Over the past two years, my journeys have taught me invaluable lessons about what to pack to ensure I leave behind no trash but memories.
I know, it’s difficult to be prepared when you have no idea where the open road will take you. And, travelling has the potential to produce a lot of waste. Every stop throughout the journey can produce a bunch of disposable plastic, aluminium and paper waste.
However, with a little preparation and the right mindset, we can . In this blog post, I’ll share essential tips and items for waste-free travel, empowering you to embark on your adventures sustainably.
These zero-waste travel essentials are easy to pack and also eliminate the most common types of travel waste.
In this blog post, we’ll explore essential tips and essential items for waste-free travel, allowing you to enjoy your journey while minimizing your ecological footprint.
These zero-waste travel essentials are easy to pack and all but eliminate the most common types of travel waste.
1. Water Bottle
Avoid Plastic-packaged water bottles. You should never pay to drink water. Carry your reusable water bottle and refill it through water taps, restaurants, and local houses.
2. Cloth Bag
No to plastic bags and even those cloth-looking plastic bags. Especially, the ones written recyclable, bio, compostable, eco-friendly, etc terms over them.
Beware of greenwashing and carry your own cloth bag for shopping and carrying stuff.
3. Handkerchief
Swap out disposable tissues for a reusable handkerchief. Not only are they gentler on your skin, but they also eliminate the need for wasteful paper products.
4. Reusable Cutlery kit
Ditch disposable utensils in favour of a compact reusable cutlery kit. Whether you’re dining on the go or enjoying a picnic, having your own set of utensils reduces waste and promotes sustainability.
5. Container to store leftover food
Minimize food waste by carrying a container to store leftovers from meals. Not only does this practice reduce trash, but it also allows you to enjoy your favourite dishes later as it is packed without resorting to single-use packaging.
6. Collapsable cup for tea/ Coffee
For coffee or tea lovers, a collapsible cup is a game-changer. Compact and portable, these cups are perfect for savouring your favourite beverages while on the move, without contributing to disposable cup waste.
7. Toiletries/ Products
Opt for zero-waste toiletries and personal care products to maintain your hygiene while travelling sustainably. From shampoo and conditioner bars to natural soaps and bamboo brushes, there are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives available. Do not use toiletries given by hotels or homestays during your stay.
- Shampoo Bar
- Conditioner bar (For dry hair)
- Natural soap (Face, hands & Body)
- Bamboo Tooth Brush
- Toothpaste tabs or DIY toothpaste/ Toothpowder
- Stainless Steel Tongue cleaner
- Menstrual Cup/ Cloth Pads
- Dry shampoo powder
- Oil as a moisturizer (Almond, Apricot, etc.)
- Alum stone (deodorant)
- Bug spray
7. Trash bag
To carry my trash back to the city, segregate and then recycle, compost the compostables, and send non-recyclables to landfills.
Trash Bag: Lastly, don’t forget to pack a reusable trash bag to responsibly manage your waste throughout your journey. Use it to collect and segregate recyclables, compost organic waste, and dispose of non-recyclables properly upon your return.
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