Tourism was responsible for 8.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2019 (Sun et al., 2024). That number sounds huge, doesn’t it? Huge enough to make you wonder: what difference can one traveller really make?
But tourism’s impact is created by millions of small choices: whether you take a train or a short flight, buy another disposable cup, waste half a meal, or leave the heating on because “the hotel is paying for it”. One decision may seem harmless. Repeated millions of times, it becomes a global problem. Of course, the most sustainable option for me would be to stay home and explore Sheffield on Google Maps. It is surely very eco-friendly, but not exactly the purpose of an international exchange.
For me, sustainable travel means asking a better question: how can you experience another country without acting as if its resources are unlimited?
During my exchange semester, I will choose the most responsible travel routes that are realistic in terms of price, time and safety. Within the UK I plan to use trains, buses and shared transport instead of domestic flights or unnecessary car journeys. In Sheffield I will walk whenever possible or use public transport. These choices support UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: “Sustainable Cities and Communities” and Goal 13: “Climate Action” (United Nations, n.d.).
I am also interested in how local sustainability habits differ from those in Prague. Prague actively promotes reuse points, swap events and repair services (City of Prague, n.d.). According to my research, Sheffield has a similar circular culture, but reusable cups, refill stations and discounts for bringing your own cup appear especially visible in everyday life (Sheffield City Council, n.d.). I would like to learn from both cities rather than assume that one has the perfect system.
Then there is the classic exchange-student problem: buying a kettle, lamp, bedding and half a kitchen for four months, only to throw everything away before leaving. But why buy new? Facebook Marketplace and local student Facebook groups often connect arriving students with people graduating, moving out or leaving for their own exchange. Furniture, kitcheware and other essentials can be passed from one student to another. I will use these networks, charity shops and second-hand platforms, then resell or donate the items before returning home.
Additionally, I will carry a reusable bottle, bag and coffee cup, avoid unnecessary packaging, plan meals and use leftovers.These measures support Goal 12: “Responsible Consumption and Production” (United Nations, n.d.).
At my accommodation I will follow local recycling rules, switch off unused lights and devices, limit heating and use water carefully. Will one shorter shower save the planet? No. But it shows whether I practise the behavior I expect from others.
My placement will not be impact-free. Travel never is. But every choice matters. Thus, before you book, buy or throw something away, pause and think: what kind of future do you want to live in, and does this decision bring us closer to it?
