For me, travelling has never been merely a matter of moving from one place to another. It has always been an opportunity to rethink my own habits and my responsibility towards the world. My semester at UC Berkeley was precisely such an experience – a moment when sustainable development ceased to be a theory and became a daily practice, which I have continued to follow since returning home.
Whilst studying, I took part in the Startup Entrepreneurship course, where I became one of the co-founders and team leaders working on a climate start-up. We developed the idea of special filters to reduce CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere. Rather than leaving the project at the concept stage, we immediately presented it to investors, received feedback and gained an understanding of the real challenges facing environmental innovation. This experience is directly linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals – SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 9 (Innovation and Infrastructure) – and demonstrated that young people can contribute to global change through technology and entrepreneurship.
Sustainable development became part of my everyday life at Berkeley. I made a conscious choice to adopt eco-friendly transport: I rented a bike and used it almost every day, and I also walked a lot. This was not only convenient but also aligned with the values I wanted to put into practice. The culture of sustainable transport in Berkeley inspired me, and I saw how individual choices can reduce one’s carbon footprint. This is directly linked to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
Another important aspect was the waste sorting system. I sorted my rubbish every time, used the compost bins and the Zero Waste stations on campus. I was struck by the efficiency and simplicity of this system – it made me reflect on just how much depends on our daily habits. Sustainable development isn’t just about large-scale projects, but also the small actions we repeat every day. This ties in with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
One of the most rewarding moments of my time in the US was a mini-workshop I ran for 5-10 friends. I shared practical tips on reducing waste, sorting rubbish and adopting eco-friendly habits. It was a relaxed gathering, but it showed that change begins with dialogue and leading by example. Promoting an eco-conscious culture is also a contribution to sustainable development.
Since returning to the UK, I have continued to stick to my principles: sorting waste carefully, telling others about eco-friendly practices, spreading information about emissions, and inspiring friends and fellow students to change their habits. I am convinced that sustainable development begins with leading by example – and that is precisely why I try to integrate these values into my daily life.
My experience at Berkeley taught me that sustainability is not a trend, but a long-term commitment. Through innovation, day-to-day decisions and working with people, I strive to contribute to a cleaner future and ensure that every one of my international trips is as eco-friendly as possible.
