Studying abroad in Rennes, France, has given me a new perspective on sustainable development beyond any textbook definition. Even as a sustainability major, I am constantly humbled by the neverending opportunities to create a green lifestyle. My 15-minute showers have been reduced to 5 minutes, I finish every meal, and I have not driven a car in months. These drastic changes to my American lifestyle are a part of the “mode de vie” for people in Rennes. I take efficient showers to meet my host family’s water conservation goals. I gladly finish every meal because the food is high-quality and locally sourced, minimizing food waste. Finally, I do not have to worry about driving when public transport is accessible and takes me anywhere from my university to a local bakery. Sustainability is effective because of the citizens’ conscious efforts to reinforce green behavior.
The city of Rennes prioritizes sustainable development in all spheres of life, beginning in households such as my host family.
“Puis-je mettre ma banane au compost?” ; “Non, tu dois…” my host mom replied, handing me a pair of scissors.
I have had the privilege of living with a host family that upholds sustainability as one of their core values. When I first arrived in Rennes, I was surprised to learn that composting is customary in French households. My host family cuts their food waste with a designated pair of scissors to speed up the process of decomposition. As I snip away at my banana peel each morning, my host mom washes the dishes with olive oil and leftover coffee grounds. She taught me that coffee grounds are a natural exfoliant to rub off extra pieces of food that stick to a pan. Combined with olive oil, anyone can create affordable and high-quality cleaning methods. Observing the habits of my host family demonstrates how sustainability is a form of creativity and collaboration.
The citizens of Rennes similarly reinforce green behavior by promoting “la sauvegarde de l’environnement” as a pastime. On every corner of every street, metro line, and even magnified on busses are posters for the “Marathon Vert.” Many versions of this Green
Marathon will take place the last weekend of October, and I looked forward to sharing the experience with my host mom during the all-female 5k. The competitions are sponsored by a local institution, known for its specialization in sustainability studies. (I may be back for grad school!) The race has four main objectives: Le sport, L’écologie, La solidarité, et La responsabilité sociétale des entreprises. However, my favorite part of the race will be the co-benefits of running. For every kilometer you run, the foundation will plant one tree! The events in Rennes create a forest of opportunities to support the environment.
Even before the rise of eco-conscious behavior during the 21st century, Rennes built its foundations on sustainability. In my French Architecture class at Furman University, I learned how the famous, wooden buildings throughout Rennes endure into the future of sustainable development. I remember feeling like the gorgeous, timber-framed buildings may collapse on us at any moment during my first tour of Rennes. The buildings have been re-constructed and improved since the 15th century, which makes them durable against the heavy rainfall in Brittany and even a catastrophic fire during the 1700s. Their strength comes from local materials such as clay, straw, and wood from surrounding forests. Furthermore, techniques such as “corbelling” serve both aesthetic and supportive purposes. Sustainability remains affluent within the cultural heritage of Rennes architecture, which brings tourists and historians alike to study the beautiful facade.
While I decided to study abroad in Rennes to engage my French major, I was pleasantly surprised to observe intersections between my sustainability studies. A concern for the environment exists in the norms and values of my host family, community events, and city construction in Rennes. I hope to translate these lessons when I return to Furman University in the Spring to create a greener campus community. For prospective study abroad students, I encourage you to consider the Rennes “mode de vie,” which encompasses many fields of interest alongside learning French!
Claudia JOYCE
Furman University
CIEE-Rennes LA FALL 2024
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