When I got accepted for an exchange semester, I was more than excited, I mean, not to sound like a scrub but who doesn’t love a paid trip? I immediately opened my google calendar to put down all my classes to see what days I was free so I could squeeze all my American tourism into 5 short months. And of course I worried about my academics but being honest, that thought came a while after.
Second thought was travel and cost whether it be monetary or environmental. This whole thing isn’t exactly low impact. And while I’m not going to cancel the trip and stay home watering my plants, in hopes they can be big enough to provide me oxygen when AI eats up the earth, I also can’t just pretend sustainability doesn’t matter when I leave home.
So using my handy notes app I came up with ways to reduce my carbon foot print, not to be performative but because looking the other way doesn’t make my contribution go away. To do this I had to think practically and that meant an hour in front of my laptop abusing google.
First thing first, addressing the elephant in the departure lounge, my flight emissions. Now while swimming across the Atlantic could be scenic, I unfortunately have horrible stamina and no swimming skills, and as strange as it might sound I have a spiteful promise to outlive some people, so the fish will just have to miss out on my charming personality for now. As a close second I utilised a few websites like, The Greenpick, and Sustainable Travel that gave me helpful tips like getting a direct flight, packing light so the plane doesn’t burn as much fuel, I guess America won’t have the pleasure of seeing the life sized statue of myself I bring everywhere, but the sacrifice is worth it if earth stays around.
I bet you’re saying in your head “But, Maisa, what about when you land?” Don’t interrupt me again but – If TSA lets me into the country- I have a fool proof plan and it includes not having a driving license, a concerning attachment to my water bottle, and a fear of shopping alone.
Most of the impact comes from the everyday stuff—choosing the better option often enough that it becomes a habit. I’m not aiming for zero waste perfection. Just consistency.
And this all ties into the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially:
Responsible Consumption & Production
Climate Action – reducing emissions where I can, offsetting where I can’t
I know there’s more to being sustainable but unfortunately 500 words aren’t enough for me to hold a Bill Nye climate change episode. This is a chance for me to live my values in a new space and be challenged on them. If I can figure out how to navigate a new city, new culture, and still avoid single-use plastic, that’s a win in my book and I’m hoping yours too.
