As a visitor in another country, I believe it is not only my responsibility to treat the land, the people and the environment with respect, but also my obligation. Travelling is a privilege that not many people have, as one of the fortunate few who has such an opportunity, I believe that being conscious and proactive with understanding and reducing my negative environmental impact is essential as a traveller. My commitment to sustainable travel is rooted in awareness, as well as in the values of environmental stewardship and cultural humility.
To align with the United Nations Sustainability goals, specifically with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), I have taken conscious steps to ensure my international placement is as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible. I plan to actively reduce waste by utilizing reusable items I already own from my home country, such as water bottles, coffee cups, utensils, shopping bags, and containers. I also plan to limit my wardrobe shopping and utilize clothing I already own, rather than buying from fast fashion sites such as Shein or Temu. By reducing my clothing consumption, I can actively reduce the excessive waste generated by mass-produced or frequently donated clothing, as well as buying more sustainable pieces made of recycled materials.
While navigating this new environment, I will prioritize walking, biking, or using public transportation rather than relying on fuel-intensive options such as taking taxis or Uber. This not only reduces my carbon footprint but also allows me to become more immersed in the culture and community around me by interacting with locals and seeing what the country has to offer. In addition to becoming immersed in the community, I plan to make an effort to eat locally grown food, purchase hand-made goods, and stay at accommodations that follow green practices.
Respecting the environment and the community will also require me to adapt to local environmental customs and conservation efforts. I believe that taking the time to educate myself and joining campus groups focused on sustainability, I can make a meaningful impact by being aware of what works best for this specific community. Although many environmental initiatives are similar worldwide, I think educating myself on local customs will further my understanding and impact during my international exchange.
I find that sustainability in travel isn’t just about my responsibility, but about showing gratitude and respect to the people and the environments that welcome me. Through mindful choices and by taking the time to educate myself, I strive to ensure that my time abroad leaves a positive impact and sets an example for responsible and respectful global citizenship for future exchange students.
