Eco-Friendly Travel Products are more important than ever. If the last two years have taught the world anything, it’s that it has never been more critical to make eco-conscious choices when it comes to travel. The long pause showed that fewer crowds and a reduced footprint allowed some of the most delicate eco-systems on earth to rebuild, repopulate and thrive in the absence of humans. While most travel will never be completely free of environmental harm, there are several steps travelers can take to do their individual parts. Start by examining what they pack, then reduce waste, eliminate unnecessary plastics, and replace them with eco-friendly travel products. Here are a few items that will help travelers get started.
Outlery
Health and wellness are paramount in this new era of post-pandemic travel, and foodborne illnesses are one of the leading causes of interrupting a vacation. Travelers can avoid poorly cleaned utensils and disposable plastics by packing an eco-friendly Outlery kit in their carry-on. Outlery is hailed as the “world’s smallest cutlery set.” Outlery utensils are crafted from fine-grade stainless steel, and travelers can purchase sets that include forks, spoons, chopsticks, and straws. Even the packaging is eco-friendly and made with recycled materials.
Campsuds Biodegradable Soap
Camping and outdoor enthusiasts are likely already familiar with eco-friendly travel products Campsuds. This travel staple is a multipurpose soap derived from vegetable-based biodegradable cleaning agents. Instead of unnecessary perfumes, Campsuds use natural oils and fragrances. The great thing about this product is that it’s small enough to pop into a carry-on bag and can be used for everything from bathing, washing dishes, clothing, and more.
Cloud Turkish Towel
Turkish towels aren’t new, but they’re a must-have for savvy travelers for several reasons. Sand Cloud towels are the ultimate luxury towel, hand-loomed in Turkey and made from organic cotton. Beach lovers prefer Turkish towels because of their unique, tightly woven design, making them sand-resistant. They’re also known for their high absorbency and lightweight design, making them the perfect carry-on travel addition. Swell
Stainless Steel Water Bottle
There are reusable water bottles, and then there’s Swell. These triple-insulated water bottles will keep water cold for an impressive 41 hours. Coffee and tea drinkers can enjoy their hot beverages for 18 hours, making these reusable bottles perfect for travelers constantly on the go. The price may seem high, but these virtually indestructible bottles come in various sizes and patterns. Greenzla Reusable
Makeup Remover Pads
Toiletries can be filled with disposable plastics and harmful chemics, but products like reusable make-up remover pads can offer travelers a lightweight, eco-friendly option. Greenzla Makeup Remover Pads are made from organic bamboo cotton, which means they’re also great for those with the most sensitive skin types. With twenty pads per pack, travelers can likely complete a trip without needing to wash them on the road.
OneNine Reusable Toiletry Bottles
While hotels may upgrade their in-room spa products, travelers who bring their own hair care, body wash, and skin care can use these convenient, waste-free travel-sized toiletry bottles. Made from vegan-friendly, recyclable materials, this eco-conscious line of silicone refillable containers and travel pouches is lightweight and TSA-friendly.
Organic Cotton Shopping Bags
According to the Center for Biological Diversity, Americans use an estimated 100 billion plastic bags annually. And if that number is hair-raising enough, it takes 12 million barrels of oil to make those bags. On a global scale, humans use 5 trillion plastic bags every year. Many countries are doing away with single-use plastics, and travelers will be forced to adopt more sustainable options. Organic cotton shopping bags have multiple uses, they’re washable, lightweight, and the best way to cut down on shopping waste.
Two Peas Organic Sunscreen
For anyone heading to the beach, reef-safe sunscreen is the ultimate organic travel product to have on hand. Destinations like Hawaii, Aruba, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have banned sunscreens that contain chemicals such as octnoxate, oxybenzone, and octoerylene. Such ingredients lead to the degradation of delicate coral reef systems and threaten the various species that call the ocean home. Products like Two Peas Organic sunscreen offers the same level of UV protection without harmful chemicals. Packing tip: You won’t be able to pack a regular size bottle in your carry-on due to size limits, so squeeze some into one of your OneNine reusable toiletry bottles so you’re beach ready the moment you step off the plane.
With hundreds of eco-friendly travel products available, it’s now easier than ever for travelers to reduce their environmental impact. With governments and environmental organizations working in earnest to create stronger sustainable travel initiatives, the message to travelers is clear; the wave of change starts at home, long before travelers step foot in the destinations they hope to explore.
