Traveling is like writing a book. Each new place visited in a new chapter is filled with its own unique inside jokes, quotes, traditions, and memories. Whether it’s a simple day trip or an extended stay in a different country, travel has broadened my perspective beyond my own. It allows me to witness other people’s way of life and incorporate what I’ve learned into my life. While I relish the joy of travel, I also recognize its impact on our world and the responsibility we have to care for it. As tourism-dependent countries grow, so do the adverse effects on the environment. Overtourism, pollution, and carbon emissions pose significant challenges to the world’s ecosystem. Although the immediate impacts may not be apparent, they often manifest later. As we journey to these breathtaking destinations, it’s crucial to be mindful of our environmental surroundings. If we want future generations to continue to enjoy these magnificent places, we must make deliberate choices now. During my semester abroad at Kingston University, UK, I intend to prioritize sustainability in my daily activities. Since my accommodations are conveniently located near campus, I plan to walk instead of relying on private transportation. On days when transportation is necessary, I will utilize our university’s electric buses to commute to class. When exploring, I will make every effort to walk or cycle, reserving the tube or bus for longer distances. Walking not only reduces the reliance on private transportation but also allows me to discover my home base beyond the tourist paths. Sustainability extends beyond transportation. I’ve invested in a reusable water bottle to carry to class and on my adventures. With this, I will have a multi-use item instead of a single-use plastic bottle. This way, I can minimize plastic waste. I also plan to use reusable kitchenware, allowing me to wash my dishes and utensils without contributing to the plastic waste of single-use items. My approach to travel aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Goal 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, encourages the use of sustainable transportation and responsible urban living. By choosing to walk, cycle, and use public transportation, I can reduce my use of private vehicles and help lower carbon emissions. My reusable water bottle and kitchenware also support Goal 12, Responsible Consumption and Production, by reducing single-use plastic waste. Together, these choices contribute to Goal 13, Climate Action, that even small actions can have a positive impact on protecting our environment. Travel has taught me that every place in the world deserves preservation. As I embark on my study abroad journey, I’m eager to learn from diverse perspectives and cultures. During my time abroad, I hope to contribute to a cleaner environment through the everyday choices I make, from reducing waste to supporting sustainable transportation and respecting the communities I visit. For this next chapter, I aim to capture the beauty of my home base while being mindful of the environment, ensuring that future generations can enjoy it as well.
