It is not lost on me the responsibility I carry when travelling. So, as I stand here today, about to embark on my trip to Madrid for four months, I want to demonstrate the intentional decisions I have made making conscious choices that ensure the experiences I gain today do not come at the expense of future generations. For me, sustainable travel is not about limiting exploration; it is about making conscious choices that protect the environment, support local communities, and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Firstly, in align with SDG 1, sustainable cities and communities, it is imperative I make use of the efficient public transport system. Therefore, one of the most significant ways I plan on limiting my environmental footprint is by ensuring I utilise public transport for my travel to and from my studies instead of private taxis. Also, an opportunity to chat to locals and practise my Spanish, no? As well as that, when safe to do so, I will choose to walk wherever possible. This not only reduces my carbon footprint but also allows me to discover places that I would otherwise bypass.
Further to this, in line with SDG 12, responsible consumption and production, I feel it is important to make conscious decisions the way I consume during my stay. For a start, I intend on always carrying a resusable water bottle and a shopping bag to ensure I am reducing my consumption of single-use plastic waste. Additionally, when shopping for groceries, I want to visit local markets such as Mercado de Maravillas and neighbourhood fruit and vegetable shops, where I can buy fresh, seasonal produce with minimal packaging also reducing single-use plastic. I believe supporting local businesses strengthens the local economy while reducing the environmental impact associated with imported goods and excessive packaging, explicitly reflecting the principles of SDG 12.
Finally, learning Spanish as part of my internship enables me to contribute to quality education (SDG 4) and thus instilling me with the tools and knowledge to engage more meaningfully with local people and integrate into the community with greater respect and appreciation for a culture different to the one I am born into. Whilst, this may seem overt in contributing to a sustainable travel, I passionately believe this will help me build stronger relationships with the local people and integrate more seamlessly into the community I want to learn from.
It is true, there is a lot that I can gain from this experience, but what I also believe is true is that I can provide and boost for this community too… in a way that is sustainable and respectful to the environment of course. These small choices together reflect my commitment to travelling responsibly. My placement in Madrid is not only an opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and improve my Spanish; it is also an opportunity to demonstrate that international mobility can be environmentally conscious and socially responsible.
