When I think about sustainable travel, I think about one simple question: if I am fortunate enough to travel across the world, how can I make sure I leave more behind than a carbon footprint?
As a Canadian student preparing to study abroad at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, I recognize that international travel comes with environmental costs. Flying across the Atlantic is not the most sustainable form of transportation. Rather than ignoring that reality, I believe responsible travel means acknowledging those impacts and making intentional choices before, during, and after the journey to reduce them wherever possible.
My approach aligns most closely with UN Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and Goal 13 (Climate Action). Scotland has set ambitious climate targets and has invested heavily in public transportation, active transportation, and environmental conservation. I want to learn from these initiatives while contributing to them during my placement.
One of the biggest measures I plan to take is reducing my reliance on private transportation. St Andrews is known as a highly walkable and bike-friendly town, which makes it possible to complete most daily activities without a vehicle. As a varsity athlete, I am already accustomed to walking, cycling, and staying active as part of my routine, and I intend to continue doing so abroad. For travel within Scotland and the United Kingdom, I plan to prioritize trains and buses whenever possible rather than additional flights.
I also intend to practice responsible consumption while abroad by purchasing second-hand household items, using reusable water bottles and shopping bags, and supporting local businesses instead of relying heavily on fast fashion or disposable products. These small decisions add up over the course of an academic year and reflect the principles of SDG 12.
Beyond my own actions, I hope to encourage sustainable travel among my peers. Through my involvement in student organizations and athletics, I have learned that people are more likely to adopt sustainable habits when they see others doing the same. I plan to document practical, affordable ways students can travel responsibly while abroad and share those experiences with fellow students considering international exchanges.
To help guide these choices, I have already explored resources such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals website, Scotland’s Climate Change Plan, the Traveline Scotland public transportation app, Google Maps’ low-emission route features, and the Love to Ride cycling platform.
For me, sustainability is not about being perfect. It is about being intentional. Studying at St Andrews is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I want to ensure that my experience contributes not only to my own education, but also to a more responsible and environmentally conscious way of exploring the world.
References:
https://sdgs.un.org/goals
https://www.travelinescotland.com
https://www.travelinescotland.com/cms/page/app
https://www.gov.scot/policies/climate-change
https://www.lovetoride.net
https://www.sustrans.org.uk
https://www.google.com/maps
https://www.transport.gov.scot/active-travel
https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/sustainability
