Zero waste is a set of principles that focuses on sustainability. While it’s not always possible to achieve true zero-waste travel, these are some strategies to minimize your environmental impact while you explore the world.
Book your next adventure to travel with a purpose:
1. Pack reusable items
Travelers often find themselves using more single-use or disposable items than they would at home. It’s easy to avoid sending single-use shopping bags, coffee cups, cutlery and water bottles to the landfill or recycling center with some preparation.
- Packable tote bag: A lightweight travel tote bag replaces plastic bags. It also comes in handy on laundry days.
- Reusable bottle: Refill your water bottle instead of buying a new one each time. In countries where the tap water is not drinkable, a portable water filter like LifeStraw saves money, allows more time for exploring, and cuts down need for plastic bottles.
- Reusable cutlery set: Enjoy delicious food with minimal waste.
- Food containers: Never go hungry with your own snacks tucked safely inside a food container. Plastic or metal are best for travel.
- Toiletries: Hotels often throw partially used shampoo bottles into the trash. Some cosmetic companies make shampoo and conditioner bars that work just like a soap bar. As a bonus? Your days of worrying about shampoo explosions and liquid carry-on limits are over.
2. Book a hotel or hostel with kitchen access
One of the biggest pain-points for those in pursuit of zero-waste travel happens during snack and meal times. Everywhere in the world, plastic packaging of food items is becoming more of a norm. Hotels and hostels with kitchen access can cut down on waste, as you’re able to cook with ingredients from a bulk bin or from a market. While this isn’t always practical, it’s a top strategy for travelers spending more than a night or two in each destination.
3. Learn local lingo
When ordering, tell the staff that you don’t need a straw or napkin. Show them the reusable items in your hand. It could be worth learning how to specify this in the local language in areas where English is not commonly spoken.
4. Shop at the farmer’s market
Local markets are a great place to find fresh produce without the plastic. Food markets with ready-made meals often use locally sourced ingredients and are sold without packaging. Armed with your own shopping bag, container and cutlery makes a visit to the market a zero-waste activity.
5. Make the most of apps and websites for zero-waste travel
As the zero-waste travel movement grows, there are more resources than ever to help cut down on single-use plastics. You can find bulk stores, farmer’s markets, water bottle refill stations, and more.
- Refill my Bottle: An app in Bali where you can find shops with water refill stations.
- Zero Waste App: Shows local water bottle refill stations, farmer’s markets, bulk shops and second-hand stores.
- ShareWaste: Connects travelers to locals who have a compost site or worm farm for organic waste.
- Search for local “freecycle” groups on social media to find or trade secondhand items that may otherwise go to waste.
6. Use what you have
When possible, try to make use of what you already have rather than purchasing a new item. Borrow or rent items that might just be used once or twice during a vacation. From formal attire to snorkeling gear to bicycles to luggage scales, you’ll be surprised at just how many items are collecting dust in a friend or family member’s garage and waiting to be used.
7. Opt for experiences over things
On your next trip, resist the urge to purchase something for the sake of novelty. A camera and a journal can capture moments better than a trinket or souvenir can. Your pictures, stories, and written accounts will be more than enough to keep your memories of the trip alive.
8. Be mindful of water and energy consumption
It’s best to limit your water and energy use on the road, as most countries in the world have yet to move to renewable energy sources. Some tourist hot spots, like Cape Town and Los Angeles, are susceptible to droughts. Help relieve some of the energy strain by turning off the tap as soon as you’re done with it and turning off the air conditioning once you leave your hotel room.
Ready to join the zero-waste travel team?
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Want to read more?
- A practical guide to ecotourism
- Sustainable aviation fuel: Why it matters and how you can help
- How to travel better: Make greener choices with Skyscanner
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