Sustainability in Canada: What I’ve Learned (and Am Still Learning)

By Deborah Oshidero, University of Calgary, Canada

Since moving to Canada, I’ve been trying to live more sustainably – both in my daily habits and long-term choices. It’s definitely a challenge at times (especially with how far apart everything is!), but I’ve also found small ways to reduce waste and make more eco-conscious decisions.

Getting Around: The Struggle and the Solution

One of the first things I noticed when moving here is how spread out everything is. I’ve had to take more Ubers than I’d like, simply because walking isn’t always realistic. That said, I try to take the C-Train, which is basically a tram, whenever possible. It’s affordable (since it is included in your costs for every student at a discounted price), reliable, and has a stop on campus. There are quite a few buses around and a campus bus stop. I do recommend sitting down as quick as possible though! As soon as that last person gets on the bus off they drive. But overall the public transport may not be perfect, but it’s definitely a more sustainable option where possible.

Second-Hand Shopping: Facebook Marketplace Wins

Back home, I used Vinted a lot for second-hand finds, but unfortunately, it’s not available in Canada. Instead, I’ve turned to Facebook Marketplace – and honestly, it’s been great. In the UK Facebook Marketplace isn’t the best as it isn’t widely suited by all age ranges. People here really embrace buying and selling used items using this site, which is both budget-friendly AND environmentally friendly. Right now, I’m on the lookout for a ski set for the winter. I’ve found full sets for around $100–$200, which is a fraction of what I’d pay for new. I plan to use it for the season and resell it at the end of the year – cheaper for me and better for the planet.

Recycling Right: What I Learned at UCalgary

One thing that really impressed me about the University of Calgary (and Canada in general) is how seriously recycling is taken. There are clearly labelled bins all over campus, and we even talked about it during orientation. The campus accomodation all come with recycling bin stands with separate buckets for tins, cardboard and so on! In my environmental law class, we learned that plastics need to be “pure” to be properly recyclable — meaning items like plastic-coated paper or food-contaminated containers often can’t be processed. It’s made me more mindful of how I dispose of things and what can actually be recycled.

Final Thoughts

Living sustainably abroad isn’t always easy, but it’s doable. From choosing public transport over Ubers (when I can), to shopping second-hand, to understanding how recycling really works – each small step adds up. And if I can find cheap ski gear in the process? Even better.