The Complete Guide to Zero-Waste Travel in 2024
As a frequent traveler, you know exactly how much goes into packing all the essentials for a trip. In a world that’s becoming increasingly more aware of environmental threats, zero-waste travel has become more prevalent. But what is zero waste anyway? Check out this guide to learn all you need to know.
7 ways to go zero-waste while traveling
Going zero-waste when you’re away from home might sound daunting, but you’ll have plenty of options. Try out the following tips next time you take a trip.
1. Pack reusable food containers
Reusable food containers are an excellent way to bring your own food with you on a trip. Instead of the standard plastic bags or bottles, you can use a thermos, bento box, or zipper bags to carry your food.
2. Bring a reusable water bottle
In the US, approximately 86% of single-use water bottles end up in the garbage, which is why many people have invested in reusable bottles. Take yours along with you and refill as needed. Not only will it help cut down on waste, but it’ll be a lot cheaper than buying bottles. Better yet, invest in a self-cleaning water bottle to ensure the water you’re drinking is always fresh, clean, and safe.
3. Choose low-carbon transportation
Try your best to minimize your carbon footprint when you travel. Choose environmentally conscious airlines, rideshares, and mass transit whenever possible. Even better, once you reach your destination, consider going on foot to as many activities as possible.
4. Go paperless
You'll undoubtedly get an electronic check-in option if you need to make a reservation for anything during your trip. All you’ll have to do is show your confirmation information on your phone, and you’ll be all set. Similarly, consider loading up a transit card if you’re visiting a city that you can refill as needed.
5. Enjoy the outdoors
Try to choose activities that don’t require a lot of travel or carbon output to participate in. For example, hiking, biking, walking tours, and outdoor attractions like zoos are all excellent ways to minimize your carbon footprint while enjoying your vacation.
6. Go local
Another option to consider is staying local for your vacation. Do a bit of research on your area. You might be surprised at how many activities you can plan for a stay-cation that require little effort or waste.
7. Bring your own food
If possible, book accommodations or vacation rentals that have storage for food and perishables. Then, you can pack groceries in your reusable food containers or bags to avoid grocery shopping or takeout when you arrive.
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9 items to include in a zero-waste travel kit
Here’s a brief list of items you should always include in your zero-waste travel kit. Most are relatively inexpensive and can be reused frequently.
1. Reusable toiletry bottles
Reusable toiletry bottles are an old standard for travelers. Despite the free soaps and shampoos offered at hotels and rentals, bringing your own is an excellent way to cut waste.
SiteSee recommends: Morfone TSA Approved Travel Containers
This assortment of travel containers from Amazon includes everything you need in one useful zip case. The 16-pack comes with 4 bottles, 4 jars, 2 spray bottles, 2 scoopers, 1 funnel, 1 cleaning brush, 1 page label (for marking each bottle with what’s included), and 1 clear bag. What’s more? Each container is made from Silicone which is BPA free and non-toxic.
2. Bamboo toothbrush
Although a bamboo toothbrush might elicit images of splinters, it’s quite the opposite. Bamboo toothbrushes are made of sustainable, long-lasting materials and are a great alternative to traditional toothbrushes since they’re biodegradable.
SiteSee recommends: Biodegradable Natural Bamboo Charcoal Toothbrushes (Pack of 4)
This plastic-free alternative comes in a pack of 4 and is made of eco-friendly bamboo and medium-firm bristles. We love that the toothbrushes and the packaging are 100% biodegradable, helping you to reduce your overall carbon footprint.
3. Reusable ziploc bags
Reusable ziploc bags are perfect for snacks, toiletries, and other smaller items when you travel. Even better, you can use them in your kitchen when you’re not traveling.
SiteSee recommends: Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bags (4-Pack)
For waste-free storage, we recommend this assortment of 4 bags from Stasher. Perfect for all your meals and snacks, this assortment will take you through a busy day and includes 2 sandwich bags (15 oz), 1 snack bag (9.9 oz), and 1 half-gallon bag (64 oz). We also love how they come available in multiple fun colors and patterns (with Aqua being our personal fave).
