I am excited to challenge myself this August by travelling to Finland to study at a Summer School at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. I see this as an opportunity for personal growth, a chance to think critically, engage in environmental sustainability and social sustainability, and, of course, to have a lot of fun.
As someone from a generation that has grown up with the urgency of climate change, sustainable practices are ingrained in me. From recycling to reducing waste, I’ve integrated these habits into my daily life. I believe that sustainable environmental development and personal development are deeply intertwined. That’s why this study-abroad experience is not just about learning in the classroom; it’s about challenging myself to live more consciously and to think outside the box when it comes to sustainability.
One area I’ve already committed to making a difference is through consumption. Fast-fashion and the textiles industry contributed with 121 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU in 2020, presenting a detrimental impact on the environment (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20201208STO93327/the-impact-of-textile-production-and-waste-on-the-environment-infographics). One of my current commitments is a “no-spend” goal for 2025, which includes not buying shoes, clothes, or vanity products unless absolutely necessary, including for this up-coming trip. This approach reflects the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, emphasising reducing waste and promoting a sustainable lifestyle. I believe reducing waste is a form of discipline and it teaches me to find value in what I already have, echoed in the Finnish minimalist culture (https://www.forbes.com/sites/celinnedacosta/2018/08/30/what-finnish-culture-can-teach-you-about-life-design/). My interpretation of this goes beyond simple interior design and mindfulness, it’s about conscious, sustainable choices and finding fulfilment outwith materialism.
This commitment extends to my approach to transportation while in Finland. In line with the UNSDG: 11, making citties and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, I’ve already planned the route from my accommodation to the university campus. I’ll be taking the train to daily from Käpylä station to Myyrmäki station with HSL (Helsinki-region traffic) trains. Trains are considered one of the most sustainable forms of transportation, producing much lower carbon emissions than cars, for example (https://ourworldindata.org/travel-carbon-footprint#:~:text=Public%20transport%20is%20usually%20your%20best%20option,distances%20would%20reduce%20emissions%20by%20around%2080%25.) But this isn’t just an environmental approach, it is also about independence and social equity. As a student of sociology and criminology, I’m deeply aware of how accessible public transport can promote social inclusion and reduce inequality (https://sdgs.un.org/topics/sustainable-transport). Additionally, it fosters my personal growth and independence commuting myself in a new country.
To further challenge myself, I will change an deep-rooted habit of mine, my diet. As someone who finds deep comfort in my food habits, this is a great way to challenge myself personally and help the environment. A low-meat diet compared to a high-meat diet can reduce environmental measures such as green house emissions, water pollution, and water use by 30%, and even further with a completely vegetarian diet (https://www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/article/less-meat-better-for-environment). Therefore, I will be following a vegetarian diet throughout my time in Finland. This reflects the UN goal 13, taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
