Every year, World Environment Day is observed on June 5. But it's important to realise that preserving the environment is not a single day's affair. Also, everyone should be concerned, even expats living abroad. Clémence, an entrepreneur and expatriate in Sri Lanka, and Pyotr, an expat in the US, talks to us about simple actions that can help make the world a better place.
How do you define an “eco-expat” and how can one become an "eco-expat"?
I don't think there is an exact definition for this term. However, I believe that everyone should realise the importance of preserving the environment. I also think that expatriates can play an important role in raising awareness among the local population.
The least developed countries obviously lag behind on basic things that help preserve the environment, such as sorting or recycling waste. People in these countries are unaware of the environmental impact of burning waste, for example.
The lack of infrastructure and lack of information also play an important role. This is where it is crucial for expats to step in. I don't see us as the European saviour, but rather as people who were fortunate enough to grow up in a country without war or where ecology is part of our values.
In Europe, it's quite easy to stay informed about these issues, but all countries are not so fortunate. I am particularly thinking of Sri Lanka, which has just emerged from 27 years of civil war. When the war came to an end, rebuilding a shattered country became the priority, not ecology, which makes sense. And yet, although the government's priorities lie elsewhere, many residents are concerned about ecology but do not know what to do or where to start.
As an expat, how did you realise the importance of preserving the environment?
Honestly, ecology and the way we consume were already our priorities even before we relocated to Sri Lanka. However, living in Sri Lanka has definitely strengthened our belief. Since we have been here, we have been paying more attention to the way we consume. In fact, we only consume what we need.
Single-use plastic is a real problem here. You can find it everywhere, especially in rivers. For us, participate in such a disaster is a big NO. So we behave accordingly. Living in a country where ecology is not a priority has encouraged us to be even more careful by limiting, for example, our waste production as much as possible.
In Sri Lanka, the sorting of waste is almost non-existent. In most of the country, waste is burned and/or buried. You can hardly find waste bins in the streets, even in the cities, and rubbish is littered anywhere. In some areas, open dumping sites have been set up because they simply don't know what to do about the accumulation of waste. And you know what's all the more catastrophic? You can often see elephants there looking for food! How can you not be sensitive to ecology after hearing this?
Sri Lanka is currently experiencing its biggest environmental disaster following the fire on the container ship X-Press Pearl off the coast in a location popular with dolphins. The ship was carrying 1,486 containers loaded with numerous chemicals, including 25 tonnes of nitric acid and 28 containers containing polyethene granules, intended for the packaging industry. Tons of polyethene beads have already spilt into the ocean, and along with other debris of burnt oil, they reached the west coast beaches a few days ago. The ocean is contaminated, the lagoon is in danger, an entire ecosystem is dying. Dozens of dead sea creatures have already been found, including parrotfish, rays and turtles. It is only a matter of days before all Sri Lankan coastlines are also affected by this catastrophe. Here again, I wonder how can we not realise the importance of preserving the environment?
If we don't change our habits now, and if we don't finally realise the importance of preserving the environment, what kind of world will we leave for our children? We all noticed how the environment improved when the whole world was at a standstill following the global pandemic. So what are we waiting for?
In your opinion, how can expats bring change?
We must be aware that every gesture counts and that everyone must do what they can, especially without being pressured by anyone. Changing your habits is a long process and realising that you have to do it is the first step.
I think the biggest problem is that most people don't know where to start. So let's start by keeping it simple, by making efforts at home, in our daily lives. For example, we can stop using single-use plastic.
When you do your shopping, always take washable bags. When you buy fruits and vegetables, make small pockets with washable fabrics and store them inside your bag. Ditch cellophane and aluminium foil; buy Tupperware.
In my opinion, one of the easiest places at home you can convert to zero waste is the bathroom. It's very easy to find shampoo bars, replace the shower gel with soap, the cotton pads with washable wipes, replace the moisturiser with vegetable oil, etc.
But in my opinion, being an eco-expats isn't just about making small daily gestures. I think it is equally essential to support local initiatives. For example, in Sri Lanka, many entrepreneurs make natural products such as soap, laundry or other household products. So you can start by buying their products. Many cooperatives have also sprung up. These places follow a strict charter in which pesticides are not allowed. In my opinion, we should support these places.
