Five Zero Waste Travel Essentials

Imagine that you’re stuck in a train station somewhere in Southern France, staring down the coffee machine. You really really really want that tiny cup of espresso, but you also really really really don’t want that plastic cup that it’s going to come in. Reducing and preventing waste while traveling can be a daunting task. In a fast paced world filled with grub on the go, it can be difficult to say no to single use plastics, but being prepared makes all the difference! Here are 5 things that I always bring with me on trips to reduce waste:

1.

A water bottle isn’t just a low waste travel essential, it’s an every day essential. Bringing your own water bottle along for the ride can help you to avoid the use of single use plastics everywhere from the airport to a mountain trail. Just make sure to bring an empty one to the flight gate!

2.

I always travel with my 16 oz stainless steel cup. You can use a cup for so many different things! I’ve filled mine with iced coffee in Montréal, ginger and carrot juice in New Orleans, and even with beer (in various locations!). Throw a sleeve on it and it works for hot drinks, as well.

3.

A sealable container, like a metal tin or mason jar, will be your new best friend to travel with! I always pack some snacks in my metal tin for a long flight or road trip to save me from any wasteful food packaging. Once you’ve eaten your snack, you can fill your container with other yummy foods during your trip!

4.

Traveling with your own reusable straw and cutlery may seem a bit extra, but they sure do come in handy often, and they don’t take up any room in your carry-on! I always carry a straw and fork with me while traveling. I might just use them a couple times, but that’s a couple pieces of plastic that won’t end up in the landfill.

5.

I don’t leave home without a canvas tote and a couple of small cloth bags, and it’s no different when I’m traveling! Going to check out a local market? Bring your bags. Taking a trip to the bookstore? Bring your bags. Want to buy croissants to go? Bring your bags. Don’t have a nice canvas bag? Buy one as a souvenir on your next trip!

It’s impossible to travel without producing any waste. Your flight or drive alone is going to produce more emissions than you want to be responsible for, and unfortunately there’s not really much we can do about that for the time being. We can, however, prevent waste in other places. Being prepared for possible needs while traveling can help you reduce waste (and usually, save money, too!). Carrying your own water bottle, cup, container, straw, cutlery, and bags will probably add like 2 pounds to your carry-on. Traveling can throw a lot of unexpected curveballs your way, so next time you’re stuck in an airport or train station somewhere, at least you’ll have your reusable cup to fill with coffee!