I have a confession to make. I love to travel—the thrill of a new city, the taste of unfamiliar spices, the sound of a language I cannot yet speak. But I also love this planet. And lately, these two loves have been giving me a bit of a headache.
Because here is the inconvenient truth: travel, as we know it, is not always kind to the Earth. Aviation accounts for about 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Tourism can strain fragile ecosystems, generate waste, and sometimes leave local communities feeling more like backdrop than host. The very act of crossing borders can leave a carbon footprint that feels impossible to erase.
But I refuse to believe that wanderlust and sustainability are incompatible. So when I embark on my international placement, I plan to travel not as a consumer of places, but as a guest of the planet.
First, I will choose my accommodation wisely—opting for eco-certified stays that minimise water and energy waste, support local food systems, and connect to public transport networks. Second, I will pack light—not just to save my back, but because every kilogram adds fuel to the journey. I will favour trains and buses over short-haul flights, walk whenever possible, and embrace the slower rhythm of mindful travel.
Third—and perhaps most importantly—I will spend like a local. Eat where they eat. Shop where they shop. Because supporting local businesses and consuming locally sourced food does more than enrich my experience; it reduces the carbon miles of my meals and puts money directly into the hands of the community that hosts me. This is SDG 12 in action—responsible consumption and production. And when I choose low-carbon transport, I am contributing to SDG 13, climate action.
I also plan to go one step further: offset what I cannot eliminate. Many airlines now offer carbon offset programmes, and I intend to participate. It is not a perfect solution, but it is a responsible one—a small acknowledgment that my journey has a cost, and I am willing to pay it.
Ultimately, this placement is not just about what I will learn in a classroom. It is about proving that global experiences do not have to come at the planet’s expense. The BUTEX Sustainability Abroad Scholarship exists precisely to support students who want to rethink the way we learn, travel, and connect across cultures. I want to be one of those students—not because I have all the answers, but because I am asking the right questions.
After all, the best souvenirs are not things you bring back. They are the footprints you choose not to leave.
