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Are you getting ready for your next big trip and unsure of what zero waste travel essentials to bring along? This list of eco friendly travel products will simplify the time you spend packing so you can spend more time day dreaming about your next adventure!
I feel like as soon as I figured out a decent zero waste routine I had to almost start over again when it came to packing for a trip! Hopefully, this post will save you some time and money as you decide what is worth taking with you. Also, I’ll give you my thoughts on particular zero waste travel products so that you know what you are purchasing before hand!
An easy way to live more sustainably is to do research (like you are right now!) before buying reusable items instead of buying products and not loving them and then throwing them out!
Use this list as a starting point for your low waste travel packing list and let me know in the comments below what else is on your list!
This post is all about the best zero waste travel essentials to lessen our environmental impact.
The Best Zero Waste Travel Essentials To Make Your Own Zero-Waste Travel Kit
Simple Zero Waste Travel Tips
Before we dive into all of the fun and innovative zero waste travel essentials, let’s discuss some other parts of the travel industry we should prioritize when considering eco-conscious travel.
Here is a quick list of sustainable travel tips:
- Use public transportation to minimize your carbon footprint. Try to walk, bike, use bike taxis etc.
- Support local businesses that use sustainable practices. Try to support local artists, farmers etc. through the food you buy and souvenirs you bring home.
- Be mindful of water and energy use when you are not in your accommodations (ex. turn off lights when you’re out on excursions)
- Opt for local vacations (ex. camping or a road trip) to cut down on carbon emissions. You never know what interesting destinations are right around the corner from you.
- Prioritize eco-friendly accommodations that make sustainability a focus (ex. Recycling programs, paying workers a living wage, renewable energy sources, offering plant-based foods etc.)
- Keep an open mind and learn how locals prioritize sustainability in their culture.
- Minimize food waste at restaurants by sharing plates with the table to minimize leftovers.
Honestly, sustainable tourism could be an entire blog post on its own so stay tuned for that. I will link that when it’s ready!
Zero Waste Travel Kit Ideas
1. Zero Waste Soap Holder
The best way to travel while trying to reduce your plastic usage is by using bars instead of plastic bottles! Everything comes in bars these days, from shampoo to regular sop and even face serums.
But what is the best way to carry and organize all of these bars?
Using a bento box or a stasher bag is my go to method!
Bento boxes are traditionally used as a way to pack food in Japan. Recently, more and more people in the U.S. have been using them to pack kids lunches. Another great use of bento boxes is to separate your zero waste bars and other zero waste toiletries for travel! This keeps your travel bag organized and compact.
Another great option is to keep your zero waste toiletries in a Stasher bag. These silicone bags won’t let any moisture in which could ruin your bars! You could get the pocket Stasher bags if you want to have your bars individualized or just simply have a bigger Stasher bag for all of them. Lotion bars, shampoo bars won’t spill like traditional travel toiletries.
2. Zero Waste Travel Toothrbush
You have to replace your toothbrush SO often which means a lot of plastic is ending up in the landfill! I also prefer to change my toothbrush after traveling which ends up creating even more waste.
Quick caveat. When it comes to health stuff I think it is good to give yourself some grace while you try to go low waste. A lot of items like, medication, vitamins, bandaids etc. are needed but don’t come in the most sustainable packaging. Finding ways to reduce our waste is MUCH more important than being completely zero waste and possibly jeopardizing our health. Take care of yourself and your well being-even if that means creating a bit more waste!
Ok, back to toothbrushes. Why not purchase a wooden toothbrush that you know will decompose?! Such an easy swap and you don’t have to lug around your electric toothbrush as you travel!
3. Zero Waste Travel Mug & Reusable Water Bottle
Travel mugs are a necessity for zero waste travel! Depending on where you go some places will let you put your drink in your own cup but others only offer disposable coffee cups. Some cafes are not open to this for sanitary reasons though.
Also, making your own beverage at your hotel, campsite or air bnb is a great way to opt out of disposable cups too! A reusable bottle is super helpful trying to reduce the use of single-use items in your zero waste lifestyle especially when traveling.
