Sustainable Travel Essentials – it’s the little things
No matter where you are in your journey of being mindful of traveling more sustainably. Any one or groups of our sustainable travel essentials can help you. Whilst there are quite a few easy ways for traveling more sustainably. I believe, it’s the little things that can create a huge impact. Especially with changing some of the basic things we may take for granted, to more sustainable travel gear. Every little bit from every ‘one’ person helps reduce the impact.
What some consider the wonderful convenience of plastic containers is greatly overshadowed by the impact these have upon the earth. Whether it’s by land or by sea the plastic pollution, is a global problem. The United Nations Environmental Program and Food and Agriculture Organization have reported on the Global Assessment of Soil Pollution. Whilst, the UNESCO Ocean Literacy Portal, have put together some key facts regarding plastic pollutions in our oceans stating:
The majority of plastic pollution in the ocean is caused by littering: we buy or use disposable plastic items (food wrappings, plastic bags, razors, bottles, etc.) and do not dispose of them properly.
Whilst I don’t believe that we alone will solve all the worlds environmental problems completely. However, I do consider that in switching to sustainable travel essentials, we take responsibility for the impact we have on the environment.
Though, “together” changing little things such as using sustainable travel essentialswe can make an impact.
This article focuses on the little things, all care has been taken to research the products listed in this article. Including a review of the materials used in production and the manufacturing companies’ policies.
*Disclosure: We may have affiliate links with one or more of these companies mentioned & may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosures for further information.
Preview – 21 Great Sustainable Travel Essentials – it’s the little things
Our preview briefly highlights the little things we use and consider sustainable travel essentials. We have created this list so you can build your own sustainable travel kits for all styles of travel. These are just some of the things that can help you, for more information read our article on easy ways to traveling more sustainably. Links have been added to each heading for your convenience.
- Reusable Food Bags/Wraps
- Food Storage
- Snack – Silicone
- Shopping
- Travel Bottles, Utensils and Containers
- Reusable Water Bottle or Cup
- Reusable Straws and Utensils
- Food Storage Containers
- Eco-friendly Filtering and Cleaning
- Water Filter and Sterilizer
- Laundry Detergent
- Bottle Cleaners
- Personal Hygiene and Protection
- Solid Bars (soap/shampoos conditioner/deodorant)
- Last Rounds or washable makeup removers
- Toiletry Bottles
- Menstrual cup
- Last Swab or bamboo cotton buds
- Toothbrush bamboo
- Eco Floss
- Razor
- Natural Insect Repellent
- Mineral Reef Safe Sunscreen
- After Sun Spray
- Travel Comfort
- Lightweight Throw-Blanket
- Eye Mask
- Pillow
Our travel checklists, are the first step to start your independent travelling. These can assist you with what are great items to include, to your sustainable travel essentials kit.
Checklists for:
- Your destination DO List
- before you travel
- see and do notes
- carry on packing list – warm and cold climate
- checked in packing list – warm and cold climate
Reusable Food Bags/Wraps
As a food scientist what can I say, food first (ha ha)…However, I also recognise there is sooo much plastic that can come with food if you let it…Plastic wrap, individual packs (bags), bags to put your bags in and that is just a few things. Whilst I know some can’t be avoided all the time changing even some of these to sustainable travel essentials will lighten the plastic load, on the Earth.
Whether we are at home, away, on a day trip or an extended holiday. Taking our own bags for food items are a definite sustainable travel essential for us. How much or how little you take is really a personal choice. Though, for me I prefer having some basics. It helps reduce the packaging we use as well as reduce any food waste, when we are buying local produce.
For our food storage, I personally prefer food grade silicon (100%), cotton, beeswax wraps or bags made from recycled material.
Food Storage
Silicone Bags (100% silicone, no fillers) make or large beeswax wraps are great for food storage. Silicone is especially great as wet food or liquid sustainable travel containers. Whilst there are several brands, we prefer the Stasher brand, a little more expensive but 100% silicone.
