Sustainability Abroad

Before

• Consider choosing a more sustainable country to live in
• Travel using trains if possible
• Pack effectively to avoid buying upon arrival, this can contribute to unsustainable consumption. Use a courier service to send over additional bags if necessary.

During

• Buy Second hand or locally and avoid fast fashion! There may be great local markets or charity shops. Alternatively you can use reselling apps like Vinted, Depop or Facebook Marketplace.
• Reduce your food waste by going to refill stores, cooking with flatmates
• Get involved in environmental societies, events or activities
• Make use of public transport- whether that be the train, bus, bike or ferry. Carpooling is also.
• Make sure to be aware of sustainable tourism, using sites such as Ecobnb

Returning

• Again, try and travel using sustainable methods
• Donate any accumulated belongings that you do not wish to bring home to charity shops, shelters, the university.
• Think about any sustainable tips and tricks that you picked up while away and implement them back home and in Manchester – i.e.. Cycling, shopping local, sustainable travel etc. Share what you’ve learned with others!

Several partner universities are making significant progress in sustainability, and some countries are particularly known for their green initiatives. 

Top Countries for Green Living

• Sweden leads in renewable energy, low-energy housing, and the shift toward a circular economy.
• Denmark generates half of its energy from wind, with Copenhagen being considered one of the world’s greenest cities.
• Norway has an efficient recycling system and utilizes hydroelectric power.

Countries with innovative environmental strategies are New Zealand, France, Austria, and Japan. Or see a detailed list of the countries considered as leading in sustainability.

Universities with sustainable initiatives

• The University of Sydney’s Sustainability Program: undertake activities structured around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with the option to also take credit-bearing units focused on sustainability

To Your Host Country

Short-haul flights are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, with per-person CO2 emissions higher than long-haul flights.

Train travel is a viable alternative and often offers sales on tickets. Eurostar connects to many European destinations and provides a generous luggage allowance, as well as being a beautiful way to see a new place!

Whilst Abroad

• Once abroad, try to avoid more flights where possible if you are planning extra travel. You could take inspiration from backpackers like megatrip (@megatrip_george) | TikTok, who travelled from the UK to Vietnam without flying. Avoiding flights can add some memorable and immersive travelling experiences to your trips and allow you to see your surroundings in more detail.
• Train travel remains a cost-effective and eco-friendly means of exploring. Many countries offer student discounts on train tickets.
• Public transport options such as buses, ferries, and even cable cars should be prioritized. Carpooling apps like Blablacar are available in some countries, but safety considerations should be taken into account when using these services.
• Cycling is another sustainable travel method, often proving cheaper and healthier than public transport. Many cities have well-developed cycling infrastructure. Students can find affordable second-hand bikes through university community groups.

Sustainable shopping abroad 

• Purchase second-hand goods and utilise university-based Facebook groups such as the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) to acquire or borrow items such as sports equipment or homeware.
• Sharing household items with flatmates also helps reduce unnecessary consumption.
• Reselling apps such as Vinted and Depop, as well as local charity shops and flea markets, provide affordable and sustainable alternatives.

Packing efficiently

• Instead of planning to buy new items upon arrival, students are encouraged to bring necessary belongings. Courier services like SendMyBag provide cost-effective and convenient solutions for transporting additional luggage, including sports equipment and winter clothes.

Before You Leave

• Planning ahead prevents last-minute packing challenges and excess waste. In the final weeks abroad, students should assess what they need to bring home and what can be donated or resold.

Sustainable habits

• Incorporate some easy habits into your daily routines. Simple changes include carrying a reusable coffee cup and water bottle, bringing a packed lunch in reusable containers, and keeping a spare shopping bag handy. Carrying personal cutlery helps reduce single-use plastic waste.

Reducing food waste

• Refill stores allow students to buy precise quantities, preventing excess waste.
• Take leftovers for lunch, plan your meals, and cook together with flatmates to avoid wasted ingredients.
• Have a designated "zero waste shelf" in shared spaces to share excess food with flatmates instead of discarding it.
• Use zero-waste apps like Olio and Too Good to Go to help reduce food waste; they connect users with discounted or free surplus food from businesses.
• Shop at farmer’s markets and independent stores to reduce environmental impact while supporting the local economy. Shopping locally supports small businesses, reduces food transportation emissions, and promotes authentic, locally sourced products.

You may be planning to do some extra travelling while you’re abroad. See below for some considerations on tourism.

Harmful Effects

• Tourism, while a significant part of the study abroad experience, often has negative environmental and social impacts. Issues such as improper waste disposal, pollution, excessive water use, and extra air travel.
• Large corporations often underpay local employees, reducing benefits for the community.

Harm to local economies can be mitigated by making responsible choices.

Positive Contributions

• Support local businesses over global chains to help ensure that money benefits the community. Local tour companies tend to have a greater respect for the environment and provide authentic experiences, as well as investing their communities. These businesses are more likely respect local culture and provide unique insights.
• Choose local restaurants and markets over large franchises.
• When booking accommodation, researching environmental policies is important. Many affordable eco-friendly hostels exist, and websites like Ecobnb help travelers find sustainable lodging.
• Volunteer with local environmental organizations for activities like litter picking and habitat conservation. However, students should be cautious of "voluntourism," as some programs cause more harm than good.