How to Use Less Plastic When You Travel
Do you travel a lot and wish to cut your plastic consumption? The only thing you must do is to make the final decision to reduce plastic when you are on the road. Read tips on how to use less plastic when we travel that are easy to follow and make a difference for our environment.
Plastic is a part of our everyday lives. Still, it is quite hard to realize the real problem caused by the over usage of this material when you live in a country where most people behave responsibly, where litter is not everywhere and scattered in all directions on the ground, and recycling is a quite natural step in the whole consumption process.
This is probably one of the main reasons why travelers, out of all people, have become so vocal when it comes to protecting our environment and planet Earth.
When you travel long term, especially to the less developed countries, you will soon realize that we live in a plastic world. It is unavoidable. It is the same in your home country; it is just not that plainly visible.
Every one of us probably already has the heartbreaking experience of walking on a beach that once was pristine now covered by trash, seeing strayed dogs looking for leftovers in the piles of plastic bags, and observing small kids happily throwing garbage on the roadside.
Yes, traveling is not only about wonderful life-changing adventures, but it also serves as a huge eye-opener.
We are not here to tell you that plastic is wrong, and you should never use it. It would be a utopia. Of course, we use plastic as well, both at home and on the road, because it is simply impossible to cut down plastic consumption and live a 100% zero waste life.
This blog post's main goal is to realize that we can use less plastic when we travel (and when we live our everyday lives) and set the right example for the others.
It is also necessary to say that recycling is really not the answer how to deal with plastic, so we really have to start with reducing our plastic consumption and trying to find more eco-friendly solutions.
Once we begin to be open to the new ideas and alternatives, we create the pressure on the plastic producers and companies that use plastic to wrap their products, and they might come up with more environmentally friendly solutions.
If you ask yourself how to travel more sustainably, there are many ways to achieve it.
You can support local communities, plan carefully travel itinerary, travel slowly, travel locally or you can use less plastic to name just a few sustainable ways of traveling.
However, using less plastic when you travel is a really easy thing to do and can be your step number one.
Even a small effort makes a difference, and this is what we should all think about.
Reducing single-use plastic can become your travel style or even a lifestyle and natural part of your life that you can later pass on.
Here's the list of best tips on how to use less plastic when you travel that will help you to become a more responsible traveler.
SAY NO TO PLASTIC BAGS AND OTHER PLASTIC PRODUCTS
What is the easiest way how to use less plastic on the road? Well, just say NO.
It is hard when you need to buy water (we'll get to the alternatives later) or when you want to buy cheese or ham that is already wrapped.
But you can always say no to plastic bags and other products that are made of plastics (like cups), and you do not need them that badly.
Shopping bags are produced massively, and we know that in many countries, you get as many plastic bags as you want (or as many bags as a clerk at the counter thinks is appropriate) even for free.
In our home country, the Czech Republic, we have to pay extra for shopping bags. It does not cost much, but we believe this initiative persuaded many people to bring their own tote bag, so they do not have to pay extra every time they go shopping.
If you do it at home, why would you not pack with you tote bag for your travels?
If you still do not use a reusable bag, think about it as the first investment to be a more sustainable traveler. It is light, stylish; you can wash it and use it all over again.
Even when you want to buy vegetables or fruit, you can buy reusable produce bags and avoid using single-use bags that you will throw away as soon as you get to your room.
If there is no other way how to reduce plastic, for example, if the ice cream comes only with the cup instead of cones, then you must consider whether the ice cream is really worth it.
Being a responsible traveler means to be well-informed, and it is only your choice if you prefer the environment or your comfort and pleasure.
ASK FOR A DRINK WITHOUT STRAW
Before you travel abroad, the chances are that you learn a few basic phrases to communicate and be polite to local people. When you are in the process, try to memorize how to say ‘no straw please’ in the language of the country you are planning to visit.
It is a kind yet clear statement that you do not need to get a drink with a straw.
In hot and humid countries such as Panama or Malaysia, a person can drink several cold beverages per day, such as cocktails or smoothies; all of them usually come with a straw automatically.
When you think about it, we absolutely do not need it; it is just a habit that we can get rid of easily.
Even though this small plastic tube can look seemingly innocent, the problem is that people worldwide use up so many of them daily.
When you take into account that you usually finish your drink in about ten minutes, it is really not worthwhile to pollute our environment for such a short pleasure.
We've found a great alternative in reusable metal straws, if you really cannot imagine your drink without a straw.
You can pack a few in your daypack, and enjoy a drink on a beach more sustainably.
Or you can do what we usually do, and ask to have the drink without a straw.
SWITCH TO SOLID TOILETRIES
Liquid toiletries in plastic bottles are not only quite impractical in the backpack as they can explode, but the packaging itself is not very environmentally friendly.
That's why it is a good idea to switch to solid toiletries.
In the past few years, many hygiene products got their alternatives, so you can now buy solid soap, shampoo, or even deodorant.
If you are wondering how to use less plastic when you travel, and at the same time you like to pack lightly, solid toiletries are great options.
We know that many travelers do not want them in the beginning, because it is just different, but you will love these products once you get used to it.
When it comes to soap or shampoo, one of the problems a traveler might have is what to do with them after use as the bars are wet.
