From London to Tampa Bay: A Sustainable Digital Internship
By Deepak Jaiswal – University of East London
Travel is a gift, but it comes with a carbon price. As an international student who has already crossed continents to study at UEL, I know my upcoming digital internship in Tampa Bay, Florida, will add to my environmental footprint. But I refuse to see opportunity and responsibility as opposites. Instead, I will make my placement a model of sustainable mobility.
Tampa Bay’s fragile environment
Tampa Bay is stunning – mangroves, estuaries, and the Gulf Coast. But it is also vulnerable. According to the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, the region has lost over 40% of its seagrass in recent decades due to pollution and development. Rising sea levels threaten local communities. As a visitor, I will not add to that pressure.
Aligning with UN SDGs
My internship directly supports three SDGs:
SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption) – I will reduce digital waste in my host company, promoting energy-efficient coding and cloud storage.
SDG 13 (Climate Action) – I will calculate my London–Tampa flight emissions using a Gold Standard calculator and purchase verified offsets.
SDG 14 (Life Below Water) – I will join a beach clean-up with Tampa Bay Watch and refuse all single-use plastics.
Specific measures I will take
Travel & transport
Book a direct flight (fewer takeoffs = lower emissions).
In Tampa, use TECO Streetcar, bicycles, and walking. My accommodation is a 15‑minute bike ride from my internship.
Accommodation
Choose an Airbnb with a “Green Stay” badge (recycling, energy-efficient appliances, no daily linen changes).
Keep AC at 24°C (comfortable but efficient) and unplug devices when not in use.
Daily work & life
Request a hybrid schedule to reduce commutes.
Use a reusable water bottle (Tampa tap water is safe).
Eat at local farmers’ markets (Ybor City Saturday Market) and go plant‑based for lunch 4 days a week.
Promoting sustainable travel
I will document my actions on LinkedIn and Instagram with #SustainableInternDeepak. After returning, I will give a short presentation to UEL’s Global Experiences team to inspire other international students.
Useful resources (5 points)
Rome2rio – compares low‑carbon transport
EcoCart – browser extension to offset flights
Too Good To Go – saves surplus food (active in Tampa)
Tampa Bay Bicycle Share – bike rental
Olio – share unused items, reduce waste
I am an international student, a digital intern, and a guest in Tampa Bay. I will act like one – with intention, care, and action.
