Staying Sustainable In the States

Phoebe Faupel, North Carolina State University, United States

Before moving to the United States for my year abroad at North Carolina State University, I wasn’t sure how easy it would be to live sustainably compared to being at university in the UK. I expected to rely heavily on cars and thought I might struggle to maintain some of the habits I’d built at home.

However, one thing that genuinely surprised me was how many opportunities there were to make environmentally conscious choices in day-to-day student life.

Here are a few ways I have managed to stay sustainable while studying abroad in the States.

Walking More Than You Think:

Although American cities are often known for being car-dependent, university campuses themselves are usually extremely walkable. At NC State, I quickly found myself walking almost everywhere- to lectures, coffee shops, the library, dining halls, and social events. Over time, walking became one of my favourite parts of my day as it helped me explore campuses properly and made everyday routines feel more connected. I also realised that walking instead of constantly relying on Ubers or Lyfts saved money while reducing unnecessary travel emissions.

One of my favourite things to do has been finding different walking routes around campus, especially during sunset or after classes when everything feels calmer.

The Popularity of Bikes and Scooters:

One of the biggest differences i notices compared to UK universities was how common biking and electric scooters are on campus!

Students constantly use bikes, e-scooters, and skateboards to get around quickly, and many campuses are designed with this in mind. Dedicated bike racks, scooter parking areas, and wide pathways make alternative transport feel normal and accessible.

Using scooters and bikes instead of driving short distances is such a simple but effective way students can reduce their environmental impact while still getting around efficiently. It also creates a much more active and social atmosphere around campus because people are outside rather than always travelling by car.

Recycling Becomes Part of Everyday Life:

Another thing I appreciated was how visible recycling facilities were around campus. Recycling bins are everywhere- in dorm buildings, libraries, classrooms and outdoor spaces- which makes sustainable habits so much easier to maintain.

At first, I had to adjust slightly because recycling systems can differ from the UK, but after a few weeks it became second nature.

Living abroad also made me more conscious of my own consumption habits. I started making small changes, such as carrying a reusable water bottle, (I of course had to treat myself to a Stanley), avoiding unnecessary plastic waste, and reusing shopping bags whenever possible.

Sustainable Habits Don’t Have to Be Perfect:

One thing studying abroad has taught me is that sustainability is often about consistency rather than perfection.

Even small choices- walking instead of driving, reusing items, recycling properly, or choosing public transport when possible- add up over time.

As students it can sometimes feel difficult to live completely sustainably, especially when balancing budgets, busy schedules, and travel opportunities. But I’ve learned that making realistic, everyday choices is far more achievable than trying to do everything perfectly.

Appreciating the Environment Around You:

Studying abroad has also made me appreciate outdoor spaces more. Spending more time walking around campus, exploring parks, and being outside has encouraged me to think more carefully about sustainability and protecting the environment around us.

It is so easy to overlook just how much our daily routines impact the works around us, but living in a new country has definitely made me more aware of the importance of building sustainable habits into everyday student life.

Even while studying abroad, there are still plenty of ways to make choices that are better for both yourself and the environment.