As I prepare for my international placement in Canada, packing isn’t just about clothes — it’s about values. Between folding sweaters and checking visa documents, I find myself asking a bigger question: How can I make this journey not just meaningful for me, but mindful for the planet?
Coming from Scotland, where wind turbines crown our hills and reusable bags jangle on every shopper’s arm, sustainability isn’t a stranger. But international travel presents new challenges — and opportunities. I know the carbon footprint of my flight will be significant, but I also know I can make choices that echo far beyond the departure gate.
In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals — particularly SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — I’ve created a personal sustainability plan for my time in Canada.
First, I’ve committed to offsetting my flight’s emissions through a verified reforestation project. While this doesn’t erase the environmental impact, it’s a step toward accountability. Once in Canada, I plan to live as lightly as I can: using public transportation, shopping locally, and embracing a low-waste lifestyle.
I’ve researched local sustainability initiatives in my placement city — from zero-waste refill shops to urban cycling schemes — and I’m excited to plug into those networks. I’ve also joined several online eco-conscious communities that offer tips on everything from sustainable living in colder climates to ethical volunteering abroad.
One simple yet powerful decision is my promise to avoid single-use plastics. I’ll travel with a reusable water bottle, cutlery set, and tote bags. I’ll also support businesses certified by programs like Green Key or EarthCheck, ensuring my spending reinforces environmental stewardship.
Looking ahead, I’m eager to start a sustainability blog or Instagram series during my time abroad — not for likes, but for learning. By sharing eco-friendly tips, challenges, and discoveries, I hope to inspire other students to think beyond their suitcases and into the future.
Sustainable travel isn’t just about what we bring — it’s about what we leave behind. I want my legacy in Canada to be more than photos and passport stamps. I want it to be a commitment to the Earth, to the people I meet, and to the generations who’ll follow in our footsteps.
Because travel should open minds, not close doors. And the best way to explore a new country? With open eyes, a full heart, and a lighter footprint.
United Nations. (n.d.). The 17 Goals. https://sdgs.un.org/goals
EarthCheck. (n.d.). Sustainable Tourism Certification. https://earthcheck.org
Green Key. (n.d.). Environmental Certification for Tourism Establishments. https://www.greenkey.global
Ecosia. (n.d.). The Search Engine That Plants Trees. https://www.ecosia.org
Giki. (n.d.). Live sustainably, one step at a time. https://giki.earth
