Zero-waste travel may seem like a daunting task. It is already hard as it is to figure out what to purchase to bring on your trip. Retail is not helpful carrying products that may be convenient but not environmentally friendly. They have the miniature sizes perfect for your trip but they are definitely disposable products that may not be the best thing.
If we are serious about looking to keep our beaches pristine, our air cleaner and our planet beautiful, there are simple steps we can take to protect our planet while we travel. So how can we care for our envrionemnt when traveling? Here are some of those steps.
Pack zero-waste toiletries and cosmetics
Look for products that produce minimal waste or products that have multi-use versions. There are shampoos that double up as conditioners or better yet get a shampoo bar like the Christophe Robin Hyrdating Shampoo Bar —no plastic packaging! Chewable toothpaste tablets are also now available. Use metal razors and menstrual cups. All these variations are still what you need and perfect to keep you clean, glowing and most importantly less wasteful on your travels.
Go paperless
Even before you leave, you are able to reduce waste. Most transportation companies— airlines, trains and coaches – now offer downloadable tickets that allow you to keep your e-tickets stored on your phone. No need to search for a printer to print your tickets or boarding passes. If you are one to print everything, save paper by downloading your e-tickets on your phone or tablet.
Travel Light
We all tend to over pack. Some of us feel that we need to bring everything we own when we go on the road. If possible, travel light and use a carry-on bag. When you start with a smaller bag, you tend to try to fit everything in the small bag. Starting with a big bag will only have you filling the bag with things that you will not even use on the trip. Having a carry-on will help you avoid paper tags and labels added to your suitcase at check-in. Way to save unnecessary paper, right? Also, having a small bag will cut back on impulse buying while away since you won’t have that “extra space” in your suitcase.
Pack reusable containers and cutlery
Purchase travel cutlery made of bamboo, steel or even wheat straw. Get flasks, water bottles, reusable coffee cups, lunch boxes and mason jars that you can use repeatedly to avoid using single-use cups, food containers and plastic cutlery. Also look into bringing reusable napkins and towels to wrap your food and clean yourself.
Pre-plan entertainment
When you travel, you din yourself with extra time to kill while waiting in the airport or hanging around. Instead of purchasing a magazine or book at a magazine stand or newspaper kiosk, consider some zero-waste alternative to keep you entertained while waiting or during your flight. Download podcasts, movies, games and e-books beforehand to keep you entertained. If you are one of those who still prefer to have a paper copy book, opt for second hand books that can be found in charity shops and some libraries.
Bring a re-usable straw
Most restaurants do not offer straws on your drinks unless you ask for one. Don’t get sucked into using single use plastic straws we all know are bad for the environment. Get a reusable and collapsible metal straw that you can conveniently carry with you wherever you go. Do not pollute the ocean that you enjoy traveling to.
Bring a reusable bag with you
Stores now charge you to bag your groceries or purchases. Consider bringing a reusable bag with you so you don’t need to purchase a plastic bag that you know will be thrown away. Always be prepared to pick up groceries or whatever else you need while making sure you are not contributing to adding waste.
Be snack ready
Bring your own snacks to know for sure that you will have limited waste. If you are watching what you eat, it is always best to bring homemade snacks, sandwiches and fruit items packed in your reusable containers. It is convenient when you get hungry and you can eat on the go. You avoid getting rid of all the packaging from pre-packaged food and you know that you are eating something healthy as we all know that the food options at the airport are not the healthiest (not to mention they are obscenely expensive!).
Don’t buy souvenirs
When you visit a new destination, you might be tempted to purchase souvenirs to give to family and friends or keep for yourself as a memento of the trip but you will far better off with photographing the best places you see and visit rather than purchasing a keychain or knock knack that might ultimately end up in the trash. Not only will your digital photographs help you keep the memories of the trip but these images will be a forever record of the favorite and beautiful places you visited—and did I mention waste-free?
Recycle
You know that it will be impossible to travel completely zero-waste free despite your best efforts. There will be times when you end up with something that you can’t reuse. These things happen so don’t beat yourself up! Keep the item on you until you find a suitable place to recycle the item.
It can be a challenge to travel close to zero-waste. Every effort you put in to being consciously aware of trying to make a difference in contributing to keeping our environment green and clean contribute to keeping waste out of the environment. When you do these little things and simple steps as you travel around the world, you are helping keep our planet safe and beautiful for future generations to enjoy.
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