Traveling With Minimal Waste

I love to travel. It opens your mind and your heart. It allows you to see life outside of yourself. Walking along the ancient canals of Venice. Absorbing the grandeur of the Grand Canyon. Admiring the masterpieces of the Louvre. I have gained inspiration and knowledge and perspective through traveling. 

As a zero waster though, traveling presents some problems. 

I’m not perfect. And the truth is, no zero waster is perfect. If you love to travel, I don’t think you should have to sacrifice that love. Because, there are so many steps that you can take to greatly reduce your carbon footprint.

1.    ALWAYS BRING A REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

This is the top priority. On my recent trip to Europe, I did not use one single-use bottled water. My travel buddies, however, did because they didn’t have their own water bottle. I did not struggle at all to find ways to fill my water bottle. How many bottled waters do you buy while traveling? All that plastic waste entering the landfills and oceans, where it will sit well beyond your lifetime. This is such an easy fix! You can even buy tiny water filtering devices called GoPure pods, and always have filtered water.

So many public water fountains in Europe

2.    IF YOU DRINK COFFEE, CARRY A REUSABLE CUP

I love coffee and drink it every day. For this reason, I always have a reusable coffee cup when I travel. Using one cup for water and coffee is fine. I just prefer to have them both, because I always want access to water.

3.    ALWAYS CARRY A REUSABLE BAG

We use bags for so many things, and I simply carry a reusable cloth bag in my purse folded up. Honestly, I don’t even notice it’s there, until I need a bag, and I am so glad I have it.

4.    BRING YOUR OWN FOOD ON THE PLANE OR IN THE CAR

For trips within driving distance, I pack my own food. This ensures less opportunity for waste and plastic use. We often stay places where we can cook our own meals. This is a double reward, because it also saves money! If you are traveling by plane, you can bring your own food into the airport. Check out the TSA website if you are unsure, but they allow many foods.

5.    TAKE VACATIONS TO LOCAL SIGHTS

This is a great way to travel and also have a low carbon footprint. Take a weekend trip to a relaxing cabin. Check out new cities near you. America is huge, and dramatically different in its regions. Some of my favorite vacation getaways were within driving distance of my house.

6.    AVOID AIRPLANE FOOD AND DRINK

Malibu, only an hour from my house
but such a great getaway

Almost all food and drink inside the airport and airplane will be packaged. Often this packaging is plastic. It’s also expensive and mostly unhealthy. Bringing your own food to the airport fixes all of these issues. When in flight, avoid snacks and drinks, which won’t be difficult if you have packed your own food. If you just must have a drink on the plane (I enjoy a cocktail from time to time), ask to use your own cup or save the plastic cup they give you and recycle it. Airports do have rules about using personal cups, so don’t take it personally if they refuse. It’s for your safety. I have been refused but have also been able to use my cup. It’s worth a try.

7.    RECYCLE

Collect any recyclables and recycle when you are able, just like you would at home. Most countries in Europe have more advanced trash and recycling methods. Almost all airports have recycling bins also. If you use reusable containers, you shouldn’t have much to recycle.

8.    TOILETRIES

I have learned that I don’t need many toiletries when traveling. I pack a bar of soap, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, lotion, and my face care products. I don’t even bring a razor, anymore because I never use it. If you don’t check luggage, bringing safety razors is tricky. I would recommend trying to go without but won’t judge if you keep a disposable razor around for travel. I pack my other toiletries in my reusable travel containers.

9.    PACK LIGHT

This last tip requires practice and some strategy. You will have to make some tough decisions about shoes and clothing, but it is worth it. No more waiting for checked luggage. No more losing checked luggage. No more extra fees. No more trekking around a new place with a giant bag trailing behind you. I easily survived a two-week vacation in Europe with only one carry-on bag and my purse. You can always do laundry if you need fresh clothes.

I hope you try out one or all of these tips next time you travel. Once you get started, you’ll find it is not difficult to travel with an eco-friendly mindset. It is actually freeing!