My two week summer school at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan gave me the opportunity to experience a different culture while reflecting on sustainability and the environmental impact of travel. Being so far from home, I naturally found myself comparing everyday habits and attitudes towards the environment, and the experience has influenced how I plan to travel in the future.
One of the highlights of my trip was visiting the East Lake Chuidi Scenic Area. Walking through the lake and forest park, with its manicured Chinese gardens and towering trees, was a welcome contrast to the busy city. I particularly remember seeing a sign encouraging visitors to “protect the ecological environment,” reflecting the importance of preserving these spaces for future generations. Visiting places like this made me appreciate how valuable accessible green spaces are, not only for biodiversity but also for people’s wellbeing, reinforcing the importance of UN Sustainable Development Goal 15, Life on Land.
At the same time, I experienced some unexpected culture shock. Despite seeing a strong emphasis on protecting natural spaces, I noticed that plastic straws and plastic bags were still used frequently in shops and restaurants. In England, these have become much less common due to efforts to reduce single-use plastics, so the contrast stood out to me. It reminded me that sustainability looks different around the world, with every country making progress in different ways. This encouraged me to think more critically about responsible consumption and SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production.
One aspect of sustainable living in Wuhan that I particularly enjoyed was the public transport. It was affordable, efficient and easy to use, making it simple to explore the city without relying on private vehicles. I especially enjoyed using the public bicycles, which were abundant, inexpensive and conveniently located. They allowed me to visit local neighbourhoods I might not otherwise have explored while reducing my environmental impact. Cycling through Wuhan gave me a more personal connection to the city and showed me how accessible sustainable transport can be.
Throughout my placement, I made environmentally conscious choices by walking, using public transport, travelling with friends, avoiding unnecessary food waste and carrying a reusable water bottle whenever possible. Although these are individually small actions, I believe they collectively help reduce waste and emissions, supporting SDG 13, Climate Action.
Looking back, this experience has changed the way I think about sustainable travel. I intend to continue prioritising public transport, carrying reusable items such as a water bottle and shopping bag, and reducing my use of single-use plastics wherever possible. My time in Wuhan showed me that sustainability is shaped not only by government policies but also by the everyday choices individuals make. I hope to carry these lessons into future international experiences and encourage others to travel more responsibly while appreciating different cultures.
