Studying abroad at Lancaster University represents a unique opportunity to broaden my horizons but I am very well aware of the environmental cost of the mobility I am to undergo.
Indeed when using planes, cars or trains CO₂ and pollution are emitted into the atmosphere which creates and reinforces the greenhouse effect . The temperature of the earth eventually rises and makes it hard for certain species to survive. Pollution can also create respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. To address this issue the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals, which according to their website are ‘17 goals to transform our world’. Among them, several focus on reducing the environmental impact of transport and promoting more sustainable ways of travelling. As the United Nations explains, ‘ Sustainable transport is a lifeline – for achieving sustainable development and for making progress on climate action.’,highlighting the essential role that responsible travel plays in protecting our planet.
As I want to protect our environment, I intend to choose more sustainable options whenever possible, such as travelling by train, using public transport, walking or cycling, and supporting local businesses. Moreover, during my mobility, I also plan to use apps such as Too Good To Go to help reduce food waste and HappyCow to find vegan or vegetarian restaurants.
Studying abroad also implies buying textbooks. Instead of buying new books each year, it is possible to buy second-hand books on Vinted for example . They are cheaper, eco-friendly and can easily be resold.
Since I will study in Great Britain next year, the weather there will probably be colder compared to my home country; I will thus buy warm clothes on Vinted to resist the cold while still respecting the environment . Alternatively, I have the possibility to sew my own clothes. Whenever possible I repair or alter clothes instead of replacing them. Sewing allows me to extend the life of garments and reduce textile waste, which is one of the major environmental challenges today. It also encourages more responsible consumption and helps reduce unnecessary purchases.
In my daily life, I also try to reduce waste by using reusable bags and water bottles, recycling whenever possible and avoiding unnecessary packaging. I notably use the Refill Return app which is particularly useful for refilling a water bottle or getting groceries in a returnable container. I plan to use it as much as possible during my mobility too.
My mobility at Lancaster University will be an opportunity not only to develop academically, but also to strengthen these sustainable habits. By making conscious choices throughout my stay, I hope to contribute, even in a modest way, to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. I believe that studying abroad should not only broaden our knowledge of the world but also encourage us to protect it for future generations.
https://www.un.org/en/desa-en/remarks-high-level-meeting-president-general-assembly-sustainable-transport
