Packing List:

Sustainable Swap-Outs

By now I think everyone has noticed that sustainability is kind of my thing, and I want to give a bit of practical advice for a packing list while also educating on the importance of sustainability, especially when traveling. This little list below should come in handy for your next trip if you’re looking for quick ways to produce less waste. For each item, I give a simple swap-out that makes travel more convenient, while also helping you do your part in protecting the environment by traveling in a clean and sustainable way!

Luggage

Item: Carry-On made from plastics or leather.

Swap-Out: Luggage that is upcycled, vegan, uses recycled materials, and promotes sustainable business and fair labor practices!

Ethics: This is more about ethical travel fashion than anything else, but purchasing luggage to travel should be an investment, not a budgeted buy. When you shop for luggage, you want something sturdy that has plenty of room while still being aesthetically pleasing. Instead of opting for basic hard-tops or leather baggage, consider spending the same amount for something eco-friendly, made with sustainable materials. Starting with “green” luggage is a great way to begin the habit of conscious traveling!

My Pick: Matt & Nat

 

Item: Plastic Shopping Bag

Swap-Out: Canvas Tote or Shopping Bag

Ethics: This is more of a tip for when you go out shopping abroad. Simply, if you carry a foldable canvas tote bag with you, then you can turn down the plastic shopping bag at the register and opt for your reusable option instead. Look at you being waste-free!

My Pick: I have a really great burlap reusable shopping tote that I love, but any reusable tote made with recyclable materials will work fine, just make sure to check the sustainability practices of the company before you buy a new bag!

Toiletries

Item: Plastic Toothbrush

Swap-Out: Bamboo Toothbrush with Bamboo Case

Ethics: Instead of going through a toothbrush every few months and tossing them away, opt for a bamboo brush that is completely biodegradable when you throw it out!

My Pick: Brush With Bamboo

 

Item: Plastic Disposable Razor Blades

Swap-Out: Safety Razors

Ethics: More and more people are swapping disposable razors for safety razors. These blades last longer as long as you take care of them, and the stainless steel razors are 100% recyclable.

My Pick: Life Without Plastic

 

Item: Skin Care Products

Swap-Out: Sustainable Oils Travel Kit

Ethics: Instead of toting around several different bottles with different potions and serums for the face, try out a single face wash meant for travelers that is plant-based, non-GMO, reusable, recyclable and compostable.  

My Pick: Earth Tu Face

 

Item: Makeup Remover Wipes

Swap-Out: Coconut Oil

Ethics: Makeup remover wipes are great in a cinch, but after you throw them away, consider what happens to the wipe itself and all the oil that is still clinging to it. They are not flushable nor biodegradable, so try a simple glass jar of coconut oil! Coconut oil is great to use for every skin type, and there are no parabens, microbeads, fragrances or foaming agents ensuring a nice clean wash. Also, the glass jar is recyclable, so the whole package is waste free!

My Pick: Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

 

Item: Wet Wipes

Swap-Out: Microfiber Towelettes or Flushable Wipes

Ethics: Kind of in the same vein as the makeup remover wipes, wet wipes are causing a huge issue for sewers. Although the labels deem flushable, they alas, are not as flushable as you may think. For more info about the problems they are causing, check out this article to get a better idea. For those of us who know what a fatberg is, we already know it’s time for everyone to make the switch to either 100% biodegradable wipes or reusable towels while traveling.

My Pick: Stall Mates

 

Item: Plastic Comb

Swap-Out: Bamboo Comb

Ethics: Combs are great, but eco-friendly and completely biodegradable ones are even better. Swap your plastic one with a 100% natural bamboo comb instead (or brush if you prefer!)

My Pick: The Body Shop Bamboo Comb

Eating & Drinking

Item: Plastic Water Bottle

Swap-Out: Metal or Reusable Drinking Vessel

Ethics: The hardest thing, even for me, was to kick my plastic water bottle habit. But as you travel, you’ll find it easier to refill your own bottle as you travel instead of wasting a cup or two in-flight. A metal bottle is completely reusable and completely recyclable, and there are also other water bottles that can roll up and go until they are refilled! What you’ll want to look for is something BPA-free, consciously produced, completely sustainable, and big enough to keep you hydrated!

My Pick: The Anti-Bottle

 

Item: Plastic Cutlery

Swap-Out: Bamboo Spork

Ethics: Sporks are easy to pack away, as they don’t have serrated edges, and they are great to stow in a carry-on! Even better, you can reuse the bamboo spork over and over instead of wasting plastic cutlery during your in-flight meal or any other meal that offers plastic cutlery with it! Organic, vegan, and bio-based, bamboo sporks are your secret weapon for being a more green-on-the-go traveler!

My Pick: Bambu

Tech

Item: Cell Phone Charger

Swap-Out: Solar Charger

Ethics: A great way to reduce your carbon footprint while traveling is to opt-out of using those free outlets to charge your phone, and opt-in for a solar charger instead! For every hour of sunlight, it’ll produce an hour of battery life for your phone or any other USB connected device.

My Pick: BigBlue

 

What are your favorite eco hacks? What is your favorite way to be “green on the go”? Tell us!

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