It can be challenging to settle a packing list for a summer trip when you have to consider your needs and the planet at the same time. Regardless of the items you decide to bring with you, everything we do leaves an environmental footprint. So, what is the best way to head out without negatively impacting the natural world, or at the least, leaving minimal impact? Below you'll find helpful packing tips and pointers for your summer eco-adventures!
Table of Contents
Let's dive in!
Pack Universally Compatible Basics
Vacations are a great time to try out the capsule wardrobe lifestyle. Pack sustainable clothing that can be used in different combinations. Choose transitional garments which can rock both day outings and evening plans to keep your bag light, and reduce your flying footprint. Fuel releases carbon dioxide, adding to greenhouse gas emissions. So if you want to travel green, less weight is the way to go!
Choose Sustainable Backpacks
When it comes to green travel backpacks, sustainability and Terra Thread's Sustainable Backpack go well together. Terra Thread's Earth Backpack is made of fairtrade organic cotton and is GOTS Certified. Plus, it is manufactured in Fair Trade Certified Factory.
The backpack is lightweight, soft, strong, and most importantly, spacious. The multiple compartments and pockets make it easy to organize belongings, and there is an interior laptop sleeve that fits 13" – 15" inch laptops. Additionally, the sides have water bottle pockets so you can carry your liquid and stay hydrated at all times. All the essential backpack features to satisfy travel requirements!
A backpack is among the most essential and practical items to have when traveling. It keeps us moving, engaged, and pushing forward. So, make sure to make a sustainable and ethical decision for your backpack!
Pack Plastic-Free Toiletries
Any packing list is incomplete without toiletries. Bottle your existing supplies into recyclable containers rather than buying travel-size products. If that is not possible, buy skincare and makeup items made with non-toxic ingredients. For instance, most sunscreens contain oxybenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, and nanoparticles which are harmful to the environment. Oxybenzone and octinoxate in particular are dangerous to coral reefs (important parts of the oceanic ecosystem). You can use eco-friendly reef-safe sunscreens if the beach is a part of your vacation plans or Vitamin-C sunscreens for other options. Once you've decided on the items, organize them in a cosmetic & toiletry bags for effortless unpacking on the other end.
Choose Sustainable Travel Tools
If your travel plans involve exploring the wilderness, make sure the tools you bring with you are the most environmentally friendly. For instance, download e-maps for navigation over paper copies and carry rechargeable flashlights. You also want to take your favorite reusable items if you're going on camping trips, such as reusable cutlery, green food wraps, etc.
Reusable Cutlery
Americans use about 561 billion different plastic cutlery and throw out over 50 billion coffee cups annually. Bringing reusable cutlery can significantly minimize plastic pollution waste throughout the journey. Consider washable and non-toxic wooden or bamboo-made spoons and forks, stainless steel containers, steel straws, reusable mugs, etc.
Green food wraps
Sustainable Beeswax wraps are washable, reusable, and biodegradable and also contain antibacterial properties which help keep the food fresh.
Reusable water bottles
Carry your reusable water bottle to avoid buying bottled water. Around 8 million metric tons of plastic bottles end up in our oceans every year, killing millions of marine lives. With reusable bottles, you can easily refill and have access to drinking water at all times.
Make beautiful memories to bring back with you, and leave no waste behind. Happy travels!
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