Pack smart, travel light: sustainable packing and waste reduction tips

With more of us going on vacation more often, it’s becoming increasingly important to find ways of traveling more sustainably. Traveling better will look different for everyone, but making small changes in your packing habits and consciously choosing eco-friendly products is a great place to start. We believe that if more people action small changes, then the positive effects will snowball. Whether you’re headed off on a local getaway or to some further-flung destination, we have a few ideas up our sleeves: read on for our top packing and waste reduction tips to help you travel sustainably.

Deciding what to pack: eco-friendly essentials to help you travel sustainably

Pack smart with eco-friendly tech gear and gadgets: charge up your devices with the power of the sun. There are some fantastic solar-powered charging devices out there, and technology is improving fast.

Make use of eco-friendly toiletries: be a conscious consumer and choose eco-friendly brands that really care about the ingredients they use. Check your local wholefoods store or market for small-scale brands that work hard to be sustainable. But before buying new, be sure to use up all those half-bottles languishing in your bathroom cabinet.

Bring your reusables along, from water bottles to bags: rock that string shopping bag and sip on cool water from your favorite insulated bottle. Traveling sustainably just looks so much better on you than a bunch of throwaway plastics.

Embracing minimalist packing: less is more

Studies have shown that the anticipation of a vacation is a bona fide mood booster that can often be as sweet as the actual trip. Approach the process of planning your vacation wardrobe as an integral part of that pre-trip thrill. Flounce and twirl in those summer dresses, open that top button and dip those sunglasses, or find just the right layering of microfibers for the great outdoors.

Conscious clothing: building a capsule wardrobe for travel

The key here is to choose wardrobe staples that you know work with multiple outfits. For women, leggings are a great option, being lightweight, comfortable and versatile. Wear them on your flight, for hiking trips or paired with a tunic for a night out. For men, consider packing comfortable slacks and shorts rather than jeans, as they take up less space and are better in warm climates or for hiking when there’s a chance of rain.

It’s always nice to have something new to wear for a trip away. But instead of hitting the high street shops, consider buying second-hand instead. Pick up a new sunhat on a pre-loved app or eye the rails of your local charity shop or thrift store.

Wherever you’re off to, a capsule travel wardrobe will save you time, effort and angst while you’re on your trip. All-importantly, streamlining your luggage will reduce your carbon footprint.

Travel sustainably by leaving no trace during your trip

When it comes to finding ways to travel sustainably, many of the eco-friendly choices we make at home can be carried through to our vacation. Some of the most conspicuous waste on our planet has to be single-use plastics. However convenient these have been, continuing to use throw-away plastic products just isn’t sustainable. To follow the ‘leave no trace’ principle, we can endeavor not to rely on single-use plastics at all.

Packing your own canvas or string shopping bags, reusable water bottles and hot drink cups are all simple fixes. These are small things that make a big difference over time and en-masse. You might even consider packing a takeaway dining set, with a lunchbox, cutlery and metal straw.

If this last one feels a step too far for you, then consider turning down plastic straws, ice-cream spoons and unnecessary packaging, and ask for paper bags rather than plastic. Where you can, opt to eat-in and use washable crockery rather than take out. Taking the time to sit down and unhurriedly enjoy a coffee or a snack is a far better way to enjoy a new place than rushing off with a carry cup of caffeine.

Beauty and hygiene products that work for the planet

If you possibly can, we always recommend opting for carry-on luggage only. If you are traveling light on a flight, then you’ll need to adhere to the 100ml bottle rule at security. There are plenty of sustainable travel hacks that make this simple. Note that none of these involves buying those, admittedly handy, travel-size bottles of shampoos and sunscreens, even if they are cute.

One no-nonsense way to stay fresh on your travels is to invest in a set of sustainable travel containers. These can be small bottles or pots in lightweight aluminum or sturdy plastic that you can label and top up with your regular shampoo, conditioner or shower gel. You can add pump action bottles for sunscreen or scent if you like. Most deodorants and toothpaste come in containers under 100ml, so these are less of an issue.

Another great eco-friendly travel tip is to opt for a solid block shampoo instead. For even more minimal packing, there are products out there combining shampoo, conditioner and body wash in one single bar with a carry case.

If you’re heading somewhere sunny, then the hot topic is sunscreen, especially so if you’re going to be swimming, snorkeling or diving. Many standard sunscreens contain chemicals that are harmful to coral reefs and contribute to coral bleaching. Even if you’re not hitting the beach, using reef-safe sunblock means that these chemicals won’t find their way through the drainage system to the ocean. There are great mineral-based sunblocks on the market, so add them (or decant them) into your sustainable travel bag.

Travel sustainably: recycling and disposing of waste responsibly

Everywhere does recycling a little differently, so wherever you travel, take a moment to ask around and look out for your recycling options. It could be that there are clearly marked separate trash cans in the street, perhaps certain stores accept returns of glass bottles, or local people gather plastics and cans for remuneration at recycling centers. Chat with your local expert about waste management in your chosen destination, and get a jump on your zero-waste travel goals.

Make it happen

For more ideas around how to travel sustainably, read our article on responsible tourism and how to make a difference when traveling. Reimagining travel to support the planet, its people and the environment is fundamental to how we run our business; read more about our vision for travel today.