Searching for more ways to reduce plastic waste while traveling? We've got you covered!
It's no secret that traveling can have a significant impact on the environment, particularly when it comes to plastic waste. From single-use water bottles to plastic cutlery and packaging, it's easy to accumulate a lot of plastic while on the go.
The good news is that there are plenty of simple and effective ways to reduce plastic use while traveling without sacrificing convenience or comfort. In this blog post, we will be sharing 15 practical tips that you can start implementing today to help protect our planet while enjoying your travels to the fullest
15 Ways to Reduce Plastic Use While Traveling
Clean up your water game & food plan
Waterfall in Guatemala - Jennifer Prince
Our favorite water filtration system is the 24-oz Grayl Geopress. It is great for filtering tap water as well as natural sources like lakes and streams. You just need to fill the cup and press the water through the charcoal filtration system. We have used this system in many countries including Nepal, India, Peru, and Guatemala!
We love pairing the Grayl with a 40-oz HydroFlask to fill up for water throughout the day and keeping a 18-oz HydroFlask in our day bag.
As coffee and tea drinkers, we highly recommend the 12-oz HydroFlask Coffee Mug. It's perfect for brewing your own coffee in a hotel room, grabbing a beverage to-go from a coffee shop, or sipping a warm drink on a plane. Investing in a to-go mug can make a big difference in these situations.
Round off your hydration plan by carrying your own reusable utensils instead of using disposable ones! This Sea to Summit cutlery set is our favorite. Plus, don’t forget a travel straw for those icy drinks!
Store your snacks in refillable silicon bags such as Stasher Bags.
Reduce and reuse plastic bags
We know that plastic is everywhere and often unavoidable. So start by reusing any plastic bags you already have. Clean them out, designate which ones are for food, which are for electronics or anything else that needs to be dry, and which are your “dirty” bags such as for shoes.
Once you have that piece in a system, you can start saying no to any additional plastic bags. When out shopping be sure to bring your own bag, such as the Sea to Summit nano shopping bag that folds up nice and tiny but expands into a lightweight, durable 30-liter shopping bag.
Refill from Home
Reducing Plastic in Croatia - Vierra Mae
Instead of buying travel-sized products such as shampoo and conditioner, refill your own containers at home. Consider using leak-safe containers such as these that are TSA/airport security approved and come in a waterproof zippered bag.
For all the female travelers: Ditch the tampons with plastic applicators (which virtually never get recycled - who’s ever seen a recycling container in a bathroom stall?) and instead opt for a menstrual cup such as the Moon Cup. Or if the occasion calls for tampons when you don’t have access to easy changing spaces (talking to you 30-hour flight journeys), opt for these plastic free, organic tampons from Flo. And be sure to also check out their bamboo panty liners as well!
By making a few small changes to your travel routine, you can easily reduce plastic waste while still enjoying the comforts of home. From investing in reusable water bottles and collapsable coffee mugs, to opting for refillable containers and menstrual cups when possible – there are plenty of simple steps you can take to reduce plastic use on the go. It is our collective responsibility to keep our planet clean and healthy for generations to come, so let's make a conscious effort towards reducing plastic waste while never compromising on convenience or comfort during our travels.
Happy sustainable traveling!
Interested in learning more about how you can make a positive impact on our earth and the communities that Traverse Journeys supports on our trips? Check out our Community Partners! When you travel with us, each trip's base price includes a donation of 1% that goes directly to our partner organization. We work with these organizations consistently and visit them every year to make a lasting impact!
Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links for products that we love that are made by brands that we trust. By purchasing from those links on our site, we can earn a commission – which is at no extra cost to you and helps keep our site running with free information like this. Win-win! Thank you for supporting our small business and sustainable tourism!
more blogs on sustainable travel
Traveling as a vegan or vegetarian may seem daunting at first, but it is definitely an experience worth taking. The diverse array of plant-based cuisine around the world offer unique culinary flavors, and it has become increasingly easier due to the to the growing awareness of ethical and environmental concerns. By selecting the right destination and immersing in the local food culture while embracing the vibrant flavors of plant-based cuisine, vegan and vegetarian travelers can enrich their travel experiences while staying true to their dietary values.