We’ve scoured the web for zero waste travel essentials and found the the BEST Eco-minded travel products and packing tips for the earth friendly world traveller. Ready to cut plastics from your travels? Lets get started!
Zero Waste Travel Essentials Kit
Unfortunately, as amazing as travelling and exploring new countries can be, the on the go lifestyle has a tendency to create waste, everything from eating out, drinking from plastic water bottles in countries without safe drinking water, and even the personal hygiene products you use can all add up. So what is the eco minded traveller to do? One option is to live a zero waste lifestyle, by committing to create less waste every single day.
Remember, the world does not need a couple people being perfect zero waste, it needs millions of people trying their best, reducing where they can.
Travel Water Bottle With Filter
If you are travelling to a country where you cannot drink the tap water then you will be forced to buy water in plastic water bottles. If you buy 3 large bottles a day, that is 21 plastic bottles in the landfill (or ocean) every week, per person. The better option is to reuse and reuse a water bottle. This is probably the best single thing you can buy before travelling to reduce your waste, because drinking water is a basic human need, there is no getting around this! A reusable water bottle, ideally with a filter, should be the first purchase for your travel zero waste starter kit!
You will have a few choices for what kind of travel water bottle to buy. You can simply get a normal reusable water bottle (we love these ones because they have an easy attach handle, perfect for travelling) and refill it with filtered water sources. These may be difficult to find, and lots of countries do not have drinkable tap water, so we would only advise this if you are travelling somewhere where you know the tap water is drinkable.
The second option is a medium quality water bottle, something like the very popular for traveller’s, Lifestraw. This travel water bottle has an Award-winning hollow fiber membrane water filter removes bacteria and protozoa from lakes, streams to ensure safe, clean drinking water. The only thing it does not remove is virus’s, so if you want to take it to the next level, check out the 3rd option. You may want to get a filter that removes virus’s if your water source is close to human or animal sources.
The third option, which we recommend is to buy something like the Grayl Geopress Travel Water bottle which will purify your water from all bacteria and even virus’s. Effortlessly fill from any spigot, hotel sink, murky river, taco stand, lake, or well. REMOVES ALL PATHOGENS: Viruses, bacteria and protozoa - from any freshwater source on Earth. Filters pesticides, chemicals, heavy metals, and microplastics; improves taste. This is the gold standard for a travel water bottle with a filter. It will mean that you do not have to buy water in plastic bottles in any scenario.
Reusable Straws
Next up on the list for your zero waste starter kit for travel is reusable straws. This isn’t a necessity unless you are a straw person, but if you are a straw person, this kit of silicone straws is easy to travel with, and comes with enough that you can share with your new travel friends. Score! If you are heading to Thailand be forewarned, the drink of choice at most beach bars is a ‘bucket’ aka loads of booze in a sand bucket, with some cola, ice and LOTS OF STRAWS! I’m not kidding they put a full handful in each drink sold. These bars are often on beaches, and the waste goes straight in the ocean, its a sad story, so do your part and say no thanks because you have your own. Eco Waste Legend!
Cutlery & To Go Plate Kit
One of the fun parts of travelling is trying all the amazing food from street vendors - unfortunately that means lots of single use waste, unless you show up prepared with your handy to go plate & utensils! This handy bowl, plate and utensil kit means you have the freedom to buy your own food, store it and has a handy tether to attach to your your backpack. This is a great zero waste travel essential for the eco warrior.
Nice and compact this travel kit packs well either in backpack or clipped on the outside. Very easy to clean and lightweight.
A Daypack
You will need a bag or day pack of some sort to carry your day to day things around while you are adventuring, plus it is handy to put anything you buy so you can say no thank you to single use plastic bags, a crucial step in the zero waste lifestyle. Make sure you have a decent day bag for your adventure!
Period Gear
This one is for the ladies! It is super simple to make your period a zero waste event with a bit of simple pre-planning. Step one, get the diva cup which is ahhhhmazing and zero waste. Second step is get a couple pairs of organic period panties, which are basically lined underwear and great for the lighter flow days or as back up. This isn’t just an essential item for being zero waste while travelling, but also for living zero waste at home too.
What else do you pack to make sure you are reducing your waste while travelling? We would love to hear your zero waste tips in the comments!
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