Shopping
When traveling especially for extended periods, having our own bags of cotton and recyclable material are our choices. What I love about these sustainable travel essentials is they don’t take up too much space in your luggage.
Snack - bag and wraps
For snacks, having smaller silicone bags is great especially homemade bars. Though the, cotton canvas pouches or beeswax wraps are also a choice of ours. Once again Stasher is my go to though there are several brands that have a variety of sizes and materials to choose from.
Travel Bottles, Utensils and Containers
Other sustainable travel essentials we don’t leave home without are our travel bottles. Utensils and containers, whilst also great forr sustainable travel essentials, these are optional for us depending if it’s only a day trip. However, these are more often than not making their way into our day pack. Food Containers are especially handy if getting market food or take-away meals. It has been my experience that vendors are more than happy to serve you in your own containers.
TRVST World states, the amount of plastic entering the ocean each year is staggering (8+ million tons). However, another problem entirely is the use of fossil fuels to produce plastic bottles1. Whilst UNESCO reported on how in the US alone is estimated to throw away about 500 million single-use plastic straws each day, with each taking up to 200 years to fully break down2.
Reports such as this we are finding more and more, with these sustainable travel essentials are finding their way into our back-pack or suitcases. So much so, for us it is time to have a dedicated bag I am thinking for all our sustainable travel essentials. Another group that makes fantastic sustainable travel essentials, in this section of products is HumanGear. Who make a range of silicon cups and bowls, as well as a lightweight mess kist.
- TRVST LTD, Plastic Water Bottles – Environmental Impacts, Last accessed: 2nd November, 2022
- UNESCO Sustainable Travel, 10 Easy Ways to Reduce Plastic Waste in your Hotel, Last accessed: 2nd November, 2022
Water Bottle or Cup
Hydroflask and their Lifetime Warranty is our choice for bottles and cups that are included in our sustainable travel accessories and we’ve tried a few.
Personal Containers
This personal bundle is just another reason why we love Hydro Flask, Lifetime Warranty, 18/8 Stainless steel, insulated sustainable travel mugs. In addition to being BPA-Free and Phthalate-Free. Although if you already have containers with similar features they would be great also.
Straws and Utensils
Having personal cutlery a fantastic way to reduce the amount of plastic waste. Our choice for sustainable travel utensils is stainless steel or bamboo.
As you can see from our examples Hydroflask is our choice for this category of sustainable travel essentials. With their Lifetime Warranty it’s a great feature in my books. Though there are several brand out there that offer similar benefits.
Eco-friendly Filtering and Cleaning
It is extremely important to me that when it comes to cleaning and filtering we have sustainable travel essentials. We all know about micro-plastics in the environment both land and marine. However, there are just as many problems caused by chemicals.
These can be found in many products, some even considered ‘safe’ or ‘natural’. Dispersing as they breakdown into the land, water and our bodies. For this reason, where possible I choose non/low-tox products that are natural and safe for us and the environment. I also use this ethos when selecting items to be included in our sustainable travel essentials.
There is a lot of information regarding toxic chemicals in products we use everyday. For me our products, need to be BPA (Bisphenol A), Pthalate and SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) free is very important. For more information Women’s Voice for the Earth’s 15 Toxic Trespassers a good source.
Water Filter and Steriliser
There are a couple of options here for filtering or sterilising water. Our first pick are these Bamboo Charcoal sticks, whilst I personally love these they do take a bit of preparing, and they don’t sterilise, say creek water (if you camp). If you are traveling for an extended period
Laundry Detergent
With our laundry especially whilst away on extended trips we pack some Biocasa Laundry Strips (as they pack really well). We also have a low-tox liquid we use when traveling locally.
