11 Sustainable and Plastic-Free Travel Essentials to Help You Reduce Waste
You finally did it. You bought those tickets for the bestie trip that finally made its way out of the group chat. Congratulations. It is time to have the summer of your dreams. Uh oh. The guilt is setting in… traveling? In this economy? In THIS state? On this PLANET??? Who do you think you are…
We’ve all been there. And we’ll be the first to tell you…we’re not perfect; we are living imperfect lives and being sustainable wherever possible. So instead of getting down in the dumps about your latest not-so-susty travel plan, let’s come up with some ways to make it a susty experience, (plane tickets aside). In addition to making sustainable choices in your trip planning process, you can also choose from loads of sustainable travel essentials to cut down on waste and make the most of your time, space, and money!
Plane, train, car, and boat travel can be long and sometimes exhausting, no matter how far you’re going. We love Stasher Bags for holding all of our travel necessities and for keeping them easily accessible. Of course, you can store snacks in their snack or sandwich-size bags, but we also love using their smaller-sized bags to hold travel items like chapstick, lotion, earbuds, hair ties, phone chargers, and anything else we can fit!
2. Ethique travel size zero-waste body care (zero-waste)
Ethique’s travel size shampoo, conditioner, and body bars make for easy on-the-go hygiene essentials. You won’t have to worry about getting your spendy products trashed at security with these affordable and sustainable solid bars.
3. Cadence Travel Accessories (replacement for buying lots of travel-sized items)
If you struggle with product disloyalty and are not interested in replacing your skincare routine with solid bar supplements, then we recommend these Cadence Travel Accessories. These are travel-sized, leakproof, and magnetic containers that you can use to store just the right amount of your go-to moisturizer, shampoo, conditioner, cleanser, and anything else you might need on a trip around the world.
We are no strangers to the stress of night-before packing. If you are like us and end up throwing whatever you can think of in your bag at the last second, these Baggu packing cubes might be just the organization you need. To keep your necessary items together and to keep your bag from throwing up all over the Airbnb, these packing cubes are your best friend. And believe us, your real best friends will thank you later.
Look, we know that going out to eat is one of the best parts of traveling, but when you’re wandering around a new city and getting your three meals in, having food containers is going to help your wallet and the planet. We’re more likely to buy takeout or food that creates more waste when we don't have grubbing plans, so packing snacks or even a lunch to-go in these reusable and collapsible Stojo containers will truly make a difference. And once you eat, you can pack them away without knowing it was there in the first place.
We know that a baddie needs their tech accessories. I mean, can you imagine boarding a flight without your earbuds? Not us. Pela makes sustainable and zero-waste tech accessories like AirPod cases, phone cases, phone card holders, and even AirTag holders to protect some of your most important (and expensive) accessories. Their products come in a variety of susty styles from recycled, to compostable, to vegan-made.
Wherever you’re going, the truth is you're going to need a bag. Suitcases and luggage can take quite a hit over time, which is why we recommend Baboon to the Moon, a brand making sustainable travel bags in a range of styles, sizes, and tons of colors. They have bags that will work for any style and scale of trip that you have planned. Maybe you just need a useful fanny pack for a day out of the city, or maybe you need an overnight bag for a weekend camping trip with your puppy, or even a bag for your week-long trip abroad—Baboon the Moon has you covered.
Have you ever tried toothpaste tablets? Well, if you haven’t transitioned to this susty replacement yet, taking them on a trip might be the best way to give it a shot. No more travel-sized Colgate over here; instead, these solid toothpaste tablets are lightweight and zero waste too. Bite toothpaste tablets are made with a vegan formula that contains fluoride. They come in a reusable glass jar, but you can pack just the amount you need in a Cadence container or a Stasher pocket bag to limit weight and make for easy traveling.
Stinky baddies rise-up! We’re all too familiar with the sly under-the-shirt deodorant reapplication on the multi-hour flight or at the next rest stop. Sometimes being subtle is hard when you have a massive plastic deodorant bottle in your hand. Instead these small zero-waste deodorant containers from Meow Meow Tweet make that quick lift-and-apply as simple (and sneaky) as possible.
10. Decomposition Book Pocket-sized journals (for making plans, taking notes or having something to do when out and about <3)
If you are a sentimental baddie, you might find a pocket-sized journal useful for recording your travel thoughts. Whether you’re traveling alone, with friends, or with your family, these small journals from Decomposition are made of recycled materials and can be used to record your travel-inspired poetry, your next-day plans, or for an easy activity on the go.
11. Parks Project Water bottle sling
If you’re traveling, you’re probably constantly on the move. Your daily dose of hydration is that much more critical when you’re out of your usual routine, whether you’re in a walkable metropolis or hiking remote mountains. This upcycled water bottle sling from Parks Project will ensure your water bottle is always within reach and that you never lose it. It also has a zipper pocket for your phone and necessary essentials.
Need more ideas? Check out our susty swaps article for helpful resources like water bottles, reusable cutlery, and more!