I quietly observe from the highest point of St Salvator’s Chapel in St Andrews, watching as people come and go—students tucked away in the library, tourists pausing to admire the golf sites, locals moving through their daily rhythms. One student, in particular, has caught my attention. I see her often—always walking, often alone, and always paying close attention to the world around her.
She arrived from far away, crossing continents to study here. I saw her step into this ancient town with luggage in hand, eyes tired from travel yet lit with anticipation. Like many, she came by plane—but unlike most, she did so mindfully: booking direct flights, calculating her carbon footprint, and purchasing offsets(https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/sustainability-carbon-offset). A small gesture, perhaps, but one that showed sustainability for her wasn’t a slogan—it was a choice.
In the weeks that followed, I noticed how she made sustainability a part of her life—not as a strict set of rules, but as internalised values shaped by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
SDG 13: Climate Action became real in her decision to walk instead of taking ride-hailing services, even on days when her legs were tired or the rain blew sideways across the stone pavements. I saw her glance at her phone, hover over the taxi app, then slip it back into her coat pocket, choosing the longer, colder route. A route that was good for the planet, and even better for her.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production guided her habits. She supported local vendors, reused packaging, and brought her own containers to reduce waste. When passing the shops at Waverley Market, she often paused, tempted by fast fashion or convenience, but reminded herself to save for something longer-lasting—something sustainable. I once noticed her browsing on her phone, reading reviews on Good On You (https://goodonyou.eco/) , searching for ethical clothing brands that matched her values.
On another day, I watched her on a bench, the wind tugging at her scarf as she scrolled through Ecosia—a search engine that plants trees with every click (https://www.ecosia.org/) . She read articles on renewable energy in Scotland, took notes, and bookmarked events about sustainability policy (https://netzeronation.scot/scotlands-plan). This, too, was part of her journey: learning not just how to live sustainably, but why it matters.
She brought that learning into the community, reflecting SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. During the university’s sustainability week, she stood at a student-led panel. Her voice was uncertain at first, but steady. She spoke not as an expert, but as someone trying—and encouraging others to do the same.
There were, of course, days she gave in to old comforts: plastic-wrapped snacks she missed from home, or the ease of a single-use bag. But even then, she found ways to make it less wasteful—recycling, reusing, or simply learning for next time. Each imperfect choice became part of a broader, intentional path.
From where I sit, I see no perfection—only persistence. And in that, I see hope.
