If someone looked inside my backpack while I was travelling, they would probably see nothing unusual: a reusable water bottle, a lunch container, a tote bag and refillable travel bottles. To me, however, these are not just everyday items. They represent hundreds of small decisions that reflect how I choose to live. I believe sustainability is not about one grand gesture but about the habits we repeat every day.
Growing up in Ukraine, environmental sustainability was not a major focus in everyday life. Despite that, I developed my own environmentally conscious habits from a young age because I believed that even small actions could create meaningful change.
The habit I value most is preventing food waste. I never take more food than I know I can finish because every uneaten meal wastes water, energy, transport and human effort. This simple principle reflects UN Sustainable Development Goal 12, Responsible Consumption and Production, and has become part of my daily life.
Sustainability also shapes my entrepreneurial journey. Alongside my studies, I run a second-hand designer clothing resale business. I find quality clothing that people no longer need and connect it with new owners who will value it. By extending the life of these garments, I help reduce unnecessary textile production and the carbon emissions associated with the fashion industry while supporting a more circular economy.
My everyday habits continue when I travel. I always bring everything I need, including a reusable water bottle and refillable toiletries, so I avoid buying large products that often end up half-used and thrown away. I also replace disposable items with reusable alternatives whenever possible and even squeeze the air out of empty plastic bottles before recycling so they take up less space during transport, helping reduce emissions.
If I receive the BUTEX scholarship, I plan to use part of the funding to purchase a bicycle subscription during my year abroad in Copenhagen. Cycling instead of using cars will reduce my carbon footprint while allowing me to experience one of Europe’s most sustainable cities. This supports UN Sustainable Development Goals 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and 13, Climate Action.
I believe sustainability is measured by thousands of small choices rather than one extraordinary act. Every meal finished, every reusable bottle refilled, every bicycle journey taken and every second-hand garment given a new owner is a step towards a cleaner future. My international placement is an opportunity not only to learn academically but also to strengthen these habits and bring new sustainable ideas back to my community.
