In September, I will board a plane to Tokyo. That flight will be the most carbon-intensive journey I take all year. As I prepare for my year abroad at Waseda University, I have spent a lot of time thinking about this contradiction. Study abroad programmes promote global citizenship, cultural exchange and international understanding, yet they require international travel. I have decided to treat sustainability as a challenge: if I am going to create a carbon footprint by travelling to Japan, how can I ensure every decision I make afterwards reduces my impact and maximises the value of that journey? As a Politics and International Studies student, I am particularly interested in how societies organise themselves to tackle collective challenges. Sustainability is one of the defining challenges of our generation, which is why I have used the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework for planning my year abroad.
My placement in Tokyo directly connects to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world, yet millions of people rely on trains rather than private cars. While many visitors view Japan’s rail network as a tourist attraction, I see it as a lesson in sustainable urban planning. During my placement, I intend to rely almost entirely on public transport, cycling and walking. I also plan to prioritise rail travel over domestic flights when exploring Japan, allowing me to experience more of the country while reducing emissions. I am also focusing on SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Before even arriving in Japan, I have begun reducing unnecessary purchases and choosing second-hand items wherever possible. Once in Tokyo, I plan to continue this approach by making use of Japan’s extensive second-hand stores. I am particularly interested in the Japanese concept of mottainai, the idea that waste is something to be regretted, aligning closely with my own goal of reducing consumption and avoiding single-use plastics. Finally, SDG 13: Climate Action will guide my everyday choices. I will carry reusable water bottles and coffee cups, monitor my personal carbon footprint using the WWF Footprint Calculator, and use the MyMizu app to locate refill stations across Japan. I also intend to document sustainable practices I encounter in Tokyo and share through social media and student networks. Sustainability should not stop with individual actions; knowledge should travel too.
I want my year abroad to be more than a journey between two countries. I want it to be an opportunity to learn how one of the world’s largest cities approaches sustainability and to bring those lessons home.
