North – My Direction: Intention
I am not just flying to a new country. I am choosing a new way of being in the world. Hong Kong is where I’ll study, learn, and grow , but it’s also where I’ve committed to doing better by the planet. The carbon cost of flying isn’t lost on me: 0.72 tonnes for a direct flight, calculated and offset with MyClimate. It’s not enough, but it’s a beginning.
My direction is guided by UN SDG 13: Climate Action. Sustainability isn’t just a checklist — it’s a compass. One I’ll carry every day, in every choice.
East – My Actions: Everyday Commitments
The moment I land, I want my decisions to reflect my values. That means:
• Using Hong Kong’s efficient MTR, trams, and ferries, not taxis
• Bringing a reusable water bottle, tote bag, and bamboo cutlery
• Using Too Good To Go to reduce food waste
• Shopping second-hand on Vinted and ThredUp, not falling for fast fashion
• Eating mostly vegetarian, thanks to HappyCow, while exploring local cuisine
I’m guided here by SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption) because we build resilient communities by reducing waste, sharing resources, and supporting locals.
South – My Struggles: Honest Challenge
The compass doesn’t always point straight. I know I’ll be tempted: late-night Ubers, plastic-packed street snacks, fast fashion sales in neon-lit malls. I’ll get it wrong sometimes.
But I’ve accepted that sustainability is not perfection, it’s awareness. It’s pausing before I consume. It’s choosing long-term impact over short-term convenience.
I’ve struggled with climate anxiety for years. At times, it feels like nothing I do matters. But I also know that hopelessness is a luxury the planet can’t afford.
West – My Reflection: Where This Leads
I want to return from Hong Kong with more than academic knowledge. I want new habits, new understanding, and a new sense of global responsibility. I want to be the kind of person who inspires others, not by being perfect, but by being intentional.
My compass may wobble, but I trust its direction. Sustainability is my North. The rest is just learning how to follow it , day by day, choice by choice.
Reference list:
1. HappyCow (n.d.) Find vegan & vegetarian restaurants near you. Available at: https://www.happycow.net (Accessed: 22 May 2025).
2. MyClimate (n.d.) Calculate and offset your CO₂ emissions. Available at: https://co2.myclimate.org/en/ (Accessed: 22 May 2025).
3. ThredUp (n.d.) Secondhand clothes & fashion resale. Available at: https://www.thredup.com (Accessed: 22 May 2025).
4. Too Good To Go (n.d.) Save surplus food from local restaurants. Available at: https://toogoodtogo.com/en-gb (Accessed: 22 May 2025).
5. United Nations (n.d.) Sustainable Development Goals. Available at: https://sdgs.un.org/goals (Accessed: 22 May 2025).
