Traveling in an environmentally friendly manner can be complex when you come from a poor, rural area. Growing up, there was always a discussion about the environmental impact of cars, yet it was a reality that there were no other resources available to us at the time. That is probably one of the driving forces for why I have always had a love for public transport. My parents enjoy teasing me with a rather embarrassing anecdote about the first time I visited the UK and how exciting I found double decker buses as a toddler. Equally embarrassing, I will admit I still think of that when I get on one, although it’s now more mixed in with me chanting “don’t fall down the stairs” repeatedly in my head. Making these small (bus) steps towards a better environmental impact in daily life is something that reminds you that you can always do something.
One of the bigger somethings I can do with my year abroad is exploring different options in getting to my host university. I lived with international students last year, and we chatted about the impact of our choices. Remembering to turn off lights, or lower the heating, or using second hand where possible (EBAY, Vinted and Facebook Marketplace shopping were dinner table conversation frequently). We were frequent spenders on food waste reduction apps such as OLIO and 2Good2Go. Our university held drives to gather items students couldn’t travel home, and we got to know each other in a mock up shopping experience looking at almost new IKEA pots that we would return together in June. The soft furnishings were donated to animal shelters together, another bonding experience in the final days of term before we all went our separate ways.
A commonality for my international friends was travel to and from home for terms. Flying was the most common despite its place as worst for the environment. Kitchen brainstorming occurred and while there are no buses across the ocean, there are other options. By choosing to take the ferry, and bringing the assorted homeware and crockery I used before instead of buying new, reduces the damage done by air travel and transport of numerous suitcases. It also reduces the production of items such as duvets, saucepans and chopping boards that international students frequently find themselves buying in September and discarding in June. Responsible consumption and production, as SDG 12 highlights, can involve some innovation and unexpected planning groups!
My road trip from home to host university is made with the knowledge that it is the best option available to me. Mindful choices and consumption, including abstaining from IKEA hauls reduces the negative impact I make. Sharing solutions that other students may not have considered, flying to university drives, is one way I hope to make a lasting and positive impact. So while I can’t take a bus across the sea, I can take careful steps up rickety stairs to help and encourage others to do the same.
