A Reflection on Sustainability and Simplicity.

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of change for me. Under the Higher Education Commission’s International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP) for PhD scholars, I was awarded a six-month research fellowship in Finland. The moment I received the award, life became a rush of preparations; visa applications, paperwork, and the long checklist of professional and personal tasks that needed attention before I could leave. As a university teacher as well as a doctoral student, I had to wrap up teaching commitments and respond to domestic responsibilities before finally embarking on this exciting new chapter.

I arrived in Finland about two weeks ago, and since then, every day has been an experience of discovery. Europe, I quickly realized, feels entirely different from South Asia, not just culturally, but in the rhythm of life, the weather, and the social mindset. When I landed, Helsinki was cold, windy, and rainy; autumn had already set in, and the region was quietly preparing for its first snowfall. Everything around me, the crisp air, the changing trees, the peaceful pace, seemed to tell me I had entered a different world.

Settling down brought its own challenges. My student accommodation was unfurnished, so my first task was to find essentials; a bed, a table, a chair, and a few other basics. Initially, this felt overwhelming. However, I soon discovered one of the most fascinating aspects of Finnish life: second-hand stores. Here, buying pre-owned items is not a sign of poverty but a mark of practicality, responsibility, and environmental awareness.

Second-hand shops are everywhere, in city centers, shopping malls, and along main roads, and people from all walks of life frequent them without hesitation or embarrassment. Whether you’re looking for furniture, clothing, or household items, these stores offer endless possibilities. What struck me most was how naturally this culture of reuse fits into the Finnish lifestyle. It is not charity, it is sustainability in action.

As I explored these stores, I couldn’t help but think about Pakistan and how different our social attitudes are. In our society, using second-hand items is often associated with poverty. Many who do use them feel reluctant to admit it, fearing judgment or being seen as “less fortunate.” This stigma prevents us from embracing a practice that could actually make life easier for so many.

In Finland, sustainability is not a policy on paper, it is a way of life. It reflects a collective consciousness that values the planet and believes in living responsibly. Perhaps this is one of the reasons Finland is consistently ranked among the happiest countries in the world. People here seem to find happiness not in excess, but in balance.

There is an important lesson here for countries like Pakistan. By normalizing the use of second-hand goods, we could not only reduce waste but also make essential resources accessible to those who need them most. Instead of aspiring to luxury and appearances, we could learn from the Finnish way of life, one that prioritizes utility, community, and respect for the environment.

In a world striving to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to responsible consumption and poverty reduction, Finland offers a living example of how sustainability begins with everyday choices. It starts with small actions, buying pre-owned furniture, recycling, reusing that together create a powerful impact.

As I continue to settle into my new surroundings, I find myself reflecting not only on the differences between Finland and Pakistan, but also on what connects us: the shared hope for a better, more equitable world. Perhaps true progress lies not in how much we own, but in how thoughtfully we live.