Did you know that the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is around 1.6 million km² big? That’s larger than any European country. It’s even larger than US States like Texas or Alaska.
Why am I telling you this? You might not realize it but as travelers we have a significant impact on the places we visit. Although it might only be a small change in your travel behavior, it can actually change the world for the better.
When it comes to plastic use and garbage production, we recommend avoiding single use plastic containers and going for eco-friendly travel products. So here are our essentials for a more sustainable way of traveling.
Table of Contents
Reusable Water Bottle
A reusable water bottle is one of the most basic and important items when it comes to sustainable travel products. It’s simply just very practical and even better, it contributes significantly to the reduction of single-use plastic. Millions of plastic bottles end up in the oceans every year, polluting the marine environment. By using a reusable bottle, you can help reduce this impact.
Benefits:
- Reduced plastic consumption: According to a study by Statista, it takes around 450 years for plastic bottles to decompose in water and sink to the bottom of the sea in the form of microplastics. By using eco-friendly travel containers you can reduce the amount of plastic consumption.
- Cost savings: You save money in the long term as you no longer have to buy disposable bottles.
- Water safety: Many bottles are equipped with filters that ensure a safe drinking water supply even in regions with questionable water quality.
- Sustainability: High-quality materials ensure a long service life and reduce the need for frequent replacement purchases.
Our recommendations:
- Hydro Flask (price: approx. $44.95)
- LifeStraw Go (price: approx. $49.95)
Sustainable Coffee Mugs
A reusable coffee cup is essential for all coffee and tea lovers who don’t want to miss out on their coffee and tea on the go. Disposable cups are often plastic-coated and difficult to recycle, which contributes to a huge amount of waste. With the best eco-friendly coffee travel mugs, you can enjoy your hot drinks and protect the environment at the same time.
Benefits:
- Less waste: Only in Germany, around 320,000 disposable cups are used every hour, putting a significant strain on the environment.
- Temperature control: Many cups are designed to keep drinks hot or cold for longer, which is particularly beneficial when traveling.
- Discounts: Some cafés offer discounts if you bring your own cup, which is financially worthwhile in the long run.
- Customization: Different designs and colors allow you to choose a mug that suits your personal style.
Our recommendations:
Multiuse Shopping Bags
Talking about the best eco-friendly travel products, reusable bags are not only practical, but also an easy way to avoid plastic waste. They are lightweight, durable and can be used for a variety of purposes. Whether for shopping or carrying items to the beach.
Benefits:
- Plastic reduction: More than 1 million plastic bags end up in the trash every minute. And just the US is responsible for around 327 billion bags ending up in the sea every year. And the world uses over 500 billion plastic bags a year, which accounts for roughly 150 bags each person on Earth.
- Durability: Unlike single-use plastic bags, reusable bags are robust and can be used for years.
- Versatility: These bags are suitable for multiple purposes and are easy to fold and store.
Our recommendations:
Solid Shampoo and Conditioner
It’s not just about sustainable travel backpacks or eco-friendly travel containers but also about beauty items and sustainable toiletry bags. Solid shampoos and conditioners are an excellent alternative to liquid products in plastic bottles. They save space, are easy to transport and produce less waste. In addition, they often contain natural ingredients that are gentler on the skin and hair.
Benefits:
- No plastic packaging: These products come in biodegradable packaging and help reduce plastic waste.
- Long shelf life: A solid shampoo usually lasts longer than a bottle of liquid shampoo, which is both economically and ecologically beneficial.
- Travel benefits: Solid shampoos can easily be carried in carry-on luggage as they are not considered liquids.
- Natural ingredients: Many of these products are free from chemical additives and are therefore kinder to the environment and your health.
Our recommendations:
Bamboo Toothbrush
Bamboo toothbrushes are an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastic toothbrushes. They are made from biodegradable bamboo and offer the same effective dental care.
Benefits:
- Biodegradable: Unlike plastic, bamboo decomposes faster and does not pollute the environment.
- Sustainability: Bamboo grows quickly and requires no pesticides or fertilizers, making it one of the most sustainable raw materials.
- Effectiveness: The brush heads are just as effective as plastic ones, so you don’t have to compromise on dental care.
Our recommendations:
- Hydrophil (price: approx. $5.00)
- The Humble Co. (price: approx. $5.00)
Reusable Travel Cutlery
Travel cutlery made from sustainable materials such as bamboo or stainless steel is ideal for on the go. They are sturdy, lightweight and a great alternative to disposable plastic cutlery, which is often thrown away after a single use.
Benefits:
- Plastic avoidance: By using reusable cutlery, you significantly reduce your consumption of single-use plastic.
- Durability: This cutlery is robust and can be used for years.
- Lightweight and compact: Travel cutlery is lightweight and easy to transport, making it ideal for picnics, camping or on the go.
- Easy to clean: They are easy to clean and can be quickly reused after use.
Our recommendations:
- The Bamboo Bae (price: approx. $5.00)
- Light My Fire Spork (price: approx. $5.00)
Environmentally Friendly Sunscreen
Conventional sunscreens often contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment, especially coral reefs. Eco-friendly sunscreens use natural ingredients and are biodegradable, making them a better choice for the environment.
Benefits:
- Protecting the marine environment: chemicals in conventional sunscreen can harm coral reefs. This shows a study that states that (chemical) UV filters found in chemical sunscreen can harm aquatic life, including corals. Eco-friendly sunscreens are safer for the marine environment.
- Skin compatibility: Natural ingredients are often gentler on the skin and cause less irritation.
- Biodegradable: These creams break down in nature without leaving harmful residues.
Our recommendations:
- Manda (price: approx. $28.90)
- Raw Elements (price: approx. $19.49)
Eco-Friendly Travel Containers
Reusable containers for liquids such as shampoo, shower gel or lotions are perfect for air travel and help to avoid plastic waste. They are often leak-proof and durable, making them a practical solution for any trip.
Benefits:
- Plastic waste reduction: By using reusable containers, you avoid buying disposable products in small plastic bottles that are often discarded after your trip.
- Cost efficiency: Once purchased, you can use them again and again, saving you money in the long run.
- Customizable: You can take your favorite care products with you in the exact amount you need and don’t have to rely on pre-made travel sizes.
Our recommendations:
Solar Charger
Besides using sustainable travel items and eco-friendly luggage we recommend you get a portable solar charger. They are an excellent way to generate sustainable energy when traveling. They allow you to charge your electronic devices in an environmentally friendly way, no matter where you are, as long as you have access to sunlight.
Benefits:
- Energy independence: With solar chargers, you don’t have to rely on power outlets and can charge your devices even in remote areas.
- Environmentally friendly: You use renewable energy sources and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Cost-saving: Once purchased, there are no additional electricity costs, which is particularly advantageous for longer trips.
- Wide range of applications: They are not only suitable for charging smartphones, but also for other USB devices such as tablets or cameras.
Our recommendations:
That’s a wrap. These are our 9 travel essentials but in an eco-friendler way. We hope it helps you and are curious to find out what your must-haves for environmentally friendly traveling are. Let us know in the comments below.
