Travel has a huge impact on the environment — think emissions from cars, the endless stream of traffic fumes. As I gear up for my summer school in cardiothoracic surgery, I want to show I get the importance of sustainable travel. Because let’s be honest, saving the planet doesn’t have to mean giving up your daily walk — in fact, I think it’s the best way to save the world, one step at a time.
Every day, I walk almost five miles to university and back. That’s roughly a two-hour trek, which some might call “madness,” but I call it my daily dose of exercise and eco-friendly heroism. Friends often laugh when I tell them I walk instead of drive. They say, “Not everyone can drive, you know.” I smile, flash my blue driver’s licence, and say, “Well, I could drive if I wanted, but I prefer saving the planet.” Their reply? Usually, “Well, health is wealth,” as they rub their stomachs after a takeaway. I remind them that my walking keeps me healthy and helps reduce the horrible fumes from cars. Plus, I’ve found that the smell of fresh air beats petrol fumes any day.
Planning for my summer placement, I’ve done some serious detective work. I’ve mapped out routes from my accommodation to the city centre and the university— all on foot, of course. I’ve chosen safe, practical walking routes so I won’t get lost or tempted by a taxi. It’s like being a tour guide for my own eco-friendly adventure. This way, I’m reducing my carbon footprint and staying energised for lectures. Walking not only helps the environment, but it’s also a good way to process all those medical facts I’ll be learning. Plus, if I get lost, I can always blame it on “research” or my “exploration instincts.”
This all ties into the UN’s SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. I mean, what’s better for health than walking, right? It keeps me fit, and it’s a sneaky way to help the planet breathe a little easier. Every step I take is a tiny victory for climate action. It’s like I’m a superhero — minus the cape, plus a pair of sensible trainers.
To keep up my eco-friendly habits, I plan to use apps like Google Maps’ walking mode and CityMapper. Also, I’ll look into local bike hire schemes—because nothing says “I care about the planet” like cycling past traffic jams while pretending I’m in the Tour de France. I’ll encourage my peers to join me, organising group walks and bike rides, because doing it together makes it more fun — and less weird when you’re talking to yourself while walking.
