Okay, so I’ve been trying to get into this whole “waste-free” thing, especially when I travel. It seemed daunting at first, but I started small and it’s actually been pretty rewarding. Here’s how I did it.
Packing My Stuff
First up, I ditched the single-use travel-sized toiletries. You know, those tiny shampoo bottles that last like, two washes? Yeah, those are gone. Instead, I got myself some reusable silicone containers. They’re squishy and don’t leak, which is a major win. I filled them up with my regular shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. I also switched to solid shampoo and conditioner bars – they take up way less space and there’s zero plastic involved!
Then used a bar of soap,with a case for my body.
- Reusable Toiletry Bottles: Check!
- Solid Shampoo & Conditioner: Check!
- Bar of Soap:Check!
Food and Drinks on the Go
This was a big one. I used to grab so much takeout and bottled water. I felt bad to waste so much plastic.
I invested in a good quality, insulated water bottle and a reusable coffee cup. I also packed a set of reusable cutlery, a cloth napkin, and a few reusable food wraps (like those beeswax ones – they’re awesome!).
And it’s been so much better for keeping the waste down when I’m out exploring.
When I ordered food, I asked them to skip the plastic cutlery and napkins, I can use my own kit.
- Water Bottle: Always with me!
- Coffee Cup: My morning savior.
- Cutlery & Napkin: Ready for anything.
- Food Wraps: Bye-bye, plastic wrap!
At the Destination
When you reach to your destination,try to rent a bike or use local transport if you can, or just use your feet!
I found some great local markets and bulk stores where I could refill my containers with snacks and essentials, avoiding all that extra packaging.
The Little Things
I also started saying “no” to things like plastic straws and those little hotel soaps wrapped in plastic. Every little bit helps, right? I carried a small reusable bag with me for any unexpected purchases, so I didn’t need to use plastic bags from stores.
This is also good for the earth.
Honestly, it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. It just took a little planning and getting used to some new habits. But now, I feel so much better about my travel footprint. It’s a work in progress, but I’m definitely sticking with it!
