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Traveling is one of my favorite things to do. I am never going to be that environmentalist who tells you not to travel because of the carbon footprint of cars, trains, & planes. I think that traveling is one of the best ways for people to appreciate different people, cultures, and environments. In this post I’m going to give you my top sustainable travel tips for flying.
Sustainable Toiletries
Reusable Containers
One of the easiest things you can do to make your toiletry bag more sustainable is to make a small investment in reusable travel-size containers (TSA-compliant, if you frequently fly with just a carry-on). This enables you to simply fill those containers up from your full-size products and eliminates the waste of travel-size products.
You can find reusable travel-size containers at many retailers. One option is to buy the travel-size kit from Plaine Products, try their products, and when the containers are empty, fill them up with your preferred products. Their travel-size kit comes in metal containers, which might be more durable than plastic and are easier to recycle.
You can also get a TSA-compliant liquids bag that can be reused instead of using a new ziploc for each trip. I reused the same ziploc for my liquids for quite awhile, then invested in a reusable bag that zipped for a 2 week trip to Hawaii. It was one of the best purchases I’ve made and I can fit more in it than I could in the ziploc.
Bars instead of Liquids
Another swap you can make is to take shampoo, conditioner, body wash, & lotion bars instead of liquids. For me, this is more of a convenience swap than one based on sustainability. If you take bars, they don’t leak & they don’t have to be in your liquids bag for TSA. I use an empty metal tea container that has four separate sections for my bars when I travel.
As someone with sensitive skin & hair that gets greasy if not washed everyday, I’m not a fan of telling people they should stop using a product that works for them just because it comes in plastic. If you can make a switch to something that doesn’t come in plastic, like shampoo bars, go for it! But, if you try something and it doesn’t work for you, don’t feel guilty about switching back. You can make sustainable choices in other areas.
Personally, I’ve switched to almost exclusively using bar soap instead of liquid body wash. However, my facial cleanser, shampoo, moisturizer, and other products still come in plastic. When they’re empty, I send them to TerraCycle for recycling.
Single-Use Travel Swaps
Reusable & Collapsible Water Bottle
One of the frustrating things if you are traveling by plane is not being able to take a drink through security. This can get wasteful if you don’t have a reusable bottle with you and have to buy drinks in single-use containers.
The solution? Get a reusable and collapsible water bottle, such as a Platypus or Stojo. Even if you have a drink in it when you start to go through security, you can dump the liquid out and still keep your bottle. I prefer a collapsible one when traveling because it takes up less space when not in use.
I have a Platypus that I use when I travel and it is so convenient. I don’t have to buy water, I just fill up at a water fountain. When I don’t have anything in it, it slides easily into my bag.
Travel Utensils
It can be easy to use plastic utensils and straws when you’re traveling. They’re convenient and you don’t have to wash them. But, they can’t be easily recycled and can end up in the ocean and harm marine life (we’ve all seen the straw/turtle pictures).
Instead, get yourself (or make yourself) a travel utensil set. They aren’t very expensive and you can get metal or bamboo. Typically they come with a carrying case, and some are even water resistant. My set has a fork, knife, spoon, chopsticks, and two straws. I take a small bag to put the dirty utensils in and then wash them when I can.
Head’s up that if you travel by plane you CANNOT TAKE THE KNIFE! TSA might also still think you have the knife and pull your carryon for inspection when they see your utensils.
Reusable Bags
I use reusable bags constantly and I find they are really convenient for travel. Instead of using grocery bags to take snacks in, use a reusable bag. I usually pack a couple of small bento bags that I can use if I go shopping while on vacation.
When packing shoes, I do use plastic grocery bags since shoe bottoms are dirty. However, I reuse those same bags for packing shoes for as long as I can. I also reuse the hotel laundry bags for as long as I can for dirty clothes. I do this because they take up less space than a nicer, sturdier reusable bag would take up in my suitcase.
Food Containers
We all need snacks when we travel so we don’t get hangry. But, using ziplocs is not a great choice for the environment. Instead, you can use leftover containers you have at home or use Stashers. Whatever you use to store leftovers at your house, can be used to pack your snacks for your trip. If you’re worried about them fitting in a tight space, Stashers are a great option since they are flat.
You might also have leftovers from eating out at some point on your trip. I always take an empty container to put leftovers in so I can take them with me.
Be a Conscious Traveler
Outside of the swaps and ideas discussed above, it is important to be a conscious traveler. Traveling more sustainably isn’t just about using less plastic and single-use items. It’s also about supporting the people who live in the area you are traveling to and being a responsible steward of the places you visit while there.
It can be easy for us to stay at hotel chains we are familiar with, and to eat at chain restaurants we know. But often when we do that, the money we spend isn’t being reinvested into the local community. The same goes for tour companies and guides. Try to find locally-owned and operated ones to support the local economy.
Seek out locally-owned businesses whenever you can. You’ll probably find some real gems! My favorite places to buy tea and salt are small businesses I found when traveling. I’m able to buy online and keep supporting them even after I’ve left. (In case you’re wondering, those places are Old Barrel Tea Company, Artful Tea, & Salty Wahine Gourmet Hawaiian Sea Salts)
I hope you found these sustainable travel tips helpful. Let me know if the comments if you have any I didn’t include!
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