I am a student who is studying abroad in Hong Kong this upcoming academic year and I am passionate about sustainability and eco-friendly travel. Travelling abroad indeed has an environmental impact, and as global mobility continues to increase, it is essential that we all take responsibility for reducing our environmental footprint. In order to contribute to a cleaner environment, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, I plan to make use of public transport such as when getting to my accommodation from the airport, as well as walking to and from destinations over the year. On top of this, travelling lightly can also help contribute to a cleaner environment, as a lighter aircraft requires less fuel, following goal 13. If individuals take all of these measures, particularly if they will be in such walkable cities such as Hong Kong, we can fulfil these goals and revive our planet.
Whilst I am on my study abroad year, I will take further measures to ensure a cleaner environment by reducing waste, for example by carrying a reusable water bottle rather than constantly buying plastic bottles to rehydrate in the hot weather conditions. In addition, I plan to limit my use of the air conditioning in my room, aligning with goal 7 and goal 12, that is sustainable consumption of energy. I would also like to purchase fresh foods from local markets rather than convenience or grocery stores, as I not only would be supporting the families and elderly that run these businesses on top of developing my ability to communicate with those that speak my family language, but also strengthening the local economy, aligning with goal 8, that being economic growth.
Hong Kong also has a large variety of wildlife and a main part of my passion is protecting biodiversity. The UN lists these in goals 14 and 15, and I will ensure that I do not disturb the wildlife there by participating only in ethical tourism activities that prioritise animal welfare and environmental conservation, as I have on previous travels such as ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. I will avoid purchasing items that have been made from animals, especially endangered ones, as well as making purchases that are made from environmentally harmful materials, which also contributes to anti-consumerism.
I am greatly looking forward to my year abroad and I know that by taking steps to be sustainable while I am away from home will make me feel even more proud of my achievement.