Bottle Cleaners
I am sure you are aware now that Hydro Flask is a favourite. However, the bottle cleaning system is fantastic. Additionally the cleaning tablets are natural, non-toxic, biodegradable and chlorine free. What more could you want in your sustainable travel essentials. So I ask, how can you NOT love them
Personal Hygiene and Protection
Our skin and what we put on it can have not only a huge effect on our body, but what we inadvertently put into the water system through when bathing. And though it may only seem a small effort to use sustainable travel essentials in this regard, it can be something we all do as individuals that has the greatest impact.
Whilst I know those mini bottles can be seen as a cute feature, they contribute greatly to the landfill problem of plastic waste.
UNESCO, reported in the 10 easy ways to reduce plastic waste in your hotel2 that “the international hotel industry uses 150 million tons of single-use plastic every year”. With ECO Business3 also reporting, “A single 200-room four-star hotel can use nearly 300,000 pieces of single-use plastic in a month”. Whilst it’s not all bad news with several hotel groups committing to removing plastic from their hotels. But the question remains is it enough?
This is why like with our cleaning products when I don’t make our own products, we choose items that are BPA (Bisphenol A), Pthalate and SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) free. Additionally, as we always choose a mix of homestays and hotels for accommodation, we always travel with our own toiletries. As I have said before, a small effort by many creates a great impact as a whole.
- Eco-Business, Going plastic-free: How hotels are joining the anti-plastic fight, Last accessed 7th November, 2022
Solid Bars
Soap/Shampoo/Conditioner/Deodorant
Whilst Ethique is my chosen brand of sustainable hair accessories and solid toiletries, as they are completely natural with no nasty chemicals. However, there is an abundance of different solid shampoos and soaps for you to choose from.
Toiletry Containers
Whilst I generally use glass containers for my toiletries. Though, silicone tubes are great when traveling especially using carry-on only, for any liquids/lotions. As these are lighter and don’t take up luggage weight.
HumanGear GoToob+ (pic.) is 100% silicone tube and cap with a PP ring. The sml, med and lge sizes are also ideal taking onboard.
Washable Makeup Removers
There are a few options to replace single use cotton pads for removing make up. Last Round made by Last Object is one, they also make a Last Swab (beauty) for the tricky bits. You can also get washable reusable pads made from 100% cotton. Alternatively, you could be like me and use a cotton or muslin face cloth.
Feel free to scroll past here - Menstrual Cup
The amount of feminine hygiene in landfill is mind boggling, in Australia alone over 660 million end up there. Plus the cost associated with hygiene products is staggering.
To ensure the product you choose is safe and environmentally friendly. Only consider products that are free of BPA, toxins, dyes and latex, and are made of medical-grade silicone.
Our travel checklists, are the first step to start your independent travelling. These can assist you with what great items to include, to your sustainable travel essentials kit.
Checklists for:
- Your destination DO List
- before you travel
- see and do notes
- carry on packing list – warm and cold climate
- checked in packing list – warm and cold climate
Last Swab (Ear)
Tooth Floss
This ECO floss from Biome Ecostore for your teeth is 100% compostable, made from plant material, much better for your teeth and the environment. It is also available in refills, which is a great feature for sustainable travel essentials.
Natural Toothbrush
Always choose a bamboo that is sustainable and Panda friendly. Brushing the charcoal bristled toothbrushes are believed to contain charcoal reactive ions for better cleaning and removal of plaque. All that’s needed is a natural toothpaste to make this set complete.
Reusable Razor
Using a reusable safety razor reduces landfill, and eliminates the need for plastic shaving instruments. It’s important to choose a one made of high quality stainless steel, with blades that can be recycled. The Parker 64S is such a product and available at the Biome Ecostore .
Natural Insect Repellent
To ensure we have a natural insect repellent that contains no-low tox chemicals, I make my own. The blend includes witch hazel, demineralised water, fractionated coconut oil, with a combination of the following Young Living essential oils, Citronella, Lemongrass, Lavender, Geranium, and Rosemary. I would recommend looking for a natural insect repellent with similar ingredients such as Li’ Bit Shoo. However, there are several companies that offer similar products, that are natural and safe for yourselves and the environment.
