Eco-Friendly Packing Tips for the Conscious Traveller

Travelling offers plenty of opportunities, from immersing oneself in diverse cultures to unwinding
after a hectic week. However, it often leads to waste generation. Here are some of our Eco-friendly packing tips to make you a conscious traveller.

As a mindful traveller, you aim to have the best travel experience while being gentle to the
environment. Whether you’re gearing up for a month-long vacation or a quick weekend
getaway, here’s a helpful guide to sustainable packing that will help you support the planet as
you travel around it.

 

Choose a Sustainable Bag

 

Before packing, consider the material and history of your luggage. What’s it made from? Is it
light? Will it last you years? It’s also great if it’s from a company that upholds ethical conditions.
Making grand sustainability claims is easy nowadays, so be mindful of the brand you’re buying
from. Look for shops committed to doing their part for the planet. A high-quality backpack or
suitcase made from eco-friendly materials is the ideal option, decreasing the need for frequent
replacements.

 

Pack Light

 

Just like the famous adage says, less is more. Avoid bringing your whole wardrobe with you
when going on a quick excursion. Packing minimally is a sign of living a sustainable lifestyle, so
embody this eco-friendly way of living while you explore the world. Here are some strategies for
packing light:

● Make a list: Create a list of essentials and stick to it.
● Limit heavy items: Multiple pairs of shoes and books add unnecessary weight.
Consider bringing e-books and versatile footwear.

● Invest in multi-functional products: Splurge on products that serve dual or triple
purpose. For instance, buy a pillow that turns into a blanket to ensure your comfort
during your flight.
● Use travel-sized toiletries: Avoid packing sachets of shampoo and conditioner. Bar
and bottle alternatives will save you some space in your luggage.

 

Avoid Fast Fashion

 

Clothes in fast-fashion shops offer affordability and unique style, which may tempt you to hoard
the most trendy pieces. However, this industry has already generated more emissions than
maritime transport and air travel combined.

Avoid packing items made from nylon and polyester — two common types of plastics. Choose
clothing made from natural fibres like organic cotton, silk and linen. Unlike synthetic materials,
they don’t create microplastics during washes. You can also buy from thrift shops, borrow
clothing from your siblings and swap items with friends so you stay fashionable while taking
care of the environment.

 

Bring a Reusable Water Bottle

 

Staying hydrated while travelling is essential. Using a reusable water bottle can help you
achieve this goal while reducing plastic waste. Unlike water bottles, a stainless steel container
can help maintain the temperature of your beverage. Many airports now have water refill
stations, meaning you can save money on costly drinks.

 

Use Reusable Shopping Bags

 

One of the most significant waste contributors during travel comes from single-use items,
including sachets and plastics. Remember to use reusable bags when shopping for your travel
essentials and don’t get bags for small items like batteries, cotton swabs, and other products
that can fit inside your pocket or purse.

Plastic bags from grocery stores may accumulate where you’re staying, contributing to clutter,
so pack a few reusable shopping bags into your luggage. They may be useful for souvenir
shopping, reducing plastic usage and eliminating waste during travel.

 

Support Local Artisans

 

Save some of your luggage space for local products, which are handmade and made of unique
materials. Doing so lets you experience local culture and you might even watch how they make
it. Buying from talented artisans also helps preserve their traditions.

 

Go Paperless

 

While it’s essential to bring photocopies of your important documents while travelling,
minimising paper consumption is necessary. For instance, use a map app on your smartphone
rather than a physical map. If going 100% paperless is unavoidable, consider using recycled
paper or print on both sides of the page.

 

Bring Ethical Accessories

 

Who says you can’t be stylish and ethical at the same time? Add sustainable hats, scarves,
necklaces and bracelets to your luggage. A pair of sunglasses with a lighter grain of wood is
ideal for beach settings, so pack some when you’re off to a tropical paradise.

 

Pack Eco-Conscious Hygiene Products

 

Invest in sustainable essentials, such as reef-friendly and dolphin-friendly sunscreens that don’t
contain oxybenzone, avobenzone and octinoxate. Other hygiene items include:

● Sustainable floss: Look for a product derived from plant-based sources.
● Bamboo toothbrush: Compared to other trees, bamboo grows and multiplies quickly.
Use a bamboo toothbrush that naturally contains antimicrobial properties.
● Natural deodorant: Switching to natural deodorant is more skin-friendly than those
laden with chemicals that can potentially cause skin irritation.

 

Travel Sustainably

 

You’re now all set for a wonderful trip ahead. Travelling is fun, but it doesn’t have to stop you
from practising habits that help ensure a better tomorrow for the next generations.

Author: Jack Shaw, senior writer for Modded Magazine, has spent over six years writing advice
for seeing as much of the world as possible. Writings about his experiences and favourite
destinations can be found in Travel Magazine, Trekaroo, and more. Reach him via LinkedIn with
inquiries.

Background Image
Caption: Traveller in the rice fields of Bali (Jamie Fenn)
Featured Image
Caption: A woman’s travel suitcase (Anete Lūsiņa)
Gallery Images
Caption: Reusable water bottle (Bluewater Sweden)
Caption: Passport and other travel essentials (Barbara Maier)
Caption: Reusable travel-sized containers (Denise Chan)