We live in an exciting era where travel is the most accessible it has ever been. Within a few minutes, I can open up Skyscanner and book a flight to Paris for a day trip at the last minute. The next day, my friend would send me a TikTok recommending the top ten things to do and eat in Amsterdam. “It’s just a one hour flight, let’s book some tickets for the weekend!” As someone who has grown up in the era of social media, I have witnessed how easily accessible it is to see the beauty of different locations, even more so if you are feeling burnt out from your daily routine. Therefore travel can be a beautiful thing; a healing supplement that brings people together. However, what a lot of people, including myself, tend to overlook is its substantial impact on the environment.
This summer, I will be studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea. Although travelling internationally produces carbon emissions, I am a firm believer that sustainability does not mean perfection, rather its about being conscious and making sensible choices where possible. There are a few ways where I have planned to reduce the negative impact on the environment during my stay.
I’m keen on solely using public transport to travel within the city, rather than constantly ordering taxis. Seoul has a reliable and extensive public transport system of subways, buses and trains. Signs that are displayed in the stations are translated into English and multiple other languages making it accessible for everyone. Rather than causing tiny harsh impacts on the environment due to my own laziness, I would rather exploit the accessible transport systems available for our use. This supports the UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and communities, which emphasises the importance of eco-friendly transportation.
One of the negative aspects of growing up in a social media era is witnessing the promotion of over-consumption, whether it’s through shopping recommendations or trends. Furthermore, the city that I will be studying in has an honourable fashion and shopping scene which is the purpose for many people’s visits. My goal for this trip is to reduce unnecessary consumption by any means possible. With the minimal shopping that I intend on doing, I will try to purchase reusable items and items that I really need. This idea aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Sustainability is concluded by making multiple small decisions over time. My time abroad represents a rare opportunity to enjoy myself, grow, challenge myself and act responsibly. I hope that I can return with a better understanding of how I can enjoy myself whilst also being wary and conscious of my decisions.
References:
United Nations (2022). Sustainable consumption and production | Department of Economic and Social Affairs. [online] sdgs.un.org. Available at: https://sdgs.un.org/topics/sustainable-consumption-and-production [Accessed 14 June 2026].
United Nations (2023). Sustainable transport | Department of Economic and Social Affairs. [online] Sdgs.un.org. Available at: https://sdgs.un.org/topics/sustainable-transport [Accessed 14 June 2026].
