’t just chasing sun-soaked beaches and flamenco beats- I was chasing sustainability. Known for its forward-thinking approach to green spaces, cycling infrastructure, and local food culture, Valencia offers the perfect stage for me to put my eco-values into action and align my journey with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Valencia is a living example of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The city transformed a former riverbed into Jardín del Turia, a lush, 9-km green park that snakes through the heart of the city. I plan to commute exclusively by bike and foot along this path- zero emissions, all beauty. Valencia is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Europe, and with its public Valenbisi bike-share system, there’s no excuse not to ride sustainably.
Before even arriving, I offset my flight’s carbon footprint using atmosfair.de, a verified platform that supports clean energy projects. This ties directly to SDG 13 (Climate Action)- a step I view not as an optional add-on, but a required passport for modern travellers.
Accommodation? I opted for a local homestay instead of high-impact international student housing. Not only does this reduce resource consumption, but it also supports the local economy (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth) and deepens my cultural immersion-plus, my host is known for making the best paella with ingredients from the nearby Mercado Central. I’ve committed to a low-meat, seasonal, and local diet, aligned with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
As part of my sustainability initiative, I’m launching a mini-project called “EcoFiesta”- a series of eco-friendly social events for fellow students. From beach clean-ups on Playa de la Malvarrosa to clothing swap nights and local cooking classes focused on food waste reduction, EcoFiesta aims to blend sustainability with the vibrant Valencian lifestyle. It’s sustainability… with sangría.
I also use eco-conscious tools like:
• Ecosia (tree-planting search engine),
• Too Good To Go (saves unsold food from bakeries and cafés),
• JouleBug (gamifies sustainable actions),
• and RefillMyBottle (finds water refill stations- goodbye plastic!).
To encourage a ripple effect, I’m joining the online community by posting the bilingual Instagram series: “Green Steps Valencia”—showcasing small, daily eco-wins with humour, cultural flair, and honest reflections (because yes, sustainable shampoo bars are tricky at first). I hope this inspires both locals and international peers to rethink what it means to travel responsibly.
I believe sustainability isn’t about sacrificing adventure- it’s about redefining it. By aligning with the UN SDGs and embedding eco-consciousness into my time in Valencia, I hope to return home not just with stories and souvenirs, but as an ambassador for a more mindful, greener way to see the world.
Let’s make sustainable travel the new siesta!
