Since January, I have been living and studying in Madrid, which has been the most amazing experience and taught me so much. Th city itself has given me so much happiness and I can’t imagine going back to the UK. I have fallen in love with the people and the lifestyle of Madrid yet one of the things that I wasn’t expecting was how easy it would be to live a sustainable lifestyle.
Whilst beginning my undergraduate degree at Nottingham Trent I have had many modules and assignments regarding the importance of sustainability which led me to complete their sustainability award, through this I learnt so much and it completely shifted my view on what was important. From day one of moving to Madrid I was amazed by the brilliant public transport they have, for just 8 euros a month my youth transport card gives me unlimited access to metros, buses and trams across the entire city. It has allowed me to travel to places I never would have gone to whilst also not ruining the word unnecessarily. It is very fast, safe and reliable and has always got me to where I need to go. It has made a complete change to the way I think as its possible in London I may think its easier to get an Uber as its roughly the same price as public transport. It has made me wonder the positive impact that lower priced public transport can have on a city especially since I originally come from London.
I believe when thinking about sustainability it is very easy for the mind to straight away think about the sustainability goals, living in a city like Madrid has helped me live out goal 13 which is climate action as well as goal 11 sustainable cities and communities. I have felt very proud of the city that I currently live in and wish this was the same in other countries. Even though I can’t see the help for global warming that the Spanish government has done introducing lower fares I know that it is extremely important.
However, there may be times later at night when the metro is not available and even though there are night buses, there is another option- BiciMad- it is an electric bike system and is affordable and entirely emissions-free! It is a good way to get exercise in whilst also not polluting the world.
This semester abroad has ultimately changed my mind set and has showed how easy it is to make small sustainable choices and whilst being a student mentor for my last year next academic year I plan to encourage other students to do this both those that are planning on doing a study abroad as those who are not.
