Travel is an act that every individual seems to desire at one point or another, but often, we conveniently ignore the environmental impact our journeys can have. Today, environmental degradation remains at a record high with climate change disrupting the very fabric of society. It is crucial that we take more sustainable steps in every aspect of our life, including travel. Thankfully, numerous companies are creating sustainable, eco-friendly travel gear options designed with the eco-conscious traveler in mind.
Eco-friendly Luggage
One of the first considerations for any traveler is luggage. Look for options made from sustainable, recycled materials. HEYS offers a series of eco-friendly luggage made from recycled plastic. Each purchase supports the planting of trees in deforested areas worldwide. Similarly, Looptworks uses excess fabrics from other companies to create stylish, sustainable luggage. Rather than these materials ending up in landfill, Looptworks gives them a new lease of life.
Sustainable Clothing
Clothing obviously plays an essential role in travel. Consider brands that prioritize sustainability such as Patagonia and Kathmandu. Patagonia’s ‘recycled down’ jackets, for instance, are made from reclaimed duck and goose down while Kathmandu utilizes organic and recycled materials in its Eco range clothes. Similarly, PACT Apparel uses organic cotton, non-toxic dyes, and fair-trade factories to produce comfy, stylish travel-friendly clothing options.
Earth-friendly Shoes
Many shoe companies are now prioritizing sustainability. Allbirds, for instance, uses responsibly sourced and recycled materials to create comfortable and stylish shoes. Their packaging too is made from 90% recycled cardboard. In another range, Adidas has teamed up with Parley for the Oceans to create shoes made from recovered ocean plastics.
Reusable Water Bottles
Single-use plastic water bottles contribute significantly to the pollution problem. The market offers plenty of reusable water bottles; one standout is Hydro Flask – their double-walled, vacuum-insulated design keeps your drinks hot or cold for hours. Another great option is LifeStraw Go; these bottles come with a built-in filter removing bacteria and parasites from the water.
Eco-conscious Toiletries
Travel toiletries often come in tiny plastic bottles that are difficult to recycle. Consider choosing products from companies like Ethique that offer shampoo, conditioner bars and other products in plastic-free packaging. Alternatively, Lush Cosmetics produces a range of solid toiletries, eliminating the need for plastic containers. For your oral care, charcoal-infused bamboo toothbrushes from Brush with Bamboo are fantastic replacements for non-biodegradable plastic toothbrushes.
Bamboo Travel Utensils
Single-use plastic cutlery is another significant contributor to the trash piles. Opt for bamboo utensils instead. Bambu’s Eat/Drink Tool Kit includes a fork, knife, spoon, and straw made from certified organic bamboo. They come in a cork pouch that’s easy to carry in your travel bag.
Solar-powered Chargers
Charging your devices while on the road can lead to a lot of energy consumption. A solar-powered charger provides a green solution. The Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus solar panel is lightweight, weather-resistant, and capable of charging handheld USB- and 12-volt devices directly from the sun.
Green Travel Apps
Several apps can aid in your green travel efforts. The Fill That Hole app, for instance, allows users in the UK to notify local authorities about potholes, reducing carbon emissions by facilitating cycling and public transit. The PlantSnap app can help identify plants, encouraging appreciation for local flora.
Eco-friendly Sleeping Bags
Choosing eco-friendly sleeping bags is another way to minimize your environmental impact. REI Co-op’s Magma Trail Quilt is an excellent option made of responsibly sourced down and recycled materials.
In conclusion, there is no shortage of ways to travel green while maintaining the same level of comfort and convenience. Investing in eco-friendly travel gear is not only beneficial for the environment but can also be cost-effective in the long run. By choosing to go green on your journeys, you are pledging to protect and conserve our planet’s magnificent places for generations to come.