After Sun Lotion/Spray
Once again I make my own aftersun spray, using high quality ingredients, that include alcohol free witch hazel, 100% aloe vera gel, peppermint, lavender and chammomile essential oils and vitamin E. However, companies such as Lil’ Bit create an aftersun spray that contain these ingredients. Once again it get’s back to using a no or low-tox product that won’t transfer nasty chemicals to the environment.
Mineral Reef Safe Sunscreen
A reef safe mineral sunscreen, is the best sunscreen to use to protect yourself from toxic chemicals, whilst caring for the marine life. We use Young Living Mineral Sunscreen however, brands such as Sun & Earth are a great natural, non-nano particle, biodegradable option. The Save The Reef organisation, has a list of chemicals to avoid, as well as some sunscreen to avoid and what they regards as ‘reef safe’ and all ocean friendly recommended sunscreens.
When it comes to reducing the amount of toxins we put into the environment and our bodies. It is often the best alternative to produce your own, these make fantastic gifts also for not just the travel lovers in your life. With the added benefit of knowing you are giving sustainable travel essentials to your friends and family.
Our top tips to travel more sustainably are here, this is your first step to start traveling more sustainably. A great item to include, to your sustainable travel essentials kit.
Checklists for:
- Ways to travel More Sustainably
- Hidden benefits of small group tours
- Our step formula to create perfect itineraries
Travel Comfort
Everybody loves a bit of comfort especially if traveling for extended periods of time, these items become airplane travel accessories. This is especially important for us when hopping up to the Northern Hemisphere for a holiday. Having some basics can make a longhaul trip much more enjoyable and are really must have travel accessories. Though many planes supply these comforts for there passengers on longer flights. However, if you are looking to be a more responsible traveller, by adding these to your carry-on you are ensuring you have these sustainable travel essentials.
We always choose lightweight products so we keep within the limits for our carry-on, though if you are looking to travel with carry-on only these items may not be regarded as essentials. Personally, we always travel with at least one checked bag when travelling for several weeks at a time.
When choosing, which products to get, consider those that are 100% cotton or another natural material, have a Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and are Fair Trade Certified ensures you are buying a reputable product. Alternatively, you could choose a product made from recycled or upcycled material, such as the gorgeous travel blankets and throws from Waverley Mills.
Lightweight Throw-Blanket
We choose a lightweight throw, when travelling, as one of our sustainable travel essentials. These often double as a large towel, that we can use, instead of hotel towels. I love the Inyo Organic Dobby Throw from Coyuchi for just this reason 100% organic cotton grown + woven in India, and GOTS Certified.
TRTL Pillow
The TRTL Pillow has an internal support that is made of recyclable plastic which cradles your head and neck. Using recycled and sustainable materials wherever possible, using post-consumer PET bottles for the Thermore Ecodown® and PET water bottle exclusively for the Ecodown®.
Eye Mask
The Organic Olema Quilted Eye Mask from Coyuchi is produced from 100% organic cotton grown + knit in India (with a Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) + Fair Trade Certified). This little piece of luxury makes sleeping easier and in my book one of the sustainable travel essentials, everyone needs.
Waverley Mills, has been making recycled blankets for decades using offcuts from the factory floor . The 9 step process has been researched and refined with recycled blankets is still made on site.
I hope these sustainable travel essentials have helped you in your choices, for traveling more sustainably. Any one of these items also make great sustainable travel gifts for the travel lover in your life or add to your own list of things you’d like to have.
Other articles that may help you.
I am always happy to reply to any comments, suggestions for next articles or a hello. You can contact me through our Social Media or at jeanine@letsgoawandering.com with any questions or comments.
Thanks for these recommendations! These are definitely things we should do, it may be hard at first and we forget, but little by little, keep on trying, the change is worth it!
