The desire to travel and see the world is a strong drive that many of us experience. And, if 2020/2021 has done anything, it has made many of us even keener to get out and see the world. Modern travel, though, by its very definition, is not an eco-friendly or sustainable activity. Our carbon footprint increases dramatically as we step out the door and begin to go explore the world. One way to reduce our environmental impact when we travel is to consider the items and products we bring with us. From what goes into your washkit to items to toss into your bag, we explore a list of the best eco-friendly travel products that will have you protecting the environment while exploring the world.
Toothpaste Tabs
One of the most crushing realizations upon arriving at your destination is finding out that your toothpaste has exploded all over your washkit. The good news is that there is a great eco-friendly alternative to plastic tubes of toothpaste that also help avoid these sticky messes - zero-waste toothpaste tabs. Toothpaste tablets are an awesome upgrade to your toiletries kit whether you are traveling or not. These lightweight pre-proportioned tablets pack easily, water-free, plastic-free, and hugely convenient.
Check out fantastic options for zero-waste toothpaste tabs here with UNPASTE and Georgancis.
Mouthwash Tablets
Following the same trend as toothpaste tabs, mouthwash tablets are another great option for your washkit when traveling. With the TSA only allowing travelers to carry3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of liquid with them on flights, bottles of mouthwash fail to meet the requirements - and this is before we even discuss the impact of the plastic bottles. Therefore, zero-waste mouthwash tablets make an awesome eco-friendly alternative that can help keep your mouth fresh and clean while allowing you to pass through security checkpoints with ease.
Check out these great zero-waste mouthwash tablets by Georganics.
Shampoo & Conditioner Bars
Zero-waste shampoo & conditioner bars have changed the game when it comes to lightweight travel. By eliminating the unnecessary water content, shampoo and conditioner bars have become an awesome way to make sure your hair stays at its best while traveling. These plastic-free shampoo and conditioner bars are lightweight, are easy to pack in your washkit, don’t have any liquid they are TSA friendly, and importantly reduce needless plastic waste by eliminating plastic packaging.
Check out our travel-friendly shampoo and conditioner by HiBAR.
Laundry Detergent
Are you planning on going away for more than a few days? Well, it’s never been an easier time to wash your clothes while traveling. Eco-friendly laundry detergent strips have made taking washing detergent with you effortless. These eco-friendly detergent strips are water-free, lightweight, premeasured, and free of all parabens, phosphates, bleach, and dyes. Toss a pack of zero-waste laundry detergent into your luggage before you travel, and you will be all set for washing on the go.
Check out Tru Earth’s easy-to-use and travel-friendly Eco Strips.
Hand Soap
As we travel, we inevitably touch countless items and surfaces that we wouldn’t as a part of our typical day. Handwashing, therefore, becomes a much greater concern as we travel, but carrying around soap with us has not always been particularly convenient or travel-friendly. That was until now with Hand Soap To Go.Soapply Hand Soap to Go comes along wherever your journey takes you. Bottled in recyclable glass, these nifty 1 oz containers are perfect for stowing anywhere. When it’s time to wash, simply use the dropper to apply soap and enjoy clean hands on the go. Check out Soapply’s travel-friendly Hand Soap To Go.
Zero-Waste Deodorant
Your travel washkit wouldn’t be complete without your deodorant. But, the eco-friendly choices haven’t always been great when it comes to deodorant - either plastic packaged stick deodorant or aerosols, both of which are non-recyclable. New all-natural zero-waste deodorants solve this conundrum with fantastic deodorant that will have you smelling great throughout your trip and helps reduce waste simultaneously. Packaged in a lightweight, biodegradable paper tube that can be recycled after use, this environmentally friendly product is a massive upgrade from its predecessors. Toss a stick into your washkit before you depart, and you’ll be smelling your best throughout your trip. For a great zero-waste deodorant, check out PĀPR Zero-Waste Deodorant.
Toothbrush & Floss
Few things are as synonymous with travel as packing one’s toothbrush. Next time you need a toothbrush for travel, consider ditching your old plastic toothbrush for a biodegradable bamboo toothbrush. If you are looking to score bonus points with your dentist, adding in biodegradable dental lace so that you can keep up with your flossing while helping to keep millions of dental floss and tons of plastic dental floss containers out of landfills. Here are two great options for Bamboo Toothbrushes and Dental Lace.
Reusable Bottle or Travel Cup
Taking a reusable bottle or travel cup with you may seem obvious, but that doesn't discount its importance. One of the easiest ways to reduce our impact and eliminate single-use bottles is to carry your own reusable water bottle or travel cup with you. With more and more travelers taking advantage of bringing their own bottle, finding a fountain or filling station for you to top off is becoming easier. Another bonus of bringing your own mug or bottle is that your wallet will thank you when you can avoid paying $4.00 for a bottle of water at the airport.
Reusable Glass Bottles and Travel Cups like these from Neon Kactus make are a great addition to your travel gear.
Final Thoughts
Travel and getting out to explore the world can provide incredible life experiences and help broaden perspectives. However, as you venture out the door on your next adventure, remember that it is possible to explore and leave a small footprint behind as you do. With a little planning and some great alternatives to traditional, single-use, and plastic-based products, we can all lessen our impact on the world.
