Going Green. Eco-Friendly Travel Accessories
It's an unavoidable fact that taking to the skies leaves a large carbon footprint behind. Travelling by train, bus or car also impacts on the environment. Think green, however, when planning a journey and you can still travel while being kind to the planet.
From travel bags to clothing and water bottles, we've been busy investigating and have selected seven eco-friendly travel accessories that will change the way you travel forever.
What are the most eco-friendly travel products to bring?
- 1. Eco-friendly travel bags
- 2. Odorless clothing
- 3. Travel towels
- 4. Eco-friendly toiletries
- 5. Eco-friendly water bottles and coffee cups
- 6. Organic sunscreen
- 7. Reusable cutlery
1. Eco-friendly travel bags
A roomy and durable backpack is a must-have eco-friendly travel accessory, whether you're embarking on long treks or city breaks. Look for brands that produce bags from polyester made from recycled plastic or GOTS certified organic cotton fabric.
If your eco-friendly bag has waterproof compartments, compression straps, and an adjustable back-system, you can pack comfortably for whatever your journey holds.
Don't forget to pack your eco bag
As more places are matching the eco-friendly trend, retailers are also adding an extra cost to the plastic buy at the time of purchase, so try to be mindful of its impact. Therefore make sure to add at least one eco-friendly bag (or some extras eco bags if you're planning to go on a shopping spree at your destination) to your luggage. A small action can go a long way!
2. Odorless clothing
Save on luggage space and still keep fresh along the way with anti-bacterial and odorless clothing. Even better, cutting down on laundry saves time and hassle while travelling and is definitely good for the environment.
Shop for T-shirts, briefs, pants, socks, bras, and leggings that have been fashionably crafted from GOTS certified organic cotton permanently infused with natural silver. You can wear these antimicrobial and anti-odor basics day after day without having to search for a launderette.
3. Travel towels
Lightweight when dry, absorbent when wet, quick-drying, and definitely environmentally friendly, travel towels tick all the boxes. Towels made from 100% recycled plastic bottles are compact to pack, while organic cotton travel towels come in bright colours that look great on the beach and double up as sarongs.
Bamboo, relatively new to the travel towel scene, is naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial. They can go for days or even weeks without washing. Linen combines the properties of cotton and bamboo with the added bonus of durability. A linen travel towel will happily cover thousands of miles.
4. Eco-friendly toiletries
Ditch the bottles of shower gel and pack an old-fashioned bar of soap instead. Solid toiletries are a solid way of helping the environment, so pop solid bars of shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and even perfume into your toiletry bag. No plastic is involved when keeping clean this way, while the scents seem more intense and longer-lasting.
Other eco-friendly travel toiletries include reusable makeup wipes (just add water) and toothbrushes made from bamboo or beech with charcoal-infused bristles.
Embrace these sustainable options to reduce plastic waste while you travel!
5. Eco-friendly water bottles and coffee cups
A staggering thought – a million plastic bottles are bought every minute. By choosing to stop buying them, you're making a significant difference for the future of our planet. Consider switching to reusable stainless steel bottles, which are responsibly manufactured and designed to keep your drinks cold for 24 hours or hot for 12 hours. Plus, they come in stylish designs!
If you can't go without your regular coffee fix on the move, carry a reusable coffee cup in your backpack. Look for cups made from recycled coffee-chain cups for an eco-friendly choice.
Replenish your empty water bottles after the security checkpoint
Have you noticed that many airports now feature dedicated water kiosks just after the security checkpoint? Take advantage of these stations to fill up your reusable water bottle before boarding. Staying hydrated during your flight is essential, so be sure to stop by one of these water fountains if available at the airport. Remember to empty your bottle before going through security to comply with regulations. Let's stay hydrated and eco-friendly on our journeys!
6. Organic sunscreen
While technically a toiletry, sunscreen is so important it needs a spot of its own. Whatever your day holds, your skin needs protecting as much as the environment does.
Many sunscreens contain chemicals that transfer to the water when swimming but are toxic to marine life. Look for eco-friendly organic brands with zinc oxide as the main ingredient. These provide excellent SPF protection and are kind to both your skin and the environment.
Sunscreens made from zinc oxide are also waterproof, meaning you don't need to use as much. If the bottle is made from plant-based or recycled materials, even better
7. Reusable cutlery
How many times a day do you find yourself stirring coffee with a plastic spoon or using plastic utensils for airline or street meals while travelling? The answer is probably – quite a few.
**Bring some cutlery made from sustainable materials with you so you can them over and over again. Bamboo cutlery travel sets are so light, you won't even know you're carrying them, and most come with their own carry case so they won't get lost in your bag.
Look for a set that comes with chopsticks and a reusable straw and you're ready for whatever's on the menu.
Greener travel for you and the planet
There's nothing better than knowing you're prepared with the best options for you and the environment. Now you've got your eco-friendly packing sorted, it's time to book your next flight.
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