Sustainability has become an important consideration for me, especially now that I’m preparing for my international placement in Hong Kong. Travelling abroad is an incredible opportunity, but I’m conscious of the environmental impact it can have. I want to make sure that my time in Hong Kong is not only professionally rewarding, but also aligned with sustainable practices that contribute to a cleaner and more responsible global future.
Hong Kong is a city that faces unique environmental challenges. With its dense population, high levels of urban development, and proximity to vulnerable coastal ecosystems, it’s more important than ever to adopt sustainable habits. At the same time, the city is making real efforts to become greener, through initiatives like the Waste Blueprint for Hong Kong 2035 and the expansion of recycling facilities under the “Green@Community” programme. Knowing this, I want to make sure I’m contributing rather than adding to the problem.
One of the first decisions I’ve made is to fly directly to Hong Kong, limiting carbon emissions from multiple flights. I also plan to offset the carbon from my journey through a verified scheme, understanding that while this doesn’t eliminate the footprint, it’s a practical step toward accountability. Once I arrive, I’ll rely on the city’s impressive public transport network, the MTR, buses, and trams to get around efficiently and sustainably. The “Ding Dings” (trams) in particular are fully electric and one of the city’s most energy efficient transport options.
In my daily life, I’m committed to reducing waste, especially single-use plastics, which are a big issue in Hong Kong. I’ll be bringing reusable items like a water bottle and cutlery, and I plan to visit zero-waste stores such as Live Zero in Sai Ying Pun. I’m also aiming to support local businesses and food markets instead of larger international chains, which helps reduce the carbon footprint tied to food miles and supports the local economy.
During my placement, I’d like to volunteer with environmental organisations such as The Green Earth or participate in beach clean-ups through Eco Marine. Hong Kong’s coastal areas and biodiversity are under threat from pollution and climate change, and I feel a responsibility to help preserve the environment I’ll be living in. This connects directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
Even small actions like learning how to recycle properly under Hong Kong’s government guidelines or reducing water and energy use in my accommodation can contribute to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). I believe sustainability is as much about daily habits as it is about bigger initiatives.
This placement is not just about academic growth. It’s a chance to live more consciously, reflect on my environmental impact, and return with a better understanding of how sustainability can be part of any global experience.
