How to Reduce Plastic Waste While Traveling: Eco-Friendly Tips

It is important to reduce plastic waste, as it can harm the ecosystem, human health, wildlife, and natural resources. It can also pollute the soil and water sources. Moreover, tiny plastic pieces play a significant role in greenhouse emissions, a major cause of climate change. Reducing the plastic footprint is impossible without people’s contribution. Here are some ways to reduce plastic waste while travelling and make your travel sustainable. 

Tips for Reducing Plastic Waste During Travel

Pack With Care

Packing reusable items helps you avoid the usage of single-use plastics. What are the things to pack?

• Water bottles: Avoid bottled water by packing a stainless steel water bottle and refilling it at water stations.
• Cloth bags: Use them for buying groceries, fruits, and all other shopping needs.
• Cutlery: Pack stainless steel spoons and forks and silicone straws to avoid single-use plastic alternatives.
• Cups: Take stainless steel cups and use them instead of plastic and paper cups while travelling.
• Small towels: Did you know wet wipes are non-degradable and can harm the environment? Use small cloth towels to wipe your face. Add them to your packing list.
• Small bowl: Who doesn’t like to try the popular street food in the area? Street vendors generally serve food in use-and-throw bowls that go straight into trash cans. Pack a bowl and buy food in it.

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Use Plastic-Free Personal Care Products

• Toothbrush: It is shocking but true that plastic toothbrushes contribute to more than 1000 tonnes of landfill in a year. Opt for eco-friendly bamboo instead of plastic ones.
• Razors: Carrying a reusable razor with replaceable blades is a better option than using disposable razors.
• Solid toiletries: Liquid shampoos, soaps, conditioners, and body washes are generally in plastic bottles. Solid shampoo and soap bars not only reduce plastic waste but also occupy less storage space while packing. Try to find products packed in eco-friendly materials.
• Menstrual products: Go for reusable menstrual pads and period panties. They can be washed and used multiple times. You can also use menstrual cups and organic tampons.
• Chemical-Free Sunscreen: Planning to go on a beach holiday? If so, you should ensure you get a sunscreen lotion free of toxic chemicals. The harmful ingredients harm not only your skin but also the marine life. Find a sunscreen lotion containing natural ingredients.

Stay in Accommodations With Low Plastic Usage

• Accommodations with green certifications are a good choice, as the certificate is proof of their sustainability.
• You can opt for homestays and farm stays instead of lodges because staying with locals reduces your plastic footprint. Moreover, you will feel happy that you supported the local economy.
• Look for eco-friendly accommodations that ensure zero plastic waste with proper recycling facilities and composite initiatives.
• Look for hotels following sustainable practices like the usage of refillable soap and shampoo dispensers and the provision of water refilling stations.

Book your travel with eco-friendly travel companies

• Eco-friendly travel companies reduce waste by avoiding single-use plastics and implementing proper waste disposal and recycling programs.
• They also use eco-friendly travel options, such as electric vehicles, and promote walking and biking tours wherever possible. 

Dispose of waste responsibly

• Carry a small trash bag with you and dispose of plastic waste in the right waste bins or recycling bins.
• Join the local clean-up drives and help the tourist destinations in reducing the impact of plastic waste.

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Other things you can do

• Buy food items in bulk and avoid individual snacks packed in plastic.
• Get plastic-free souvenirs for gifting to your near and dear ones at home. Souvenirs made by local craftsmen are a good option.
• Compost organic and degradable waste whenever and wherever possible.
• Avoid purchasing beverages packaged in plastic bottles. Instead, buy beverages in glass and metal containers.
• Avoid chewing gums that are made from synthetic materials containing polyethylene polymers. As an alternative, you can use mints packaged in metal containers.
• Use matchsticks instead of plastic lighters.
• Write positive reviews about eco-friendly accommodations and travel companies.
• If you write travel blogs, spread awareness through them.

Conclusion

Reduce, reuse, and recycle should be your policy while travelling. Practice it, preserve natural beauty, and ensure a sustainable environment wherever you travel.