Whether heading overseas or on a quick weekend getaway, it can be challenging to maintain a sustainable lifestyle while traveling.
Road trips mean an abundance of take-away coffee breaks, airports are filled with meals wrapped in plastic packaging, and more times than not, you’re just having WAY too much fun exploring to stop and have a sit-down meal — we get it!
You’re on vacation, it’s normal for your sustainable routine to encounter new obstacles.
To help give your travels a super simple sustainability boost, we’ve come up with a list of 5 tips, tricks, and handy reusables to help you enjoy a more environmentally conscious journey, no matter where you venture!
1. BYO Bowls...or Coconut
When on the road, ordering takeaway, or enjoying deliciously authentic local street-food, packing your own reusable container is a great way to cut down on single-use plastics and waste during your travels!
Grab a lidded container to enjoy your meal later, or a Jumbo Coconut Bowl to indulge right away, and fill with takeaway salads, main meals, or cheeky treats for a waste-free alternative.
Worried about the weight of your luggage? All Coconut Bowl’s products are ethically sourced, ultra-light, and the perfect size to toss in your bag and enjoy all your delicious meals on-the-go! Pair your bowl with their Wooden Coconut Cutlery Set to replace plastic utensils on the airplane, in your hostel, or at your newly discovered takeaway spots!
Coco Tip: Always make sure your container is clean, dry, and ready to go! If you’re unsure whether a new takeaway spot will welcome your personal container, simply smile and ask beforehand — most are happy to save their packaging resources as well!
2. Stay Hydrated
Photo: @findmeoutside / @hydroflask
If your anything like us, no matter where we go, we LOVE to start our mornings with a hot cup of tea or coffee and stay nice and hydrated throughout the day. Packing your own water bottle is a super simple way to enjoy your favourite beverages on-the-go while cutting down on plastic waste!
To avoid having to carry multiple containers, we find that purchasing an insulated water bottle is a great way to pack a single item that will keep your water cold, and your morning coffee nice and hot! Check out ethical companies like Hydro Flask, for an epic selection of insulated water bottles and travel cups!
Just remember, if traveling by plane, empty your bottle before heading through airport security and fill it back up before boarding to enjoy during your flight!
Coco Tip: Traveling to a location without potable tap water? Don’t worry! There are heaps of reusable, high-quality Water Purifier options that are light, packable, and will fit directly into your water bottle! Check online or visit your local outdoor supply store for more information.
3. Leave It Cleaner Than You Found It
Photo: @rawandfree
Heading on a tropical vacay? Give back to the community by doing your own mini beach-clean up! A self-run beach clean-up not only allows you to explore beautiful beaches and soak up a few sun rays, but you’ll also be helping to keep the community that is hosting you, clean and waste-free!
Coco Tip: Make your beach clean-up a super fun family activity with these 3 games:
- Have a race to see who can find the most rubbish in 30 minutes.
- Play “Rubbish Bingo”! Write down 9 rubbish items (ie. toothbrush, plastic toy, bottle cap, etc.) Whoever fills out their card first, wins!
- Have a special prize for the most interesting item of the day! You never know what you’ll find!
(Remember to always wear gloves and thoroughly wash your hands after a beach clean-up.)
4. Stay Sustainably
Photo: @nicoleneissany
There are so many perks to staying in a hotel or private accommodation while traveling — room service, housekeeping, and a beautifully furnished room all invite you to kick your shoes off and relax! But daily housekeeping can also have a negative impact on our planet. Here are a few tips and tricks to make your stay more environmentally friendly!
To save water:- Hang up your towels after use to signal to Housekeeping staff that they are still clean and do not need to be replaced.
- Place the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door to avoid having your bedsheets laundered and changed every day.
- Pack your own toiletries rather than using the small plastic shampoo and conditioner provided by the accommodation.
- Use your reusable water bottle instead of the takeaway cups provided to enjoy a cup of coffee in your room.
5. Pack a Bag
Photo: @rawandfree / @richardochristie
If you’re looking for tasty local treats, exploring the Farmer’s Market is a great way to minimize waste, explore your surroundings, and enjoy deliciously fresh fruits and veggies!
Because Farmers Market produce comes directly from the source, plastic packaging is minimal and loose bulk fruits and veggies are abundant! Just don’t forget to pack your Taste Without Waste reusable Grocery Tote, Market Bag, and Produce Bags when you go!
Coco Tip: Exploring a town’s local market is an amazing way to immerse yourself into the culture you’re visiting, directly support local farmers and artisans, and invest your dollar back into the community!
Since many towns largely rely on income from tourism, this is a super fun and sustainable way to chat with locals, learn about favourite ‘Hidden Gems’ to visit and make a HUGE positive impact on the community you’re visiting.
