Sustainability

Sustainability

Hiker smiling in a sunlit mountain forest

Tips to Study Abroad More Sustainably

Harvard University has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions with its goal of being fossil fuel neutral by 2026 and fossil fuel free by 2050. While the Office for Sustainability is helping the University reach those goals on campus, the Office of International Education recognizes the importance of likewise reducing our carbon footprint abroad. This collection of country guides was written by term-time study abroad student alumni who identified ways to live sustainably in their host countries. We suggest reviewing their recommendations for bringing sustainable living with you wherever you travel next! Be sure to submit your sustainability tips for your country to add to our library below.

1. Explore Your Host Country

  • Getting to really know your city or country can be more fulfilling than briefly hopping from country to country
  • Using the local public transportation system is a great way to limit carbon-heavy travel

2. Learn About Local Sustainability Opportunities

  • Investigate whether or not there is a composting system and implement it with your roommates
  • Volunteering at a local garden or joining a litter pickup group is a great way to make friends and a positive impact on the environment

3. Reduce Water Use

  • Take shorter showers and avoid leaving the tap running unnecessarily

4. Conserve Energy

  • Turn off lights and outlets when not in use

5. Take Trains or Buses Whenever Possible

  • Airplanes aren’t always necessary, even when going from country to country

6. Travel to Cities During Off-Peak Times

  • Travel during off-peak times when possible to alleviate stress on the energy grid

7. Look for Sustainable Hotels/Hostels

  • Certifications aren’t always the most accurate, but websites often have great information on whether or not the hotel/hostel has sustainable practices

8. Avoid Buying Plastic Water Bottles

  • You can use a water filter or boil big batches of water if you are in a country with non-potable water
  • But — if you are in a country where even using a filter or boiling water carries some risks, it’s more than okay to buy bottled water. Safety comes first!

9. Support Local Businesses

  • Purchasing from local businesses supports the local economy.
  • Often, products from local businesses have a smaller carbon footprint and can be more meaningful and representative of your host country. 

10. Eat Locally Sourced Food

  • Buying groceries at farmers markets is not only great for the environment but supports local farmers too.
  • Farmers markets are great ways to meet people and learn more about your host country. 

11. Leave Natural Environments as Found

  • Don’t remove seashells, coral, or other natural objects – they are important to the ecosystem
  • Always carry trash until you find a trash can

12. Notice What’s Around You

  • Different cities and villages across the world work differently. Maybe there’s less water in the toilet bowl
  • Maybe there are more automatic lights or outlets that work differently. Note ways your host country practices sustainability to bring ideas home!

Student Tips by Country

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