As a placement student in Okinawa, Japan contributing to marine science research in the Marine Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology (MISE) Lab, with the shared goal of healthier oceans and planet – I would like to think I know a thing or two about sustainability.
Sustainability isn’t just something I research; it’s something I attempt to incorporate into my everyday life through making choices that may not always be the easiest, but are kinder to the planet. To align with UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action, I choose to walk, use public transport where possible and carpool to field sites. These everyday decisions help reduce my transport emissions while allowing me to experience Okinawa’s details up close.
One of the biggest differences I have noticed compared to the UK is the amount of plastic packaging used in everyday shopping here. Although littering is rare here, single-use plastic is extremely difficult to avoid and it feels as though the island is sinking under the weight of plastic waste behind closed doors. While I can’t eliminate it completely, I make conscious efforts to reduce my consumption by carrying reusable bottles and bags. Shopping at local markets has become one of my favourite ways to buy fresh produce with less packaging while supporting local businesses, and cooking from bulk ingredients has helped reduce waste even further. In the last year, I have also adopted a vegetarian lifestyle, reducing my personal environmental impact, as livestock production is responsible for a significant proportion of global greenhouse gas emissions. Together, these habits reflect SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
My placement at the MISE Lab allows me to contribute to sustainability through my research. By studying marine biodiversity and ecosystem health, I am helping generate knowledge that supports the conservation and sustainable management of marine ecosystems while developing skills I hope to carry into a career in ecology. During fieldwork, ethical sampling practices are always followed, with only the minimum number of specimens collected and every effort made to minimise disturbance to the habitats we study. These practices contribute directly to SDG 14: Life Below Water, demonstrating that effective conservation starts with responsible science.
Living in Okinawa has also strengthened my appreciation for the importance of protecting local environments. Experiencing a powerful typhoon on just my second day on the island brought the realities of climate change into sharp focus. Watching extreme weather unfold from behind a window rather than through a screen was an overwhelming reminder that climate change is not a distant issue but one already affecting communities and ecosystems globally. It reinforced the importance of protecting both marine and terrestrial environments, reflecting the principles of SDG 15: Life on Land alongside my work to support healthy oceans.
To me, sustainable travel isn’t about being perfect but about making conscious choices wherever possible. By combining responsible travel, sustainable habits and research that supports marine conservation, I hope my placement leaves a beneficial influence on both the Okinawa’s local community and the environment.
