Simple Ways To Reduce Single-Use Plastic When Travelling
Being on holiday can certainly make it trickier to avoid single-use plastics. This is something I definitely find. But with a little bit of organisation and forethought, it can still be quite simple to save a whole lot of plastic. Here are some ideas..
Reusable zip lock bags
Use them at the airport for any liquids that need to go through screening, or use them to store snacks while you’re away.
Reusable silicone ziplock bags from Kappi.
Solid soap bars and beauty products
You can find shampoo, conditioner, soaps, moisturisers and cleansers in solid bars. Whether or not you use them at your home usually, these are super useful when travelling. Not only are they good for the planet, they’re also just very convenient as it means you don’t have to worry about liquids leaking through your bag.
Plastic free cosmetics face kit (cleanser, scrub, serum & moisturiser) from Ethique.
Bring produce & market bags
So you can save needing to use plastic bags when you’re food shopping there.
Bring a water bottle
If you’re somewhere with drinkable tap water, just bring your own bottle and refill it throughout the day. It’s free!
Bring your own cutlery for takeout
Tuck a reusable cutlery set into your bag everyday, or even just bring a set of cutlery from home and wrap it in a little cotton pouch.
Reusable wooden cutlery set with organic cotton pouch from Flora and Fauna.
Reusable bamboo cutlery set from Kappi.
Bring some small containers
Use them to store snacks throughout the day, a packed lunch, or if you’re getting take-out, ask them to put your food into one.
BYO snacks
Bring fruit, veggies, nuts, homemade treats, plastic-free/bulk bin chocolate or whatever else is your jam along for the day.
Bring a reusable coffee cup / insulated cup / straw
If you know you’ll be buying coffees or cold drinks, bring your reusable cup with you. This can also double as an ice-cream cup (if you’re more of an ice-cream in a cup than in a cone person).
Takeaway vegan ice-cream made single-use-plastic-free in a reusable cup.
Shop at bulk food stores
Head to a local bulk food store if there’s one near you, or look for the bulk bins at the supermarket. And if you’re buying packaged food, see if there’s an option packaged in cardboard instead of plastic (or whatever has the least plastic).
Seek out local farmer’s markets
Since it’s coming straight from the farm, a lot of the produce will hopefully be loose! (And super fresh and tasty).
On a last little note, I think it’s also good to remember that we’re all imperfect, and we don’t need to be too hard on ourselves for plastic-free fails. Any small steps we take towards more eco-friendly living are still great!
What do you do to save single-use plastic when travelling? Leave us a comment below.
Lead image credit: Kappi