Ultimate Guide to Eco-friendly Travel

As more are realizing that our planet needs some major TLC, travelers are looking to cut down and make more eco-friendly travel choices.

What exactly is it to be “Eco-friendly”? Basically, it is reusing and re-purposing products, in order to reduce your waste. When traveling, there are some super easy ways to pack light and give Mother Earth some love.

Zero Waste Packing:

1. Reusable Toiletry Bottles
2. Toiletries Bag
3. Collapsible Coffee Cup
4. Tupperware and Reusable Ziplock Bags
5. Straws and cutlery
6. Water Bottle
7. Canvas Tote Bag
8. Non-Toxic Sunscreen

Reusable Toiletries Bottles

By using these you are able to take your regular shampoo, lotion, contact solution, and toothpaste without creating single-use plastic waste. This one most already do but an important one so you can also save money and cut down on waste. Don’t forget your bamboo (compostable) toothbrush!

Packable Toiletries Bag

My pack it flat toiletries bag is so diverse in being able to maximize your suitcase and last for a long time! There are a few different sizes to choose from but I love this particular one because it packs flat in your suitcase leaving you more space for other items.

The material is durable which is better than using a plastic type bag you might have to replace more often. Making it a perfect eco-friendly travel choice!

Collapsible Coffee Cup

If you are a big coffee drinker, this is ideal for travel or even just everyday life. They can adjust to all 3 of the regular coffee sizes (tall, grande, venti), can handle hot and cold temperatures, are super lightweight, and are dishwasher safe! The collapsible part makes them very convenient for sliding into you suitcase or backpack or hooking onto a strap!

Collapsible Tupperware/Ziploc Bags

This sounds pretty different, but is super helpful. These products come in several sizes and similar to the coffee cup where it collapses to an easy size to siding into your suitcase/backpack.

I usually take the 2 smallest sizes with me to pack ahead my own snacks, like nuts and fruit. I also use them for taking my left overs from restaurants instead of single use to-go boxes. When it comes to the bags, they fit well in any luggage and come in snack and sandwich sizes.

Eco-friendly Straws and Cutlery

These I carry on me at all times! Plastic straws are not recyclable. Both, plastic straws and cutlery take over 500 years to decompose. The metal straws that I have came in a pouch, so I just slide a pair of chopsticks and a spoon in there too. (If you don’t know how to use chopsticks, put a fork instead) When traveling by plane, you cannot pack a knife with you, but unless your getting steak, most foods can be cut using a spoon.

Reusable Water Bottle

Plastic water bottles are about $2 or more. They also take about 500 years to decompose. By carrying a reusable water bottle with you when you travel, you will save money and significantly the amount of single-use waste. These are extra important when traveling to a water related destination.

Remember, you don’t have to only put water in your bottle, if you’re craving something different, just get a fountain drink and fill! I recommend the metal bottles for durability. Remember to empty it out before going through security at the airport!

Carry a Canvas Bag

Specifically canvas because they are able to roll-up really small and fit into a purse or hip bag easily. This will be your souvenir bag, beach bag, grocery bag, etc. This will save you from using single-use plastic or paper bags. The material is easy to roll up or lay flat in your suitcase which doesn’t take up too much space.

Non-toxic Sunscreens

Before you run to the store to buy some travel-sized sunscreen, consider the ingredients/chemicals inside that can hurt your skin and the coral reefs once leaked into the ocean. It is important to look for brands that are made from natural ingredients, do NOT have zinc-oxide.

A few brands I have read some fantastic reviews:

1. Sunbum
2. Super Goop
3. Avasol
4. Raw Elements
5. EiR

When it comes to eco-friendly travel, some of these products are in stick form, so will be fine through security in a carry-on. Others do come in travel size as well. To look up other non-toxic and safety rating of sunscreen, check out EWG’s Guide to Sunscreen.

Zero Waste Adventuring

Once on your trip, remember a few things!

1. Take public transportation, walk, or bike to reduce your carbon footprint
2. Shop local and support the local community
3. Search for eco-friendly souvenirs instead of that t-shirt or keychain that everyone in the world can order online
4. Clean up after yourself, and leave anywhere you go better than you found it!

Eco-friendly travel is just like normal travel except with a huge feeling of joy knowing that you AND Mother Earth are having a great experience! Enjoy your trip! I hope I see you somewhere around the world!

Love, Alexia, Gypsy del Oceano