MIC bottle: Stay hydrated, stay sustainable. Reusable water bottle I got from MIC International Office during the Orientation week.
I’m so excited to share a topic on sustainable living while studying abroad. As an international student at Mary Immaculate College, I’ve had to adapt to a new culture, climate, and lifestyle—and part of that journey has been figuring out how to live more sustainably in Ireland. It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely rewarding. So, here are some eco-friendly tips and practices I’ve picked up along the way.
1. Eco-Friendly Travel: Getting Around Limerick Sustainably
Limerick is such a small and walkable city, which makes it easy to reduce my carbon footprint. Most days, I just walk everywhere—it’s convenient, healthy, and honestly, it’s one of the best ways to really get to know the city. On days when I need to go a bit farther or I’m running late, I rely on public transport like buses. It’s affordable, efficient, and a much greener option compared to driving.
I’ve also started being more mindful about packing light and bringing reusable items with me, like a water bottle or coffee cup, even for short trips around town. These little habits might seem small, but they add up over time.
2. Waste Reduction: Small Changes, Big Impact
One of the biggest changes I’ve made is being more intentional about reducing food waste. I used to let leftover vegetables or meat sit in the fridge until they went bad, but now I make it a point to repurpose them into meals before they expire. For example, leftover roasted veggies can turn into a quick stir-fry or soup, and extra cooked rice is perfect for fried rice.
Planning my meals each week has also been a game-changer. Before I go grocery shopping, I make a list so I only buy what I need. This helps me avoid overbuying and throwing away food that’s gone off. Reducing food waste feels like such a practical and impactful way to live more sustainably. On campus, I’ve gotten into the habit of separating my waste properly—MIC has bins for recycling and compost, so I try to be mindful about where my trash goes. It’s a small effort, but it makes a difference.
Air-drying clothes naturally: Reducing energy use is as easy as letting the sun do the work
3. Greener Habits: Living Sustainably on a Student Budget
Living sustainably doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money—it’s all about making smarter choices. For example, I’ve switched to bar soap instead of liquid products in plastic bottles. It’s a simple swap, but it cuts down on waste and lasts longer too. Recently, I’ve also started air-drying my clothes instead of using the dryer as much. At first, it was tricky during the winter because of the damp weather, but now that there’s more sunlight, it’s become much easier. Hanging clothes in a sunny spot works surprisingly well, and it saves both energy and money.
Another habit I’ve adopted is cooking in bulk and freezing leftovers. Not only does this cut down on food waste, but it also saves me from buying expensive takeaway meals when I’m too busy to cook. It’s a win-win for my wallet and the planet.
Final Thoughts
Living sustainably while abroad isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making small, intentional choices that add up over time. Whether it’s walking instead of driving, repurposing leftovers, or switching to bar soap, every little effort counts. Studying in Ireland has taught me that sustainability is not just about protecting the planet; it’s also about appreciating the beauty of your surroundings and making thoughtful decisions in everyday life.
-By Phengheng Khorn, Cambodia