Little by little is the way to go…
So many great products you can feel good about! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you and I love that we get to feel good at the same time as doing good for the planet
Great list for travelling sustainably. These products are really good and very useful while you are travelling. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome…and Thank you, we find them fantastic for travelling especially for carry-on only
Great list! I use many of these items when traveling. Especially the sun tan lotion.
Thank you…and we are using more and more as we travel, glad you liked it…
There are several products on your list I didn’t know about, like the eco floss and the washable makeup remover. Will check into that.
I love the natural insect repellants, but I wonder how well they work if you’re going on a hike, deep in the woods. For hikes, with ticks and Lyme disease I end up buying the stuff with the horrible chemicals. Not thrilled about that, but not thrilled about the horrible effects of Lyme.
That’s a great question, I will try and do some research on those specifics to update you…I do love making my own though…also
so many great ideas for sustainable products, so many I didn’t even know were out there thank you for this post!
Glad you liked and thank you and there are plenty to choose from which is good
Love your tips on eco-friendly beauty products. I will keep them in mind for my next trip!
Thank you so much I am glad they helped…
Thank you for helping educate others on better options for reduced waste. Awareness is the first step to changing our ways.
Thank you I agree it is that first step…
Love the solid shampoo bars! such a great idea and way more environmentally friendly 😉
Oh yes they are a game changer but not only saving plastic usage but low to no toxic chemicals down the drains…I love them
I recently got back from Maldives, and I think the after sun spray would have been super helpful there.
Oh sounds wonderful…except maybe for the fact you needed after sun spray…ha ha but we have it as part of our toiletries, even in the cool areas with snow you can get burnt (personal experience there LOL)
I love all of these ideas and will definitely refer back to some before the next time I travel!
Thank you, I am glad you liked them…a small act can create a large impact
I definitely plan to buy those silicon bags! I can’t imagine travel without my water bottle. You have given me some new ideas.
I love the silicon bags and the different sizes are great…ahh yes I think a water bottle an essential for all trips…glad you got some inspiration
Great list! I also love using toothpaste tablets whenever I can find a refillable version.
That’s a great addition, we use a low-tox brand I pack or refill a silicon tube…but love the idea of tablets thank you
This is a very comprehensive list of sustainable travel essentials! I always use a firm shampoo bar and shower bar for my travels and other stuff you mentioned here but there’s still something I could improve! Thanks for sharing 🙂
You are welcome and so glad there was something for you in the list
Great list here! I also love Ethique. Thanks for sharing.
It’s a favourite of mine also and thank you glad you liked the list
Thank you for this useful list of travel essentials – I can’t imagine how I would survive without many of these things.
Thank you and your welcome, I know exactly what you mean they are truly essentials…
Thanks for all these useful tips! Well thought out and good planning!
Thank you, I am glad you found them useful
Thank you so much for all of the great sustainable travel ideas. Also thank you for caring so much about our planet. On a recent trip to Iceland, I learned of how fast global warming is taking effect when I was at an ice cave and the glaciers were melting. I will definitely use these travel ideas.
Thank you for visiting and I am so glad the ideas were helpful…it’s a beautiful planet and Iceland ice cave sounds fascinating
Nice product selection.
I fully believe if everyone would just make one change -stop buying plastic water bottles, the world would be a much better place.
Thank you so much – I totally agree, I love that even a hotel we regularly stay at have changed their in-room bottles to glass and it’s all local sourced
This is such a great list! There are a ton of packing lists out there, but not many at all that should you how to do it sustainably.
Thank you so much…I am so glad you like it, and that my intent was exactly that…to show how it can be done
I love traveling and sustainable products. Great list for travelers and non-travelers! Thanks for making this.
Thank you…I love both those things also and I am glad you liked it
so many great ideas. They would make great stocking stuffers and Christmas gifts for family and friends who love to travel.
Thank you…and yes I agree, in fact they probably will find there way into our camping loving families Christmas box