This morning was a morning like every other day. After waking up, I made breakfast. I used the organic products that I bought earlier that week. Then I took a quick shower. I grabbed my bike, and as I was riding to University in Leiden, I noticed the varies parts of nature playing with each other. The sun bringing a warm glow to my skin, the spring breeze cooling the greens around me, making the leaves dance as the world starts to regain its colour. This is everyday life; I bike everywhere. It is convenient, because it takes you to familiar places with a different route, but it is also freeing; the way I describe biking is made up of many memories. I look forward to experience everyday life in the United Kingdom, to add novel moments to my existing memories.
For my exchange semester, I will be going to Leicester. Leicester also takes sustainability into consideration with its living aspects. The city centre is quite small, which means that it is walkable. The village, which is a small town created for students where you can live in nature but still experience a city life, is a wonderful way to meet new people. It is possible to take the bus, which is great for the environment since it is shared traveling. Taking the train from the Netherlands to England is also a straightforward way of transportation.
In Leiden, I park my bike near the train station. I do not have to buy a paper ticket, because I can pay with my phone. I wait on the platform and greet a friend who I have not seen in a long time. We both have to catch the same train! We chat and agree for plans next week. Time went by so quickly that I have already arrived at my destination. I take a sip from my reusable water bottle and walk to the city centre of Utrecht. It only takes five minutes.
To me, all of this seems natural. Organic products, not wasting too much water, biking, public transportation, not using paper tickets or plastic water bottles. All these choices are made without thinking about it. Never has the thought of taking the car crossed my mind if it is only a ten-minute bike ride. I am aware of the impact I have on my environment and the people around me. But we are not aware of how much all these choices influence our lives. Maybe I will find a friend who loves biking, and we will bike to the university of Leicester together, or check out an organic coffee spot in the centre. The way I live my life in the Netherlands can be performed in Leicester as well.
Sustainability is not just about choosing the environment. It is about choosing socially instead of individually. Sustainability is about choosing earth. About choosing to let those leaves perform when the wind plays with them. To let spring bloom. To enjoy living.
