As I prepare for my upcoming year abroad in Canada, I’m approaching the opportunity with both excitement and intention. While I look forward to immersing myself in a new culture and academic environment, I’m also deeply aware of the environmental impact travel can have; I want to ensure my experience aligns with my values of sustainability and conscious living.
UCalgary offers a free student bus pass however, I am currently looking for accommodation close to my university and local amenities, so I can walk to most places and minimize the need for transport altogether. It is quite common for students to rent cars to travel for hikes; though for longer distances, I will rely mostly on public buses and trains, significantly reducing emissions compared to solo car travel.
But sustainable travel isn’t just about how we get around, it’s also about how we consume. I’ve noticed that overconsumption is a common issue during year-abroad programs. Students often arrive with minimal belongings and end up buying excess items such bedding, kitchenware, décor, only to discard them at the end of the year because transporting them across borders is difficult or expensive.
To avoid falling into that pattern, I plan to pack thoughtfully, bringing as many essentials as possible from home, including items I know I’ll use often but might be hard to find sustainably or affordably abroad. I’ll also connect with local student groups or housing networks to see if I can borrow or buy second-hand items like pots, pans, and basic homeware. My goal is to either return, resell or pass these items on at the end of my stay to minimise waste and extend their use.
Throughout my time in Canada, I also plan to continue everyday low-impact habits like carrying a reusable water bottle and avoiding single-use plastics. As a person that enjoys thrifting, I will also add shop second-hand when I do need new clothing or supplies.
I hope to share my sustainability journey with others, whether through a blog, social media, or conversations with fellow students. As a global ambassador for my university, I have the perfect platform to do this through our ambassador blogs. I believe that sustainable travel isn’t about perfection, it’s about intention. It’s about making small, consistent choices that respect the planet and the communities we engage with. As I look ahead to this year abroad, I don’t just want to experience a new country, I want to leave it better, or at least no worse, for having been there.
