15 Low-Waste Travel Hacks
Traveling is something that we all look forward to doing throughout our lifetime, as a means of taking a mental health break, going on an adventure, work trips or visiting family Unfortunately, transportation accounts for between 15 and 20 percent of emissions each year around the globe. If you can’t stop traveling permanently, try at least incorporating some eco-concious decisions into your travel!
For me, traveling is one of the ways that I escape from reality and truly disconnect from my hectic lifestyle. As an environmentalist, I get anxiety every time I travel because I feel like a huge hypocrite in the movement. However, I think it is really important as individuals to sometimes take a step back and allow ourselves to make decisions that provide us a little bit of mental relief. My main point is- nobody is perfect and we all deserve a break sometimes.
That being said, there are still many ways that you can incorporate an environmentally friendly mind frame into your decisions when you travel, and many of them will actually make things easier for you! From the types of transportation that you choose, to the ways and items that you pack, this article will give you some ideas to think about the next time you go on a trip.
Transportation impact
Walking and biking as much as possible when on vacation is the best way to reduce your carbon footprint while on vacation. I try to book lodging as close to the center of where I am traveling so that I can explore without the need of transportation.
Public transportation is going to have a lower personal carbon footprint, because one vehicle can usually fit many people. Buses, subways and trains all can transport large numbers of people efficiently and with less carbon emissions than each individual being in a personal car.
If you need to travel a long distance, trains have been studied and have lower emissions than airplane travel. Plus, many train rides offer unique views and a different experience when traveling.
Car travel produces more emissions per person than trains and buses, but it surprisingly is better to take your car on a trip compared to making a short flight. Planes create the largest amount of emissions during take-off and landing, which tends to be the majority of shorter flights.
Overall, the most environmentally friendly way to travel is to not travel. But if you do travel, there are ways that you can go about your planning in an eco-concious way!
Travel hacks
1. Paperless tickets
If you are traveling by train, plane, or boat, go paperless with your tickets. Most companies should have paperless options that allow you to simply download your ticket to your phone. Checking-in early the day before or day-of usually allows you to select an online ticket version!
2. Shampoo & conditioner bars
I personally love my shampoo and conditioner bars! You don’t have to worry about packing liquids when you use solid shampoo and conditioner bars stored in metal tins. My favorite brand Hi-Bar is made in my home-state of Minnesota, and works really well with curly and color-treated hair.
3. To-go ware
Reusable cutlery, straws, and tupperware, water bottles, and coffee cups can all be packed in your luggage. If you are worried about space, mason jars can be used as a cup or to-go container! There are also things like collapsible bottles and tupperware available on the market if you want to pack as light as possible. Use them during your travels, and wash wherever you are lodging!
4. Eat and shop local
When you choose locally-owned small businesses and restaurants, you directly support the community that you visit. This is also a great way to discover hidden gems on your trip. I always do my research before traveling to
5. Homemade makeup
There are many resources online for making your own makeup. One way to make an eyeliner/mascara powder is by combining activated charcoal, some bentonite clay, and a few drops of coconut oil. Since this is a dry powder, you roll your application brush in water, then dip into the powder, and then tap the excess off. While not waterproof, I have used this as mascara during 8-10 hour serving shifts in the past!
6. Sustainable brushes
Materials like wood, bamboo, and hemp are all great alternatives to the common plastic handles we see on our hairbrushes, makeup brush, etc. Once your old brush is ready for the landfill, consider replacing it with a more eco-friendly option. Be sure to use what you have until it can’t be used anymore to eliminate unnecessary landfill waste!
7. Pack your own snacks!
Use reusable ice packs to keep a cooler cool, or shop bulk dry snacks like trail mix, dried fruit, etc. Fruits and veggies pre-cut with hummus is my go-to road trip snack! If you are staying in a hotel, it is super easy to rinse the bags out and store them until you get home.
8. Travel by bike once you get to your destination
Many cities have bikes and scooters throughout major tourist areas. These allow you to travel around large areas, and many of the return stations are by public transportation stops. This website has catalogued some bike-shares around the world, and makes it very easy to search what is around your area.
9. DIY dry shampoo
You can make a simple dry shampoo by mixing a ration of 1:1 cornstarch and cocoa powder. Pack it into a metal or small glass container, and bring along a brush to apply. This recipe is really handy to have because cornstarch and cocoa powder are really common and affordable kitchen staples.
10. Deodorant cream
Use deodorant cream to both save space in your bag, and also eliminate bulky plastic packaging. I have had the best sucess with aluminum-free formulas, and my current favorite brand is Meow Meow Tweet. It smells amazing and comes in a small, durable glass jar.
11. Borrow guide books and maps
These can usually be found at libraries, or in online share groups so that you do not have to buy new! Many are also available for online download, which is much more accessible for most. To find resources, simply Google, “free travel guides and maps for (wherever you are traveling)”.
12. Pack a reusable bag
I have a bunch of cloth bags at home, and even have one that folds up into a super small and compact key chain! It is helpful to bring one with you for any souvenirs or shopping you may do. Plus, many places now charge money for using paper and plastic bags. You get to save money and reduce what you send to the landfill!
13. Choose an eco-friendly accommodation
Airbnbs, vacation rentals, resorts, and hotels around the world are beginning to operate more environmentally friendly. Even larger chains of resorts and hotels are adopting sustainability measures. You will very easily be able to find these accommodations if you narrow your search to include the worlds “Eco” or “sustainable”. Green Pearls and ecobnb are great places to start looking at global travel accommodation.
14. Lotion bars
Lotion bars are similar to the shampoo and conditioner bars because they are a solid. That means these can also be stored in a metal tin! Lotion is something that I never seem to be able to pack, but always end up needing at some point on my vacation. I was able to find lotion bars made local and sold at my farmers market, so I encourage you to look and see what is available from your own community.
14. Offset your carbon emissions
When you purchase things like airplane tickets, there are often options to offset the carbon emissions from your trip. This means you pay an extra fee, and that money goes towards a sustainable energy or reforestation project. This is something that I personally have just started looking into, so be on the look out for a more in-depth write up on this topic.
Thanks so much for reading! While traveling isn’t the most sustainable hobby out there, it is an important part of many people’s lives. These are all tips that I have incorporated into my own routine, and honestly it hasn’t added any extra time or money to my daily routine.
To end, here is a photo of my new favorite place, Beacon Rock State Park. I have such a bad fear of heights, but decided to conquer them and tackle this beautiful hike for my 22nd birthday. Here’s to taking life as it comes, and confronting challenges with courage and perseverance!
