It would be easy to exasserbate the measures I will take to travel just to achieve the Butex scholarship. Immediatly, modes of transport like cycling or public transport come to mind. However, realistically no one is perfect, and nor am I. Despite my attempts to keep my second year housing relatively eco-friendly whilst on a student-friendly budget, reclycling or enviromentally friendly food usally loose out on priority for convience and price. Our seperate bins have merged into a unified landfill site, fiilled with cheap takeaways and single use plastics. I think we are all guilty of slacking for ease rather than protecting the future of OUR planet. With this said, there are simple changes we can implement to make a large long-term benefit.
Instead of booking indirect to my destination in upstate New York, I have found a direct link that although makes commution to my final destination longer, saves precious jet fuel. This easy change, although marginally inconvinent, will drastically decrease my annual co2 footprint. Moreover, I have chosen accomadation in walking distance from my main campus reducing the need for driving and unnessary fumes. I have already purchased a reusable water bottle, fit with a handy reminder on when to hydrate myself, tuppleware to reduce food waste as well as a simple shower timer; which has been quite the reality check on how much hot water I utilise on a day to day basis.
At my host university I have got ridden of my pens and paper, instead utilising my laptop for my school work ecosystem. Not only has this reduced my paper waste but has also come at great service as my University notes can all be found in one neat folder.
A large concern for me travelling to America is food. We are all aware of the sterotypes online of American food being full of unnatural chemicals and sugars which aren’t just bad for us but the enviroment too; to which I feel isn’t discussed enough. Saying this, I have found several local butchers, fishmongers and local produce- supporting resturants close to my campus which should help support small local busuinesses whilst also benefiting the wildlife. Goal 12 of the UN’s Sustainability Development Goals (Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns) references that 19% of food is wasted at the consumer level. Admittedly, my current University house looks to be single handedly boosting this stat, so therefore, upon discussion with my housemates who too are going to study abroad, we have made a commitment to share food that won’t be eaten and to continue this trend abroad; which may come at the healthy benefit of helping make some friends upon my arrival.
Overall, whilst we all either conciouslly, or sub-consiouslly neglect our planet and enviroment for selfish reasons, -of which id stress are not always our fault- there is much that can be easily done to reduce our emmisions and waste. I hope my own admittance can encourage and inspire others to join me upon this.
