My name is Adrianna Attebury, a junior at The University of South Carolina. My plan is to study abroad in London, spring of 2027. I am a psychology major and from the small town of Fountain Inn, South Carolina. With increasing environmental concerns in the world, becoming eco-friendly is an important challenge. I have always tried to contribute as little as possible to environmental damage. One of my favorite hobbies during spring and summer is planting a vegetable garden to provide local friends and family with fresh, homegrown produce. Although I do often participate in one of the most damaging activities, driving a car. As much as I love my hometown, it is painstakingly clear that small town America is not very walking or public transport friendly. Where I live, there are few safe sidewalks and bike lanes making cars almost the necessary transportation device. I have visited several metropolitan cities like DC and NYC, one of my favorite parts is always the easy accessible public transportation. There is a certain freedom I associate with not having to rely on a car, not to mention a huge financial plus. Travel in the united states can be limited to long haul road trips or expensive flights. Something I am so excited to have the privilege of experiencing abroad is the traveling I can do via public transport. There are so many countries and cities merely a train ride away, not to mention the safe walking and biking culture in these major cities. One of my absolute favorite ways to get acquainted with a new city is to set out on my own and walk, get truly familiar with the lay of my new area. I find it is the easiest way to get truly immersed in a new culture all while being environmentally conscious. Another aspect of travel I really enjoy is actually local grocery stores. One of my favorite I’ve ever visited was actually a Russian market in Brighton Beach. Making use of these stores would mean less food waste and single use plastic from fast food and takeout. I’ve always been a fan of avoiding plastic waste, most is entirely useless. I am never without my metal water bottle and that goes for travel as well, saving hundreds of plastic water bottle use. In general, I keep the environment in mind when I operate in my daily life. A trend sure to continue abroad. I am ecstatic about using public transportation and exploring countless walkable cities. Another way to contribute I discovered through my research is the website “iNaturalist”, a database about local ecosystems and contribute through uploading. This planet is all we have, it is the human responsibility to see all it has to offer while protecting it fiercely.