Hydro flasks are really great quality but pack whatever travel mug you use on the daily! To keep things light I suggest sticking with stainless steel rather than glass or ceramic. This is a really simple way to cut down on single-use plastics while also ensuring you stay hydrated.
{RECOMMENDED POST: 12 Zero Waste Beach Essentials That are Kind to the Ocean}
4. Zero Waste Travel Cutlery
You can always use your cutlery from your kitchen but if you want a set to store in your bag then this is a great option!
As we all know, many take out places use plastic cutlery. Some restaurants are starting to offer compostable cutlery or cutlery made from recycled plastic. I have personally found that some of the sustainable wooden disposable cutlery just doesn’t work so well.
Bringing your own cutlery is an easy and simple way to cut down on plastic while traveling and have utesils that actually work!
5. Zero Waste Travel Containers
U-konserve reusable containers are my go to for packing food! If you are packing a picnic, snacks for a hike or just bringing your container on your trip for take out food, U-konserve are the best! I have had one of my containers for 6 years and it is still in great shape! They are made from silicone and stainless steel and come in a bunch of different shapes and sizes.
Seriously, these are such a great investment for sustainable travel and your daily life.
Why I love Ukonserve:
- B Corp Certified
- 1% for the planet Member
- Donate a portion of sales to schools that promote waste free lunches
6. Reusable bag instead of plastic bags
The most sustainable choice is to use whatever luggage you already have! But if you are in the market for a new bag check out Terra Thread. They are not a luggage company but they do have duffel bags, tote bags, backpacks, and toiletry bags!
I just got a tote bag and it is extremely well made and durable. I think it is going to last me a long time. I love their minimalistic design too so you won’t be traveling with flashy luggage either! These also work great as a carry-on bag!
Why I love Terra Thread bags:
- Fair Trade cotton
- Fair Trade certified factory
- Certified B Corporation
- Carbon neutral certified
- They donate to hunger relief
7. Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
Zero waste living really does have a ripple effect to other benefits!
Having shampoo and conditioner bars means no stress about liquid limits when you’re flying. These little bars are a concentrated product and will most likely last you your whole trip! You don’t have to worry about bottles spilling either! There are so many different shampoo and conditioner bars to choose from but Ethique is a great brand that has lots of options!
But, if you have a hair product you love and want to bring that-check the next zero waste essential!
{RECCOMENDED POST: 10 Affordable Sustainable Skincare Brands You Need to Know About}
8. Go Toob
Gone are the days with the little plastic travel bottles that crack and spill all over the place.
Go toobs will seriously be your new travel bestie because you can fill all of your products in them (TSA approved) and they won’t spill! They are made from silicone and built to last a long time! These are great for body wash, shampoo, lotion etc.
9. Reusable Straw
Switching out plastic straws may seem like a tiny change but I still think everything we can do to reduce our plastic usage counts!
There are so many different reusable straws to choose from these days. Some reusable straws are made of bamboo, stainless steel, glass or silicone!
They all have different pros and cons but my favorite are the glass ones because you can see if they have been cleaned well. Also, which ever reusable straw you use, be sure to get a straw brush with it! The pack I listed above comes with a brush.
What are your zero waste travel essentials? Have you used any of the sustainable travel products on the list? I would love to hear in the comments below!
Hearing reviews on products is a great way to be more sustainable because it helps other consumers to make informed purchases. I have purchased my fair share of zero waste products that ended up getting wasted because I didn’t love them. Learning more about products before buying them can help us purchase items we love and will use for a long time. So let us know in the comments below if you have tried any of these or have recommendations that are not on this list!
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Stay well,
Maggie
This post was all about the best zero waste travel essentials for your zero-waste lifestyle. .
Other posts you may like:
7 Incredibly Helpful Zero Waste Apps to Support Your Sustainable Lifestyle Goals
7 Genius Sustainable Bathroom Products I Can’t Live Without
Your Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Grocery Shopping
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