Six Simple Steps to Sustainable Travel
Bring your own water bottle
Let’s be honest – when we visit hot countries, we find ourselves drinking litres upon litres of water by desperately trying to stay hydrated. Sometimes we can be a little dramatic by pouring water down our bodies ala Baywatch, or using the water to wash the beach sand off our feet – I know I certainly have. It’s time to trade in the tonnes of plastic water bottles you buy while on your holiday, by purchasing an eco-friendly one that can live with you for life, or just about. Not only have you saved yourself a ton of money but you can top it up with free water from fountains, or fresh streams and simply feel great because you’re making a difference. PS. you can get an insulated bottle which will keeps things cool and hot, so whether you’re in Sri Lanka or Sweden, you’re sorted!!!
Toss out your (plastic) toiletries
Shampoo, soap, razors, deodorant, toothbrushes etc are all human essentials, and usually come in travel size plastic bottles, which we are guilty of grabbing right before we hop on that flight. Convenient? Yes! Cool? Hell no. What if I told you that you could be convenient and cool at the same time? It just takes a bit of planning. Nowadays, there are loads of products that you can choose from that will get you just what you need, but in materials that are far more friendlier for our planet. So leave that beautiful destination with only memories, and not your dumped single use plastic.For example, you can replace your liquid shampoo for the soap bar one instead, swap your plastic soap dish for a tin one right here and toss your plastic razor and toothbrush for a bamboo one like this. Easy peasy! I challenge you to try and make all your toiletries plastic free. It’s totally possible.
Pack your own cutlery
I’m serious! How many times do you grab a bite to eat on the run, and are told to get your cutlery just to the left, and to your dismay you find its ALL PLASTIC. Avoid this at all costs by packing your very own spork (spoon and fork in one) so you’re always prepared!
BYOBB (Bring your own bag, babe)
One of my favourite things to do in a new country is check our the local grocery store. There are so many weird and wonderful brands and things I’ve never seen before that I could literally spend at least an hour having a nosey. Once you’ve made your purchases, instead of using the standard plastic bags that are provided, pull out your reusable cotton shopper and strut out of that store knowing you’ve just done the planet proud!
Say ‘see ya” to single use straws
Just think of the amount of straws you’ve used in your lifetime and be honest with yourself – were they really necessary? Can a strawpeedo be done any other way? Well – YES it can. If you need to use a straw to sip your slush, then opt for a paper one, or better yet – go without!
Avoid the airline food
Before you even reach your destination, you can be saying YAY to the sustainable way. You know those crappy plastic wrapped earphones you don’t need? Yup, say see ya. Also, that mediocre food that’s gloriously covered in clingfilm / plastic wrap – no thank you! Yes that ever tempting back of the plane tray of treats can be tantalising – but remember it’s wrapped wickedly. Not good. Curb the cruelty and take your own paper wrapped snacks on the plane.
What else can you do? There really is quite a lot. It just takes a bit of research. Earthday have a great calculator to help you weigh up your plastic pollution and great tips on how to reduce it – it’s a great start.
Do you have any other plastic free tips for me?
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