The Party to this Agreement,
Emphasizing that climate change is a global emergency,
Recognizing that travel can be harmful to the environment, and it is my responsibility to offset my own footprint,
And acknowledging that whether in Glasgow or Paris, I am home all the same; for as long as I am on this Earth, I am accountable for protecting it,
Has agreed as follows:
Article One
1. Paris, the fashion capital of the world, tempts the expansion of my wardrobe – however, every article of clothing bought has an environmental footprint. Fast fashion is a significant contributor to the climate crisis, responsible for up to 10% of global carbon emissions. In Paris, I will only shop second-hand at charity or vintage shops – every piece I buy will be a personal contribution to making fashion more circular, promoting SDG 12.
2. Not only clothing, but home goods can be bought used, too. With a new living space to furnish and decorate, I will choose second-hand for every picture frame, lamp, and storage container to avoid the destructive extraction and production of raw materials that go into making new items. When my time in Paris is over, these pre-loved items can be passed on to the next student looking to furnish their space sustainably.
Article Two
1. Paris continues to combat pollution with efforts to encourage walking and cycling, like expanding the city’s cyclable network and redeveloping the Seine riverbanks for pedestrians and users of non-motorized transport. Whether going to class or running errands, I will walk however far my two legs will carry me. For slightly longer treks, I will utilize the bike-share service Vélib’ to cycle my way around Paris – an option that is 40x more efficient than buses and promotes SDG 11.
2. If my adventures take me far from Paris, I will go by train – the most eco-friendly option for public transport, with the lowest emissions per passenger.
Article Three
1. While Paris is a very globalized city, choosing locally-owned businesses over chain stores and big name brands protects the environment and supports the community. Small businesses are more likely to package with reusable materials rather than single-use plastic, produce less waste, and source locally, meaning it takes fewer emissions to get your product to you. Plus, supporting these businesses cycles more money through the local economy and creates a more prosperous and connected community, promoting SDG 8.
2. Consuming less in general is better for the environment. By meal-planning and repurposing leftovers, I can shop smart and make better use of the food I buy to help reduce the 10 million tons of food waste produced in France each year.
This is my Paris Agreement: a commitment to sustainability. While my studies prepare me to someday be a part of a larger solution to the climate crisis, for now, I will do my small yet important part every day in upholding the UN SDGs and protecting our planet.
https://unfccc.int/files/essential_background/convention/application/pdf/english_paris_agreement.pdf
https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/population_and_sustainability/sustainability/live_more_sustainably.html#shopping
https://parisjetaime.com/eng/convention/article/paris-sustainable-city-a1195
https://www.kootubike.com/blogs/news/how-cycling-beats-driving-public-transport-for-the-planet-data-backed?srsltid=AfmBOopyER118HqOj9UG8APVw6mAdQ1-v1RyRhuFmf2J_3s0ngOZ5ty-
https://onu-rome.delegfrance.org/Food-loss-and-waste#France-s-commitment-to-the-fight-against-food-loss-and-waste
