Okay, so I’ve been trying to be better about the whole “reduce, reuse, recycle” thing, especially when I travel. It’s surprisingly easy to create a mountain of trash with all those single-use items. So, I started looking into reusable travel products, and let me tell you, it’s been a bit of a journey!
First, I tackled the easy stuff. I already had a reusable water bottle, but I upgraded to one with a built-in filter. That way, I can fill it up pretty much anywhere without worrying too much about water quality. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely better than buying bottled water constantly.
Then, I moved on to toiletries. Those little hotel shampoos and soaps? Cute, but wasteful. I bought some small, reusable silicone containers. They’re TSA-approved size, so no problems at security. I just fill them up with my regular shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion before I leave.
- Reusable water bottle (with filter!)
- Silicone travel containers
- Reusable shopping bag
Next up, the food situation. Eating out every meal while traveling adds up in cost and trash. I found this awesome, compact reusable cutlery set. It has a fork, spoon, knife, and even chopsticks, all in a neat little case. I also got a reusable food wrap – it’s like cling film, but made of beeswax and cloth, so you can wash it and use it again and again. Perfect for wrapping up sandwiches or snacks.
Making it Work
It wasn’t all smooth sailing, though. I definitely forgot my reusable stuff a few times at the beginning. The key, I realized, is making it a habit. I started packing my reusable kit before I even started packing my clothes. I also keep a small reusable shopping bag folded up in my purse, so I’m always prepared if I need to pick up groceries or souvenirs.
Honestly, it took a little while to get used to it all. It’s not always super convenient. Sometimes I have to rinse things out in a public restroom, or remember to pack my lunch instead of grabbing something quick. But, you know, it feels good to be making a small difference. And, bonus, I’m actually saving money in the long run by not buying so much disposable stuff. It’s a win-win!
