I am currently staring at a pile of gear on my bedroom floor in Glasgow—running shoes, lecture notes, and the essentials for a long-haul flight. As a Sport and Exercise Science student, I spend my time analysing human performance and the physiological benefits of movement. Yet, I am acutely aware that the international travel required for my exchange at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) creates a carbon footprint that sits uncomfortably with the environmental stewardship essential to our field. The irony is not lost on me: I am travelling thousands of miles to study, but I must ensure my journey does not detract from the health of the very planet we use as our playing field.
California is currently grappling with severe water scarcity and wildfire risks; these are not headlines there, but daily realities. My commitment to this placement is rooted in the belief that “sustainability” must be an active, daily practice rather than a theoretical concept.
To align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, I am transitioning away from the convenience-based habits of student life (https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal12). Before landing in San Diego, I have curated a “low-impact kit,” replacing single-use items with durable, reusable alternatives to ensure that my presence does not contribute to the localised waste management challenges the region faces.
Furthermore, I am prioritising SDG 13: Climate Action by choosing low-carbon transportation options for my daily commute (https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal13). UCSD’s campus is integrated with public transit, and I have already mapped out my routes using the “Pronto” mobile app, which facilitates easy access to buses and the trolley system, minimising my reliance on ride-sharing. As a student of sport, I also plan to incorporate “plogging”—picking up litter while jogging—into my training routine. This helps me maintain my fitness while actively contributing to a cleaner local environment.
To stay accountable, I rely on specific tools to guide my daily decisions. I use the “Good On You” app (https://goodonyou.eco) to make ethical shopping choices, ensuring my consumer habits support brands with transparent labour and environmental practices. Additionally, I monitor local water usage metrics through the “WaterSmart” platform provided by local utilities, aligning with SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, as I recognise that as a temporary resident, I have a responsibility to respect the natural resource limitations of the Pacific coast (https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6).
Sustainable travel is about intentionality. By integrating these practices, I aim to transform my time in California from a simple period of study into a model of conscientious living. My goal is to return to Glasgow not just with academic credits, but with a refined approach to sustainable advocacy that I can share with my peers, proving that we can explore the world without costing the Earth.
