To me sustainability has always been a bit of a strange concept, I thought it was normal not to litter, use things until they can’t be used anymore then find a new use for them or just keeping in mind the people around me and wanting the best for everyone. It’s not something I think about too much, I would say I live sustainably, raised by a mother with a love for the natural world and now a design student learning how to shape the future building a better world for both the environment and people. That makes this writing quite difficult, to me it sounds like I’ve been asked ‘how will you travel in a way to promote organ use and breathing?’.
It’s important to note the country I’m going to also, Singapore has lots of limitations on certain behaviours, banning gum because of its impact on habitats and giving out hefty fines for littering or banning vapes for the public good (of which I do none so not much of a personal change). With these limitations also come bans on protesting and some more conservative views especially when it comes to foreigners, which although I don’t agree with I will be respectful of the local ideology’s but after living in on earth recent years I doubt there will be too much of a culture shock.
I’m going away for nearly 5 months so for me this is less of a trip and more of a temporary move, I don’t feel the need to make any drastic changes to my lifestyle just applying what I already practice. Shampoo bars, refillable deodorant even down to period cups I already use many sustainable alternatives within my routines along with research into any new purchases, utilising public transport and just being mindful of the fact I’m not the only person in the world and every single small choice I makes feeds into other people’s experiences.
For those months I’ll be staying with a local family renting out a spear room, luckily for me it’s right next to a multiple nature parks and reservoirs, and the zoo. I will immerse myself into this new environment, exploring it all with hikes, walks I’ve even looked at kayaking; documenting it on camera to capture the experience as much as possible and keep the experience with me forever reminding me what I’m working to maintain.
I’m also planning to stay in the country for the entirety of my stay, there’s enough to explore within Singapore without the need to catch a fight to China or Indonesia. Getting the chance to visit the other side of the world I would be remiss to then end up only going to marks and spencer and Superdry while there. I’ve always been against people traveling then keeping to familiar brands, I will be avoiding those opting for more local places knowing my money will go to Singaporeans and that I won’t be able to get the same experiences back home.