Finally, as expats, we all seize the opportunity to discover and explore the country as much as possible. Every weekend, every public holiday is an excuse to go on an adventure, but this is a good way to bring change. During these expeditions, try to travel differently by favouring, for example, small structures that have minimal consumption, whether in terms of electricity, water or perishable food (such as extravagant buffets). Small establishments are not furnished only with imported products, so they contribute to the local economy.
When travelling, learn about local initiatives and try to visit them. And when you're back, spread the word about them. Word of mouth is the best form of advertisement. This can be a significant boost for local businesses. Meet the locals, and you will come back with a lot of memories and locally handcrafted souvenirs.
Pyotr: Now is a better time than any to try becoming a more eco-friendly expat
Pyotr, who is an expat from Russia and currently lives in the US, also defines himself as an eco-expat. But he admits that it's difficult to have a universal definition as factors vary from person to person.
"The choices or behaviour some expats adopt may not be feasible for others, be it due to practical, health, financial or safety reasons. However, l would say an eco-friendly expat is some who makes a conscious effort to abide by a country's regulations, learn about more local-level customs and norms (not so much laws), and does their best to introduce some of their own native customs to their community and raise awareness to other approaches to be more eco-friendly".
For example, after living in the US and attending social events, Pyotr noticed how people use the iconic red solo cups. "So, l wrote an article about how to use/dispose of them more sustainably".
For Pyotr, one doesn't suddenly 'become' an eco expat. "It's something one can continually grow into as you discover more ways to be eco-friendlier. I lived abroad twice before beginning to properly consider my environmental impact. And even now, l am not able to fully be as eco-friendly as l would like due to financial constraints". Since moving from the UK in 2017, Pyotr has lived in Bologna, Geneva and Washington DC, where he has taken being an ‘eco' expat more seriously.
"I did so by learning about the condition of public transport - whether it was good or not, and so if l should invest in a bike. I also explored my neighbourhood, but also the broader city limits to learn where the most eco-friendly shops for food, clothing etc., were/are located. I also try to raise awareness anywhere I go about how they could make small, cost-effective changes to introduce more sustainable products, for example. And I try to minimise the amount of international post l send/receive to reduce my air emissions".
We also asked Pyotr how important is it, in the current era, to be an eco-friendly expat. "It's very important. Especially in a post-pandemic world, and with more people emphasising green recoveries, now is a better time than any to try becoming a more eco-friendly expat. Moreover, the climate crisis has become the long-term agenda and issue of most governments, businesses etc. So, building on this broader societal momentum to improve our individual choices is constructive. Reflect on it yourself - while other people are taking conscious efforts to be greener, do you want to be the one person who doesn't?"
According to Pyotr, there are more options than ever, making it really easy to make even the tiniest of changes to our lives. "There isn't really any excuse not to experiment to see how one can introduce subtle, gradual greener habits. Living more sustainably isn't just an individual action; it's a collective responsibility. Because of how we all rely on the environment in some way, especially in poorer or rural communities, we should be responsible for how we live abroad".
Like Clemence, Pyotr also has his own tips for being an eco-friendly expat. The most important thing for him is to do your own research. "If you're about to move or have just arrived in a new place, go out and learn about the local businesses, shops and public transport in your immediate area that are eco-conscious. Look at where your living, and think about how you make individual adjustments. Some examples could be: introducing a compost bin, growing your own vegetables, encouraging your apartment building to change their recycling policies, reusing your postage packaging".
For Pyotr, it's equally important to consider your circumstances. "Do you have the financial ability to begin buying more locally sourced foods or products? Do you have access to more sustainable options in your neighbourhood, or will you have to take transport? If you have a health condition, can you replace the products you use/need in the new location with similar options, or will this risk your welfare? For example, l live in an apartment in downtown DC making it impractical for me to compost some of my food despite my wanting to do so".
The final tip from Pyotr would be to take your time. "When one moves abroad, especially along or young or for a first time, there will be enough pressures and unknowns as it is. Therefore, worrying over matters such as the greenest ways to get around the city shouldn't be a priority until you're more settled. Always put your mental health first, and don't overwhelm yourself with too much".
