Growing up within Kenya’s Mijikenda tribe, my relationship with the environment has always been profoundly spiritual and mutualistic. Our teachings emphasize that we are custodians, intimately connected to the land and responsible for its care. These cultural values have influenced my understanding of sustainability, inspiring me to approach my international placement at the London School of Economics (LSE) with intentionality and ecological consciousness.
Reflecting on my initial journey to Canada for my studies in Economics at UBC Okanagan, I realize I was beginning to grasp the environmental impact of my choices. While I took measures like choosing direct flights to minimize carbon emissions, I now recognize how much more I can do. My upcoming transition to LSE in September represents an opportunity to significantly enhance my eco-friendly practices, aligning them closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly responsible consumption, sustainable cities, and climate action.
To improve my environmental impact, I intend to choose verified carbon offset programs when booking flights, directly addressing unavoidable travel emissions. Once settled in London, I plan to fully embrace public transportation, biking, and walking. This will not only lower my carbon footprint but also promote deeper engagement with local communities, fostering cultural exchange while aligning with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Learning from past experiences, I will commit to sourcing and preparing local, seasonal ingredients for my meals, an effort that beautifully combines my enthusiasm for cooking with sustainability. By frequenting farmers’ markets, I can reduce packaging waste, lower my carbon footprint, and actively support local agriculture, thus contributing positively to the economy.
Community engagement will also be central to my sustainable living approach at LSE. Drawing from my previous role as secretary of the UBCO Sustainability Course Union, where I helped organize our annual “Clothing Swap and Mend” event, I am keen to introduce or actively contribute to similar initiatives at LSE. If a comparable event already exists, I look forward to lending my experience in event planning and logistical management to further its success. Additionally, I will join and actively participate in the LSE Sustainable Futures Society, a community where my skills and passion for sustainability can be shared, expanded, and effectively channeled into collective action.
My experience as a student leader in UBCO’s Black Student Success Program, where I successfully planned culturally significant events and cultivated inclusive spaces for dialogue, has strengthened my belief in the transformative potential of community-driven initiatives. At LSE, I am committed to carrying forward this legacy by supporting sustainability projects that are inclusive, culturally respectful, and impactful. Through active collaboration, I aim to foster mutual understanding and collective responsibility toward environmental stewardship.
Ultimately, responsible travel for me embodies a continuous process of thoughtful choices and meaningful actions. By combining the cultural wisdom of my Mijikenda heritage, my academic background in economics, and personal passions, I am determined to ensure my time abroad leaves a lasting positive impact, honoring the environment, enriching communities, and reflecting my commitment to sustainable global citizenship.
