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Sustainable Footprints in Oz is a travel blog dedicated to exploring the vibrant landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich culture of Australia through the lens of ecotourism. Written by students in the Australia Ecotourism class, this blog highlights sustainable travel practices, personal reflections, and stories of mindful exploration. Join us as we uncover how to leave a positive impact while adventuring "Down Under" and learning about the importance of preserving the natural beauty of this incredible destination for future generations.

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  1. grace angeloJanuary 3, 2025 at 11:49 PM

    Hi everyone! My name is Grace, and I’m excited to kick off our blog with our first stop Melbourne city! Our group gathered at LAX to begin our 15-hour flight to Melbourne. While the idea of such a long flight might sound daunting, it was surprisingly manageable. The flight was smooth and calm, and I was able to get some sleep and watch some movies from their selection. When we landed in Australia, we had the experience of “time traveling” since we crossed the International Date Line. We left the U.S. on the 2nd and arrived in Melbourne on the morning of the 4th! Before entering this beautiful country, we filled out customs forms to help ensure Australia remains safe from illnesses and other risks. Once we cleared customs, we hopped on a bus to our hotel, where we could finally settle in and unwind. My roommate, Sarah, and I took some time to decompress before heading out to explore. Our first stop was a local café near the hotel, where we enjoyed some delicious food. Afterward, we decided to visit the Melbourne Zoo. It was incredible! We saw so many amazing animals, including koalas, kangaroos, otters, elephants, and giraffes. It was fascinating to observe the different animals and habitats and compare them to those we’ve seen elsewhere. As a member of the sustainability team, I was able to investigate different sustainable practices that zoos across Australia implement. While exploring the zoo, we noticed several water fountains and refill stations designed to reduce the use of plastic water bottles and minimize litter. Additionally, the trash cans were clearly divided into compost, recycling, and general waste, ensuring that items were disposed of properly. It was impressive to see the effort put into sustainability, especially in a zoo setting. These practices highlight the importance of prioritizing environmental conservation. It also serves as a reminder that our own country could benefit from adopting similar measures to better protect and preserve our planet. It was so much fun exploring the city of Melbourne and I am so excited for whats to come!

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