6 sustainable swaps learned when studying abroad
One of the many benefits of studying abroad is how it broadens your perspective and opens you up to a new way of living. While some might call it “culture shock” to learn new daily behaviors, over time the shock dissipates and you actually find that these new habits become your way of life. Today our founder is sharing 6 sustainable habits she picked up while studying abroad in Rome. Luckily, these simple daily changes can be picked up by anyone, anywhere.
Swap #1: BYOB - Bring Your Own Bag
Before studying abroad, I’ll be honest, I never brought my own grocery bags to the store. My family would go through countless flimsy plastic bags that would ultimately get shoved in an overflowing cabinet. Not only did this sustainable swap free up some storage space, it’s a small step in freeing up our oceans of the 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags that end up in our oceans every year.
Pro tip - look for totes and reusable bags with handles that can go over your shoulder. Especially if you’re walking home with your groceries, it can make a world of difference.
Swap #2: BYOB (pt. 2) - Bring your Own Bottle
Something I learned quickly when I was in Rome was how open people were to drinking the tap water (except in restaurants where they charge you for bottled water). Rome flourished in ancient times because of the availability of freshwater, and you can find artifacts of this all over the city. Rome is well known for their nasoni drinking fountains which provide enough water for every family to drink 550 liters every single day.
While I wasn’t one to carry a reusable water bottle before studying abroad - it’s something I find myself doing way more often upon returning.
Swap #3: Walk, Walk, Walk
Unless you grew up in a city, the notion of walking everywhere is probably foreign to you. One of the biggest changes to life when living abroad is that you literally walk everywhere. My walk to school alone was half a mile everyday, and honestly you learn pretty quickly how to get around on foot.
Even if you don’t live in a city, there might be some places in your town like a local coffee shop or nail salon that are easily walkable. Next time you think about taking that 3 minute drive, consider walking instead.
Swap #4: Don’t Take Your Food to Go
Dining out in Italy is much different than in America, with food portions being more reasonably sized, and meant to be enjoyed in the restaurant alone. While this sustainable swap is more of a side effect of a cultural norm, you certainly cut down on all of that disposable packaging.
If you do find yourself going to eat at a restaurant with huge portions (Cheesecake factory anyone?), you can always bring your own reusable container to avoid that single use packaging.
Swap #5: Ditch the Dryer & Hang Your Clothes to Dry
Living in Italy you learn quickly that caring for your clothing is a bit different. While my apartment was outfitted with a washing machine, the norm is to hang your clothes to dry.
I will say, this swap was probably one of the hardest to adopt as drying clothes in a dryer makes them softer, lighter and honestly just a bit more comfortable to wear. Something to consider, however, is cutting down on everything that you put in the dryer. Electric dryers are known to weaken the clothing fibers, and/or cause shrinkage and color fading. I like to take my most loved pieces (things I want to keep for the long haul) and air dry them. If anything, I will fluff them on no heat after they’ve air dried to give them that soft and light feel.
Swap #6: Shop Small & Eat Locally
The last swap for sustainable living I learned abroad is to eat locally. Food markets are commonly found in Rome with vendors offering the freshest, in season fruits and vegetables. Find a local farmers market in your area for access to fresh, delicious, and more sustainable eating. It can be so much fun to spend a Saturday morning exploring your local market for the most in season products.
While I was forced to make many of these swaps while living abroad, I’ve learned that they aren’t too hard to keep up with even years after returning.
What are your favorite everyday sustainable tips? Let us know in a comment below!
