Traveling is not just about packing your backpack and jetting off to your favorite island, it also comes with a lot of responsibility for the traveler.
Traveling is known for leaving a lot of carbon footprints which greatly harms the environment. That is why sustainable traveling is regarded as the best way to reduce all that damage to the planet and it also helps the travel industry in the long run.
Why is Sustainable Traveling Necessary?
Sustainable traveling also known as eco-travel involves making certain choices that help in reducing the carbon footprint that comes with traveling.
Most of the tourist traffic is concentrated in coastal regions which is why incidents of plastic pollution are on the rise in these places which gets worse during the peak season. This proves to be detrimental to marine flora and fauna.
Apart from that, several places on this planet have fragile ecosystems, damaging that cause extreme fluctuations in temperatures and the sea level. To stop that we need to be mindful of our plastic consumption which is especially important while traveling.
How Do You Travel Sustainably?
Traveling sustainably might sound like it involves some very complicated steps but in reality, it is much more simple than that.
For an average traveler that means being more mindful about the things they pack in their bags, choosing the ones that are least likely to harm the environment.
Aiming to reduce waste while traveling is one way to travel sustainably, this means that you go for travel essentials that are reusable such as, water bottles, straws, storage bags, and so on.
8 Eco-Friendly Travel Essentials to Travel With
1. Sturdy travel backpack
The first step to traveling mindfully is to invest in a sturdy backpack that is roomy, comfortable, and able to stand the test of time.
Backpacks are great for any traveler that is looking for a hands-free travel experience that is also comfortable to carry especially when you are traveling for long distances.
Backpacks from Pakt are a great investment because apart from providing enough mobility and being sturdy and comfortable they are also made from eco-friendly materialsPakt is Climate Neutral Certified and they also offer a range of
backpack accessories that go well with their backpacks and help you in staying organized while traveling.
2. Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated while traveling is something that is very important and the best way to do that is by drinking water.
Unfortunately, most people rely on store-bought water that comes in a single-use plastic bottle. Although they are not expensive at all but solely relying on bottled water creates a lot of waste which eventually ends up in the ocean.
To avoid this you can carry a reusable water bottle with you while traveling.
3. Reusable straws
Traveling means visiting different places which involve trying different foods and drinks that sometimes need a straw.
Apart from plastic bottles plastic straws also create a lot of waste ending up in the soil and water where they break down into micro-particles and enter the body of animals that accidentally ingest them.
Therefore, instead of using a plastic straw every time you head out for a drink carrying your reusable straw can make a lot of difference.
4. Storage bags
A lot of travelers are guilty of carrying their toiletries, wet clothes, food, etc in plastic bags simply because it's convenient for them.
But plastic bags wreak havoc on the environment creating unnecessary waste. They are also very difficult to recycle and end up endangering marine life.
Silicone bags are a great alternative to plastic bags, these bags are safe for the environment aside from being leak-proof and great for organizing.
5. Bamboo cutlery
If you are a fan of eating street food carrying your own set of bamboo cutlery can come in handy when you are traveling. Most street food vendors offer throwaway cutlery made of plastic which creates littering and pollutes the environment. You can avoid that by carrying your own set whenever you are out to dine.
6. Eco-friendly Sunscreen
We all know how important it is to apply sunscreen before going out in the sun. Most sunscreens available in the market today are made with harmful chemicals such as octinoxate and oxybenzone which can eventually enter the oceans and harm the coral reef by disfiguring them.
This is why investing in a good sunscreen that is coral-reef friendly is a must if you want to be an eco-friendly traveler.
7. Sanitary products
Getting your period while traveling can be a big nightmare for you but it doesn't have to be that for the environment as well. Disposable sanitary products have been a go-to for most women for decades.
Although they might be convenient and comfortable to use, they negatively impact the environment and take years to completely break down. Using sanitary products such as menstrual cups, biodegradable pads, etc can not only be cost-effective but they are also a great blessing to the environment.
8. Bamboo toothbrushes
The reason why plastic toothbrushes are bad for the environment is that they are difficult to recycle and are 100% nonbiodegradable.
Every year billions of plastic toothbrushes are used and thrown away which then end up in landfills and also make their way to our oceans.
A better way to avoid this is to switch to bamboo toothbrushes because they are completely biodegradable; before throwing them away you can simply take the bristles out and put them in your garden or compost and the bamboo handle will break down in some months.
Additionally, the carbon footprint of producing them is a lot less than plastic toothbrushes.
Traveling comes with a lot of responsibility. The very first step to being a responsible traveler is to commit to traveling sustainably by taking into consideration the kind of products to pack. Saving the environment is not just one person's or one nation's duty. As travelers, even a small thing like going for a reusable water bottle instead of single-use plastics or using reef-friendly sunscreen can also make a big impact.
