Before my exchange, I thought travelling was mostly about arriving somewhere new. I imagined studying at the University of Nottingham, meeting new people, exploring the United Kingdom, and experiencing life outside of Canada. What I did not fully realize at first was that every journey also leaves something behind.
A boarding pass is not just a ticket. It is a footprint.
During my international placement, I tried to make that footprint lighter by taking practical steps to travel more sustainably. Whenever possible, I used public transportation such as buses, trains, and trams instead of taxis or private cars. I also walked often, not only because it reduced emissions, but because it helped me experience cities more slowly and respectfully. Choosing lower-impact transportation became one of the main ways I promoted eco-friendly travel.
I also tried to reduce waste in my daily routine. I carried a reusable water bottle, avoided single-use plastic bags when I could, reused items instead of buying unnecessary new ones, and became more careful about what I consumed. Being abroad can make it tempting to buy things out of convenience, but I tried to ask myself whether I truly needed something. These choices helped me support cleaner spaces and reduce the amount of waste I contributed to during my placement.
Sustainability also shaped how I treated the communities I visited. I tried to support local businesses, respect public spaces, avoid wasteful habits, and remember that the places I visited were not just tourist destinations. They were people’s homes. To me, responsible travel means leaving a place as clean, respected, and appreciated as possible.
These measures align with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By using public transportation and walking, I supported SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. By reducing single-use items and being more mindful of what I bought, I contributed to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. By choosing lower-impact travel options whenever possible, I supported SDG 13: Climate Action.
My exchange was not perfectly sustainable, because international travel itself has an environmental cost. However, I made conscious choices to reduce unnecessary impact and contribute to a cleaner environment. Going forward, I intend to keep travelling this way by planning trips more carefully, choosing trains or public transportation when possible, packing reusable items, supporting local communities, and avoiding wasteful consumption.
My placement taught me that sustainable travel is not one big action. It is a series of small decisions made every day. I came to the United Kingdom to learn from the world, but I also learned that when the world welcomes us, we have a responsibility to protect it.
References:
BUTEX Scholarships: https://butex.ac.uk/scholarships/
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: https://sdgs.un.org/goals
