8 Zero Waste Travel Essentials

Thinking about going on vacation or on a weekend getaway? I feel you. If you’re new to sustainable living, you might be wondering how can you create an eco-friendly travel kit. Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered.

Even though this is a summer like no other, due to pandemic and all its limitations (closed borders, resurgences, etc.), many of us are still dreaming about a day by the sea or seeing our beloved after so much time apart. 

Whether you’re new to zero waste or just want to make your lifestyle a bit more sustainable, you might be wondering what are the essentials and which brands you should buy.

Well, we’re all different and we all have different needs. So I am sticking to the basics in terms of items that might come in handy.

So, which items can you find at a zero waste travel kit?

1- Reusable Water Bottle

Nothing new here, as this is a zero waste essential. So why is this item so important when you’re traveling? 

• It allows you to save (a lot of) money. Especially at airports. Just make sure it’s empty before you pass through airport’s security.

• You can refill it pretty much everywhere.

• You’re more prone to keep your hydration levels up.

• And the most obvious one, you’re not using single-use plastic bottles. 

My recommendation: If you don’t have a reusable water bottle, buy one that is relatively light and resistant. Even though I am a big fan of glass bottles, I prefer a stainless steel one when I am out and about. As these won’t break. My favourites? The ones from 24 Bottles. 

2- Soap Bar

This one has never been this important. As you need to sanitise your hands more regularly, a soap bar is a great, affordable and eco-friendly alternative to hand gel.

Plus, you can use it in the shower.

How to storage it? Wrapped in a bees wax wrapper or similar. Yes, small tins may be a nice alternative but… if the bar isn’t fully dry you’ll end up wasting product. So if you’re using a tin to carry your soap bar with you, make sure it can fully dry by adding some small rocks or chopsticks (broken into smaller pieces) at the bottom.

3- Shampoo Bar

You can take the same shampoo bar that you’re currently using at home or buy one for the occasion. I usually take mine wrapped up on a beeswax wrapper.

In case you don’t know, there are also travel friendly alternatives like Beauty Cubes. Really easy to use and no product waste involved. 

Do you need a conditioner? Well, don’t worry. These are pretty easy to find in a solid or cube version. 

4- Solid Toothpaste

No travel kit is completed without this one. When you go zero waste, this one might seem tricky when you’re traveling - as you might not want to take a glass container with you.

Luckily, there are plenty of solid versions out there. So you can still keep your mission and go through airport security without any fuss.

Toothpaste or mouthwash tablets or soaps are some of the most reliable options out there. Yes, the experience isn’t the same as the one with your regular toothpaste but it’s just for a couple of days.

5- Natural deodorant

Plastic free, glass free and nasty free. Before going zero waste, packing my deodorant was always a headache for me. Because my favourite deodorant came in a glass package (and yes, a few were broken a few in the past).

Luckily, it’s really easy to find sustainable deodorants with a long-lasting effect at any zero waste or health food store. 

My favourite brands? The lavender one from Kutis. But you can also make your own at home using simple ingredients,.

6- Canvas Bag

This one is an absolute life saver for me when I am traveling. First, it’s super light and you can easily storage it anywhere. Second, it’s really reliable and versatile. Third, you probably already have plenty of these at home (no need to spend money). 

I use these to carry my water bottle, food and whatever I buy along the way.

7- Reusable Food Wrappers

Bring a beeswax, air tight container (stainless steel or plastic) or another reusable food wrapper with you.

It allows you to prep your own snacks before a day out (saving money and eating healthier) or to refuse any single-use wrapper solution that you might be offered at a café.

8- Reusable Coffee Cup

If you’re a coffee lover (like me), you might not be able to go without your cup of joe… even if you’re on vacation.

In order to save you from the heartbreak of having your drink served in a disposable coffee cup, bring a reusable cup with you.

The best part? Plenty of café chains (Starbucks, Whole Foods, Pret A Manger, Costa Coffee…) will offer you a discount for this zero waste action.

Don’t know which reusable coffee cup you should buy? I’ve tried a few brands during the last year and, for me, the best one so far was the one from 24 Bottles.

Have you done any of these swaps so far? Feel free to share your experience in the comment area.