Sustainability on exchange period

Since you are on this page, you seem to be interested in the environmental impact of your exchange – great! On this page you’ll find tips and ideas on how to make your exchange more sustainable. Travelling to your exchange destination and the extra green travel grant for Erasmus+ exchanges are discussed on the Green Travel webpage.

In addition to travelling using more sustainable options there are many ways you can make your exchange more sustainable at the destination.

Packing for the exchange

If possible, pack plastic-free toiletries
USB or solar rechargeable portable torch, avoid single-use batteries.
Insulated water bottle. The water stays cool and drinkable for longer.
Washable dish cloth and napkin and other light and small washable and reusable products you already have.
Reusable shopping bag
Bamboo toothbrush, or several for longer exchange, if you think you are unable to buy a new one at the destination.
Pack light but at the same time think how you can avoid buying new products at the destination.
Pack snacks for the flight to avoid food wrapped in single use plastic
Go paperless for boarding passes & itineraries, prefer digital ones. If you are afraid deleting your digital ticket or not being able to open it without internet connection, you can save it to multiple locations, including ones that open without internet connection.
If your apartment in Finland is empty during your exchange, remember to shut down all the appliances that are not necessary to leave on. Set the temperature lower to save energy.

Traveling during the exchange

Prefer traveling inside your exchange location and near by areas. There is no need to fly to faraway locations to see beautiful views or interesting locations. Many times, you’ll find them closer than you think. One important part of the exchange is to get to know the local life and surroundings, and therefore travelling locally is recommended.
Prefer public transportation and carpooling when traveling. In many locations strikes are common and public transportation may not reach all the locations. In these cases, carpooling is a good option. Remember to beware who you are sharing the ride with.
Could you buy a second-hand bicycle for the shorter distances?

Everyday choices and living

Avoid driving a car by yourself and prefer biking, walking and public transportation.
If the climate in your exchange destination is very hot or cold, don’t overheat or overcool the apartment, but save energy by keeping the temperature reasonable. You can add more clothers, for example, if it’s cold. The air conditioning can be off or set to a higher temperature when you are out of the apartment.
To avoid the hot air from outside entering the apartment, you can close the curtains. Curtains are also a good way to keep the warmth inside, when it’s cold outside.
Avoid long showers and don’t let the water run while shampooing or brushing your teeth.
Turn off the appliances that are not in use and only wash full loads of laundry. Even if you have a dryer, could you still dry the clothes outside? Also, think additional ways to save energy.
Think about your eating habits and plan your meals and grocery shopping beforehand. Prefer local and seasonal products, in addition to plant based products. Get to know the local recipes.
Don’t buy bottled water if the tab water is drinkable. Have your own bottle with you and refill it from a tab when needed.
When possible, drink your coffee or tea from a washable cup, avoid take away cups.
Could you consider shared housing? In addition to a more sustainable option you would get to know people better by living with them.
Find out the recycling instructions of your exchange destination and follow them. If the recycling at the university seems inadequate, could you be an ambassador and discuss recycling with the facility services?
Don’t litter.
Take advantage of flea markets or other second-hand stores when purchasing items. Libraries may offer goods for a temporary use, as well.
Sell or donate the goods you are not taking with you back home after the exchange. Avoid throwing away usable items.

Studies

Ethically more sustainable choices

Respect the habits of different cultures and religions. Don’t intentionally act disrespectfully. Get to know the culture and religious habits beforehand to avoid unintentional disrespectful actions.
Note to respect privacy. Do not photograph/film others or share these pictures/videos without their permission. Do not portray a false or stereotypical image about your host destination, but instead be respectful and culturally sensitive in the content you share online.
Avoid activities that jeopardise animal welfare. Please don’t support businesses that harm or take advantage of animals.

Links to help you plan more sustainable exchange

Links

Green travel Internationalisation and student exchange (main page) Exchange studies Placement abroad Intensive weeks