4. Water-free toiletries
Water-free toiletries, including bar soap, dry shampoo, or powdered shampoo, are more concentrated than their liquid counterparts. Not only that, they take up less space in your bag.
SiteSee recommends: Ethique Solid Shampoo Bar
With over 14K positive reviews on Amazon, you can count on this shampoo bar from Ethique to add oomph to your hair, leaving it soft but with life & bounce. Ethique uses naturally derived ingredients and one bar is the equivalent of 3 shampoo bottles & is good for up to 80 uses.
5. Reusable flatware
A reusable flatware set is an ideal substitute for single-use plasticware. Not only are they sustainable, but they’re much less flimsy. For example, you can find sets made of bamboo, metal, and wheat.
SiteSee recommends: Portable Stainless Steel Flatware Set
Made from stainless steel that’s easy to clean and dishwasher safe, we recommend this flatware set from Amazon. It’s available in multiple colors and comes with 8 total pieces: a dinner knife, dinner spoon, dinner fork, chopsticks, cleaning brush, straight straw, bent straw, and a zipper bag for easy carrying.
6. Comfortable Shoes
If you plan to skip mass transit in favor of walking, be sure to pack some comfortable walking shoes. Walking is a great way to cut carbon, but blisters can make the experience miserable.
SiteSee recommends: Cariuma OCA Low Sneaker
Good-looking, crazy comfortable, and consciously made, we recommend Cariuma’s OCA Low Sneaker for all your upcoming travels. Available in dozens of fun colors, the OCA Low Sneaker not only looks good with just about any outfit, but it also features 100% vegan insoles and a fully-stitched lightweight outsole that’s durable and long-lasting.
7. Biodegradable toilet paper
Whether you’re camping or renting, carbon-neutral, biodegradable toilet paper is essential for cutting waste. You won’t have to worry about cardboard tubes filling up the trash can, and many rolls are pocket-friendly or can be used as compost.
SiteSee recommends: Fancyou Toilet Paper Tablets
Made from plant fibers, these toilet paper tablets from Fancyou are perfect for travel since they’re dehydrated and come in small tubes, saving you space. For anything that needs a quick cleanup, just add a little water to rinse and wring out and it's ready to go. In addition to toilet paper, you can use these tablets for washing dishes, wiping down surfaces, or to even clean your face.
8. Reusable straws
Reusable straws have become increasingly common as more locales ban plastic straws. You'll have plenty of options, including steel, glass, and bamboo. However, if you’re flying with a carry-on, stick to soft material, like silicone.
SiteSee recommends: Senneny Set of 6 Silicone Drinking Straws
This set of silicone drinking straws comes in 6 assorted colors and includes 2 cleaning brushes, as well as 1 carrying portable bag. We love how these straws are also made from premium food-grade silicone that’s 100% BPA-free.
9. Reusable shopping bags
Plastic shopping bags are getting phased out in many areas, so packing your own reusables is a good idea. Whet
SiteSee recommends: BAGGU Small Reusable Shopping Bag
When it comes to reusable shopping bags, BAGGU is the leader. All of their bags come in unique designs and bright colors and include sturdy, generous handles that allow for hand-holding or over-the-shoulder toting. Plus, they are made from pure ripstop nylon that is machine washable.
Wrapping Up
Eliminating waste while you travel isn’t as complex as you might expect. Follow the tips listed above and pack an environmentally-friendly bag. Then, you’ll be on the road to going zero-waste for all your future trips.
Zero-waste travel - FAQs
Still have questions about going waste-free for travel? Here are the answers to a few common questions.
How can I travel waste-free?
Traveling waste-free involves looking at what you usually pack and finding reusable or waste-free alternatives. Zero-waste toiletry bags and carbon-offset transportation are good places to start.
How do you transition to a zero-waste lifestyle?
The best way to transition to a zero-waste lifestyle is to start small. For example, switch to reusable water bottles, straws, and bags. Then, shift toward choosing groceries and other items in reusable containers, such as glass jars.
What are the benefits of going zero-waste?
Going zero-waste has benefits for the environment and your home. Not only will you produce less trash, but you’ll also limit how much waste goes into landfills. In addition, you’ll be able to stretch your grocery budget by skipping single-use containers.