I always like traveling as it gives me the opportunity to see new places and new people, but I have been thinking about its true impact on the planet recently. As a student of Economics and International Relations, I know how much the world is connected by trade and diplomacy, but also understand how much harm it does to the environment when you travel so much. Carbon emissions and strain resources from planes, tourism and even everyday commuting add to the burden, especially in areas already dealing with climate issues. Sustainable travel isn’t something I only think about, it’s a personal responsibility for me. This is why I want to ensure that my forthcoming academic year in the UK at lancaster is as eco-friendly as possible, whilst working towards some of the UN sustainable development goals such as SDG 13 on Climate Action, SDG 12 on Responsible Consumption and SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities.
I have been involved in community clean-up drives at home—Guinea Conakry. Together with the local volunteers, I picked up waste plastic on weekends from beaches and river banks. As I carried those heavy bags of bottles and wrappers, I realised how small daily choices (like using plastic bags or buying packaged snacks) add up to larger environmental issues. This experience motivated me to start using reusable items daily and chat with friends about cutting down on single-use plastic. Surprisingly, it was a simple, eye-opening work and I’m proud of it.
For my trip to the UK and my life at lancaster, i will build on this. Prior to flying, I will use an online carbon calculator to calculate the impact of my flight and offset it by purchasing offsets from a reforestation project. I will take the most direct route possible to minimize fuel usage. In the UK, I will be traveling mainly using public transport: trains (with railcard), buses and walking and cycling around campus. I will not use taxis unless it is absolutely necessary. Then consider minimal packing—I will bring a reusable water bottle, reusable cutlery set and cloth bags so I can reduce the buying of plastic when I arrive.
I want to live these values out everyday at lancaster. I’ll consider student accommodation that is well rated for energy efficiency and buy food from the local markets instead of supermarkets. My field of study has made me particularly interested in international cooperation and global policies as instruments of a greener economy and fair climate solutions. I will also be joining any sustainability clubs on campus, sharing my plastic clean ups stories and encouraging other international students to adopt small green habits.
Sustainable travel seems like the appropriate way to honour my inquisitiveness about the world and the future I want to help create. I’m thrilled to use the knowledge gained from the beach clean-ups and my degree to help make my time at lancaster a positive experience for the planet.
