The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on a whole new perspective to travel, with people having to rethink their usual packing list before a trip abroad. In the new normal, people have been looking for new ways to limit their interaction with others while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint. Of course, people have been becoming increasingly aware of their contribution to the environment in recent years as well.
Tourism is a major culprit in our current climate and environmental problems.
In an effort to reduce the effects of climate change, people have taken up several eco friendly measures to ensure sustainable travel. A great way to reduce your carbon footprint while traveling? Invest in sustainable travel products! It definitely won’t offset the carbon emitted by a trans-Atlantic flight, but...it also won’t actively contribute to the other unnecessary waste associated with travel.
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Why is sustainable travel important?
Sustainable travel is also referred to as eco-travel. To understand why sustainable travel is important, you need to know what it means. Sustainable travel involves putting in place measures to reduce the carbon footprint associated with travel. To ensure the transport industry remains sustainable in the long term, stakeholders need to focus on preserving the natural and cultural environments.
There are several reasons why sustainable travel should be taken seriously. These include:
- To reduce the loss to the ecosystem and fluctuations in temperatures and sea levels
- The current needs and demands of consumers include sustainable options
Traveling can be credited for leaving one of the largest carbon footprints on the planet. This has, in turn, caused great harm to the ecosystem as a whole. Choosing sustainable travel options is one of the best ways to preserve the ecosystem while keeping sectors such as tourism and transport alive for the long run.
Is it possible to go zero waste while traveling?
If you’re getting on one of these, it’s gonna be hard to travel zero waste.
Perhaps yes, but it would be exceedingly complicated and painstaking to do so—most likely far beyond what the average traveler is willing to do to achieve a zero-waste trip. However, that doesn’t mean it's impossible to reduce your waste while traveling.
The best way to go zero waste while traveling is by avoiding the creation of waste (i.e. focus on reusable products). During your travel, you may find yourself with certain types of waste that are difficult to avoid, one of which is single-use plastic. However, some of these situations can be avoided by preparing adequately and avoiding plastic bags or straws.
To ensure zero waste travel, you need sustainable travel essentials. Some of these items include reusable coffee cups, mesh bags, reusable water bottles, bamboo toothbrushes, and menstrual cups, among others. Some of these items can also be used at home to achieve a zero-waste lifestyle!
Where to buy eco-friendly products for travel
In the modern world of online stores, you can find affordable, sustainable travel products regardless of where you live. Some of the most popular stores include:
- Amazon. Of course, shopping on Amazon means contributing to other environmental issues that they perpetuate. However, if you need something quickly (and affordably), this may be the way to go.
- Eco Roots. They mainly provide eco-friendly options for single-use products.
- Earth Hero. This online store offers a wide range of eco-friendly products to choose from, with their main focus being on recycled, organic, and vegan products.
- Life Without Plastic. Another option for reusable and sustainable travel products, like coffee mugs, cutlery, and produce bags. They even have a subscription box!
It's best to first research which products and gear you need for your travels (and which ones you’d like to make more sustainable) and then search for them at the appropriate retailer.
8 must-have reusable things to travel with
Create your packing list with sustainable travel gear in mind.
Though single-use plastics and non-degradable products have always been a major concern, people need to continue taking action against the causes of climate change, especially in light of recent climate reports. To actively participate in zero waste travel, you should consider some of these must-have sustainable travel essentials!
1. Water filter and sterilizer
When shopping for sustainable travel gear, a water sterilizer or filter should be one of your top picks. With the best water filters, you can avoid buying bottled water. Instead, you only need to filter and sterilize to get a clean glass of water to quench your thirst.
This item is mostly used by outdoor lovers looking to explore nature more sustainably. The best part about water filters is that they are easy to clean and maintain, and are exceptionally portable.
2. Reusable water bottle or cup
Having a drink while on your travels is one of the best ways to maintain your fluid intake. However, most retailers offer water and other beverages in single-use plastics. To reduce or eliminate your waste, it's best to carry a reusable water bottle or cup, preferably a stainless steel tumbler.
This way, you can keep your drink hot or cold during your journey, whether it’s a 12 hour flight or cross-country train ride. Stainless steel tumblers are also easy to clean and can be quickly filled up at a drinking fountain or designated refill station after going through security checkpoints.
3. Reusable straws and utensils
No list of sustainable travel essentials is complete without these!
In a fight to reduce pollution created by plastic straws, several eateries, restaurants, and stores have begun efforts to phase them out. However, you can make your own contribution by getting a reusable straw or cutlery set when traveling. They’re usually bamboo or stainless steel, and are easy to clean and store.
4. Food storage containers
People often think about plastic food containers when traveling. However, you may want to consider an alternative sustainable option by getting collapsible silicone containers or beeswax wrap to store your food or snacks while traveling. Travelers who enjoy roadside delicacies may opt for a reusable bamboo travel set, as mentioned above, to replace plastic cutlery commonly offered.
5. Cloth napkin
This item makes it onto the list of must-have items due to its numerous applications. Instead of relying on single-use paper napkins made from trees, you can use a cloth napkin. This way, you can easily clean food spills without harming the environment or creating more waste.
6. Reusable shopping bags
Until recently, most people relied on plastic bags offered by stores when shopping. However, you can now find several different types of reusable shopping bags that are easy to clean and store.
These are a must-have if you’re shopping for groceries abroad.
Aside from providing convenience and reducing waste, sometimes you can save a little extra coin for carrying your own bag if where you’re shopping offers a bring-your-own-bag discount.
7. Menstrual cup
If you have a period, menstrual cups are one of the biggest sustainable travel essentials, and truly a game-changer. Although everyone should use the product that makes them most comfortable during their period, it can’t be understated how much money you’ll save on tampons or pads each month by using a menstrual cup.
Reusable cups are easy to clean and prevent you from worrying about running out of your usual single-use products on a trip (especially in locations where they may be difficult to come by).
8. Soap and shampoo bars
When shopping for soap or shampoo for your trip, avoid the usual liquid soaps that come in miniature plastic bottles. Get your own bar soap and shampoo, which is easier to carry and lasts longer (and often comes in biodegradable packaging). Pro tip: Find a bar that serves as both body wash and shampoo, to save on packing space.
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Pack these sustainable travel essentials on your next trip!
Maybe you can’t be completely zero waste while traveling, but you can still try!
There’s a lot of sustainable travel gear to choose from depending on where you’re headed. Investing in reusable things to travel with on your next trip is a great way of preserving the environment and actively combating the causes of climate change.
By choosing sustainable travel, you are effectively contributing to the global efforts in fighting climate change, as well as ensuring the sustainability of sectors such as transport and tourism.
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