Becoming an earth-minded traveler begins with an eco-friendly travel packing. Leave single-use products out of your suitcase and pack stylish, eco-friendly products that do not harm the environment. If you are in two minds about zero-waste packing, here are some facts that may help you act sooner than later.

In the past 60 years, the number of plastic production has risen from 1.5 million tons to 320 million. Every day, about 8 million pieces of plastic pollute the oceans, and no less than 5 trillion macro and microplastics float on their surface. Marine biologists consistently conclude that plastics make up 60 to 90% of all marine debris, and conservationists find plastic pollution in sea turtles, whales, seals, and seabirds. Non-degradable waste piles up on landfills and other natural habitats. It’s not a pleasant story to listen to, but it’s not one whose end cannot be altered. We have created a list of eco-friendly items to pack for your travel to minimize the waste you produce and give a future to the next generation of beings. 

Organic food & drink

The packaging industry, especially food and drink packaging, benefits the most from the use of plastic due to its low cost and endurance. If you are serious about eco-friendly travel packing, start from the basics. Here are three must-have reusable food and drink items: a stainless steel water bottle, an organic hot drink cup, and a plastic-free shopping bag. No earth-minded trip can begin without these eco-friendly essentials. If you want to take your ecological effort one step further, add to your list a fancy color silicone sandwich bag for your hikes and picnics. For new parents, we recommend reusable baby food pouches. 

Personal hygiene eco-friendly items

Think of your earbuds, shampoo, toothbrush, and dental floss. What do you see? Plastic. That is a lot of waste for a mindful person like you, right? The good news is that you can avoid it without limiting your comfort and hygienic habits. Replace the above-mentioned products with compostable cotton buds, organic dry shampoo in a tin, a bamboo toothbrush, and biodegradable dental floss in a glass bottle. Other daily used products to replace with their eco-friendly alternatives are your hairbrush, deodorant, soap, and sanitizer.

Beauty products for your travel

You are beautiful people who look after themselves, and we admire your drive and boost of self-esteem you get through your appearance. But can you please help us maintain the natural beauty of our environment too? Scrub butter, makeup removers, men’s razors are all beauty products that can be harmful for the environment. We compared two labels of scrub butter for you. One has no synthetic preservatives and artificial colors; no petrochemicals, is hexane and gluten-free, and comes in a jar made of 100% uncoated PCW paper. The other scrub butter has titanium dioxide for coloring, sodium benzoate, which increases obesity, allergy, and inflammation risks, cocamidopropyl betaine, a known eye and skin irritant, and is packaged in plastic. The choice is yours, but the oceans and forests are everyones!

Sustainable gadgets

Whether you are packing for a camping trip, an autumn city break, or a beach holiday, you can always add some gadgets on your list. We recommend looking at higher price tags when buying a flashlight for your outdoor adventures. They guarantee sustainable power through solar energy, human heat, or movement. Additionally, they are made of eco-friendly materials instead of the typical plastic and aluminum. Also, check out energy-efficient solar speakers with portable power banks to charge your phone. 

Eco-friendly travel organizers

Staying organized while traveling is essential for enjoying your trip. The last thing you need while traveling is losing your passport, leaving behind your favorite gadget, or packing for the wrong occasion (or weather). Packing light is one way to stay organized. Besides, separate your stuff methodically so that you know where everything is when you need it. We recommend planet-friendly travel pouches, a backpack made of recycled plastic bottles, a travel kit with the eco-friendly essentials, and a zero-waste wet bag for cosmetics and toiletries.

Plastic-free accessories

We love accessories because they take our style to a whole new level. However, the materials used for accessories production can be a burden for the environment. Accessories such as sunglasses, watches, and wallets are essential. But before you rush into any purchases, make sure you can identify the appropriate items for an eco-friendly travel packing. Check out the latest designs of handmade, wooden watches and sunglasses, and help the planet while making an eco-fashion statement.

An earth-minded traveler isn’t only eco-conscious but also well-prepared for all weather conditions. Pack an umbrella, but preferably one that won’t add a burden to the planet’s waste. There are plenty of brands to choose from that boast the use of recycled elements and organic bamboo. Did we mention they are light, available in custom colors, and endure strong winds? Our favorite addition to our zero-waste accessories collection is a passport holder and a laptop sleeve made from recycled billboards. Who would have thought?

Leisure items to pack

Do you aspire to do some reading during your beach holiday, write a travelogue, or simply chill on your towel and gaze at the horizon? You can do all three sustainably and responsibly. Lie on the beach on a 100% organic beach towel, write your adventures on a notebook made from agricultural waste from sugarcane, and educate yourself about zero-waste living through one of our book recommendations, “How To Give Up Plastic” by Will McCallum.