Written and photographed by Samantha Demangate
When you plan a trip to another city or country it requires research. You may need to create an agenda, purchase tickets, budget and even learn a new language. Amongst that, you will need to make a packing list. Preparing for a trip can be a ton of fun, however the act of traveling can result in a lot of waste. Pollution comes with commercial travel and the beautiful places that we seek to visit are usually prone to suffering the consequences. But packing and traveling sustainably will help to reduce this waste.
Today, we will discuss your packing list and the impact that your suitcase can have. Sustainable efforts are occurring worldwide, and it is becoming common to see eco-friendly practices in daily life. Packing and traveling sustainably is a little more difficult, as you may need to buy travel size products and single use items as you move around.
Let’s Discuss our Packing Habits
Living on the road for over six months now, I am constantly looking for ways to reduce my footprint. I travel with a 60 liter backpack only and I try my best to travel with little consumption. I am by no means perfect, but I am constantly adjusting and improving my habits.
The guide below includes items that are for general travel through small towns and cities. It does not include gear that I might pack for more strenuous situations such as camping and mountainous backpacking.
Here is a brief insight on my basic sustainable packing list:
Food and Drink
- Reusable stainless steel water bottle
- This is possibly the most obvious on this list.
If needed, you can find water bottles with a filter. They are better for certain travel situations. For my current travels through South America, I have gotten by on filtration systems within my accommodations and on filtered refill fountains.
- This is possibly the most obvious on this list.
- Reusable Straw
- A must in certain situations. In some areas, it is unsafe to touch your mouth to cups or bottles. It is also a perfect replacement if you prefer to use straws in general.
- Tupperware (1 or 2 pieces)
- You will need these for leftovers! You think you won’t, but you will. I pack things such as phone batteries and gadgets in them to account for the space they take up in my backpack. I tuck one or two pieces in between my clothing. Wash them at your lodging, and you’ve got an easy to go box to put in your day bag. They’re perfect for packing dry foods too!
- BONUS – Thermos
- If you’re a coffee addict and you have a little extra space, pack a thermos! I use a small tumbler every morning and even take it on my walks throughout cities. I make my coffee and tea just as I’d like it and usually curb my impulse to buy beverages out ( I always enjoy having a beverage in hand).
Shopping
- Tote bag or a reusable grocery bag
- Using plastic bags is a huge waste while traveling, and it’s so easy to whip one of these out when you make a purchase. An easy addition to your day-bag and folds up nicely. Bonus if you bring a cute tote!
- BONUS – Fruit and veggie bags
- For those of you who cook while you travel, packing these saves a lot of plastic when shopping at the grocery store. I count the plastic bags I collect when buying fresh vegetables and the numbers are sometimes alarming. While you can find ways to reuse tiny plastic bags, it’s better to just not use them at all!
Toiletries
- Toothbrush (bamboo) and tongue scraper (stainless steel)
- Buying a wooden or bamboo tooth brush is a fantastic alternative to plastic. In addition, purchasing a stainless steel tongue scraper is a one time purchase and cuts down on plastic. A win-win!
- Reusable cotton rounds
- Great for removing makeup and washing your face. You will save a ton of waste and money on this one. Pack a handful and wash them by hand after every use and you will have a perfect cycle of fresh cotton rounds.
- Soap bars and bar alternatives (shampoo and conditioner)
- Packing shampoo and conditioner bars, body bars and face wash bars help to cut down on plastic and they last longer. You can find a variety of great shampoo, conditioner and fast wash bars at Lush.com. There are many other bath product options, but this is my personal one stop shop!
- Reusable and washable earplugs (for light sleepers)
- The amount of foam you toss in the trash due to single use plugs is jarring. Plus, you will save a lot of money by buying a reusable pair of earplugs.
- BONUS-Sewing kit and shoe glue
- This comes in handy when least expected. Instead of completely replacing a top, you can quickly sew it up and move on with your day! Some of my pairs of shoes have split due to use, but cosmetically, they look perfect. A line of shoe glue and they’re good to go. Way better than having to throw a perfectly good shoes in the trash and hunt down a new pair.
Are You Ready to Pack?
These are all items that are currently in my travel backpack. Your needs may vary! I am not perfect and I have made and continue to make many packing mistakes. Sometimes I produce more waste than necessary and am constantly seeking room for improvement. But I think about it daily and am constantly analyzing how I could reduce my footprint.
You can find almost all of these items at local stores near you. If possible, I encourage you to purchase small and support your local business. In addition, this cuts down on shipping waste! (I’m looking at you, massive Amazon boxes!) A win-win all around.
It will take a little extra time to pack sustainably, but I promise, it is worth it to travel without leaving a trail.
Did you enjoy this article? Check out another article about sustainability here: Shopping on the Road: Second Hand Travel Hacks