With winter still here, and the blues creeping up,travel is on my mind. I have always had the travel bug, but this past year I was actually able to embrace it. I traveled to two new countries and one new state last year, and I am currently preparing myself for a third trip to NYC next week!
Now you might think that these trips would halt my waste free lifestyle. Traveling (eating out, souvenirs, and fresh towels everyday) definitely creates more waste, but I have thought of some great tips to ensure that I waste as little as possible while traveling. Read on to get 5 ideas for your next trip!
If you find a link in here to products then I chose them out carefully. I don’t make commissions if you choose to buy these products, I just like them. Whenever possible I encourage you to buy locally or be creative and use other items in new ways.
1.Bring along your usual waste free products!
The items that you use on a daily basis like a reusable water bottle are perfect to take on your trip. Since you already have the habit in place it won’t feel difficult to keep it up on the go. Here are some ideas of things you might already have/be using to take on your trip with you.
Reusable water bottle – I use a pink one from Corkcicle which keeps drinks cold for 25 hours or hot for 12 (If you are plastic free this bottle is not it has a small amount of plastic on the lid)
Utensils – I have some zero waste sporks (spoon fork combo) that R bought at a kitchen or army surplus store, but you could bring a small fork and spoon. (If you are flying pack metal forks and knives in your checked luggage!)
Tissues – We use reusable hankies here (I honestly just cut up an old sheet) and I just throw a handful in my bag.
Shopping tote – If you plan on doing any shopping for food or souvenirs this will be very useful
Travel mug – It is so convenient to grab a cup of joe in a throw away cup, but that lid that you use for 20 minutes? It will out live you. Bring along your travel mug, rinse it out in the bathroom sink if you plan on getting multiple hot drinks throughout the day, or ask the barista really sweetly if they would mind rinsing it for you.
2. Eat Local
You came all this way, instead of eating at every McDonald’s you find, check out the best local eats. Experience new food, and feel great about the fact that your food didn’t use more fossil fuels than you to get there.
3. Take Home Pictures Not Souvenirs
When I was a kid I could not wait to get to the gift shop because I knew my mom would always indulge me in a souvenir to “help me remember our trip.” Don’t get me wrong, I still have some of those souvenirs, but only about 10%. Think carefully about what souvenirs you buy. Here are some souvenir ideas for lasting memories.
Check out local thrift shops, vintage shops, or flea markets to get something authentic and useful.
Take lots of pictures! In this digital age pictures are a great way to keep memories.
Bring home some local food instead of things. This idea comes from Helene at Helene in Between. Get some fancy cheese or a bottle of nice wine, or even candies and remember your amazing trip as you indulge at home. Make sure to check your national laws about what you can and cannot bring back with you before you go!
Eco friendly/ethical shops – Research some great Eco/Ethical shops before you go, and stop in for some locally made sustainable souvenirs.
4.Transportation
Think about your transportation before you go. Did you know that ships actually use less fuel to transport goods compared with trucks, buses, airplanes, and trains. Check out some modes of transport and their Eco footprint here.
Instead of driving consider using a bus or train to get to your destination, and while you are there use public transportation or walk instead of using a taxi. Many places also have city bicycle programs where you can rent a bicycle to get around.
5. Remember the Little Things
You probably already do this at home, so just continue doing it. All the little things count.
Reuse your towels. Many hotels accept that hung up towels will be reused while towels on the ground should be refreshed.
Use the sugar pot or honey bottle instead of little sugar packs when you get your coffee.
Ask for no straw!
Only order as much food as you can eat.
No matter where you are going using these tips can help you create less waste on your journey. Have more ideas? I would love to hear them in the comments below!
Check out awesome tips on hosting your next clothing swap party with your friends.
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