Sustainability
We at the Office of International Programs understand the environmental impacts related to travel. To address these impacts, and in concert with Loyola's broader sustainability initiatives, here are other some ways to reduce the environmental impact of your study abroad experience:
- Calculate your personal carbon footprint and take at least one additional step toward reducing it.
- Learn about current environmental issues in the places you are visiting. Different regions will have different situations based on their ecosystems and history of development. Learn about the effects of mass tourism on beaches, mountains, wetlands, deserts, etc. and then seek to counter those effects.
- Use public transport, bike, or walk whenever possible.
- Respect your host community, immerse yourself in the host culture, and positively impact the environment and people you encounter.
- Eat local foods, buy local goods, and avoid wasteful prepackaged goods when possible.
- Use water sparingly.
- Conserve local resources and energy.
- Do not litter and always recycle if possible.
- Never buy products made from endangered species or valuable, historical, or cultural artifacts. Ask about where a product comes from.
- Commit to forming more sustainable habits, and reducing your carbon footprint. Engage in these habits while abroad, continue them upon return, and encourage others to do the same.