In 2015, we made a promise to our planet; we promised to do better for all creatures who reside here. When I was choosing my university in 2024, Sussex was an obvious choice for me due to its commitment to sustainability and environmental research. The campus itself feels like a reminder of that promise, our location in the South Downs National Park means the boundaries between learning and nature are entwined.
As I prepare for my year abroad in Malaysia, I often reflect on the past to guide my future. Studying Medical Neuroscience has taught me that all systems, whether neural or ecological, thrive on balance. I want my travels to show this balance, mindful, intentional, and respectful of the environments I enter.
The first step was acknowledging the impact of long-haul travel. My journey includes one connection in China, a needed compromise between cost, accessibility, and environmental impact. This route was carefully chosen, comparing alternatives using MyClimate (https://www.myclimate.org/en/) to understand the emissions involved. Though I cannot afford formal carbon offsetting, I do plan to engage with conservation directly by visiting the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sabah. They truly embody SDG 15 (life on land, https://unric.org/en/sdg-15/) as their sanctuary does in situ conservation, protecting the animals in their natural habitat to preserve both. I have closely followed their work and watching them protect endangered species reminds me why sustainable travel matters; we need to learn from the ecosystems we touch, not just pass through them.
My research into life studying abroad has revolved closely around how I can make more positive impacts on my environment than negative. I have a reusable water bottle I shall be packing to avoid single-use plastics, supporting SDG 14 (life below water, https://unric.org/en/sdg-14/) and reducing marine pollution. I have a map of public transport routes around my campus in Bandar Sunway to rely on the MRT and buses instead of taxis, aligning with SDG 13 (climate action, https://unric.org/en/sdg-13/) to lower carbon emissions. Tools like Rome2Rio (https://www.rome2rio.com/) help plan low-impact travel, whilst Good On You (https://goodonyou.eco/) provides ethical clothing choices to support SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production, https://unric.org/en/sdg-12/).
Sustainability also means community. I plan on joining Monash Malaysia’s Zero Waste Society and volunteer with campus initiatives that promote circular consumption. Even small actions like refilling water bottles (https://refillmybottle.com/app/), choosing local produce and reducing waste can ripple outwards to create meaningful change.
Sustainable travel begins long before departure. It starts with curiosity, asking how each decision affects the world beyond myself. Living does not have to be selfish. I, like every other creature on this planet, was born with a chance. A chance to survive, to learn, and to make a difference. As I prepare to step beyond Sussex and into Malaysia, that chance becomes a choice. A choice to be aware, be compassionate, and to do better for the world we share.