Well, the solution is simple, but not ideal. Buy a travel soap case - yeah, we know it is the advantage and curse of plastic things at the same time - that you will use forever.
USE FILTER WATER BOTTLES
We hope that days of single-use plastic water bottles are long gone. In the countries like the Czech Republic or Costa Rica where tap water is drinkable, or New Zealand where water is so clean (only in the mountains of course) that you can drink it straight from the stream, there is no need to buy plastic bottles at all.
But as the tap water in many countries is not drinkable or is not advised to drink, when on the road, you need to solve a problem of how to get access to drinking water.
It is usually a problem in hot and humid countries, where it is advised to drink at least three liters of water per day.
A few years back, one of the best things a traveler could do to use less plastic was to buy a large barrel of drinking water and then top up own water bottle.
It did not solve the issue, but the consumption was definitely lower. We liked the best our wide-mouthed undestroyable water bottle.
But nowadays, many better tricks help you avoid plastic bottles entirely.
If you've never heard about filter water bottles, continue reading, as it is the real game-changer.
Of course, before you invest, we recommend you to learn more about this topic so you will choose the product that suits you the best, but in general, we believe that every reusable product is much better than the single-use one.
When we hiked the Annapurna Circuit, we purified the water by tablets and water drops when we couldn’t refill water from water stations.
But we would have done it differently today. In general, there are two options.
You can buy a water bottle with a integrated filter, or use your own water bottle and purchase StepiPen, which kills 99.99% of bacteria in a very short amount of time.
CARRY YOUR OWN UTENSILS AND MUGS
There are many reasons why we like traveling, but one of the most important ones is that we always cannot wait to taste new cuisine.
This is why we often choose as our future destination, a country with a strong street food culture.
Places like Melaka, Penang, Bangkok, Mexico City, or Hoi An are exactly the destinations worth visiting only because of the street food.
Here comes a flaw, though. If you plan on eating outside, every meal and every plate will most likely come with plastic utensils.
And once you finished, you'll most likely want to have something to drink, like a coffee or tea to make the whole experience even better.
Is there any way how to reduce plastic consumption when eating at street stalls?
Well, the only way we can think of is bringing own utensils and mug. Even though it might seem like too much hassle, it is actually not that bad.
Just keep your reusable utensils in your backpack all the time. You can find sets of fork, knife, and spoon made from different materials such as steel, wood, or bamboo.
Mugs are a bit trickier as they are bigger.
But if you cannot live without your morning or evening hot drink on the road, consider replacing the regular plastic cups with a mug - it can be a collapsible mug that fits everywhere.
We believe your beverage will taste much better this time.
USE BIODEGRADABLE WET WIPES AND OTHER ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTS
It is impossible to write about all biodegradable or more eco-friendly hygiene products - which is quite positive, as it tells us this topic is trendy, companies work on new solutions, and the consumption of alternative products is growing.
Among all things, wet wipes are one of the things people usually buy before a trip, they are simply so convenient, especially when you travel to a place with limited access to water.
But did you know that wet wipes are basically plastic and one of the worst products a traveler can even pack?
If you can’t imagine your life without it, good news as you can purchase biodegradable wet wipes. Just read the label in the drug store, so you buy the right one.
For example, many things, like wet wipes, are just redundant. And if we thought about being responsible traveler for real, we would realize we can survive without them.
But then there are things that ladies cannot imagine living without, especially when traveling.
To avoid using single-use items such as tampons, think about the alternative that is nowadays very popular, menstrual cup.
It is a much more eco-friendly solution that saves a lot of plastic.
AVOID SINGLE-USE PLASTIC IN HOTELS
Unless you sleep in a really cheap hostel, you can expect small toiletries awaiting you in the hotel's room bathroom. Although we all love these tiny treats, it would actually be much better if you did not. Just imagine the waste.
Most of the guests will open all the bottles, use neither half of it, and then the hotel must throw it out. It is the same with all the small mini travel-sized products.
It is really not worth buying them.
Instead, when you know, you will be staying in hotels, bring your own solid toiletries, take a shower, and have a great feeling of your actions and strong will.
BUY BAMBOO TOOTHBRUSH
We really enjoy learning about greener alternatives of things we all use every day.
One of them is a bamboo toothbrush that is as durable as the plastic one; it only does not have the plastic handle, but it surely does not affect the quality.
Bamboo toothbrushes do their job, are light, cheap, and biodegradable.
This bamboo toothbrush can remind you to be a more eco-friendly traveler every day, and it will reassure you that you are on the right path as you've decided to do at least something that matters.
BUY METAL SAFETY RAZORS
Yet another thing we use almost daily can be replaced by its more sustainable brother.
Metal safety razors are must-have travel accessory for both men and women.
No more buying disposable razors that do not last longer than your vacation.
Metal razors were used often back in the past but then were substituted by plastic ones.
Well, sometimes, the most futuristic products must go back to the roots. The upfront cost is a bit higher, but do not be put off by the price as this razor will last much longer.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
SHOP AT LOCAL MARKETS
It is quite hard to avoid plastic in grocery stores. Everything is either already packed, or when you come unprepared and want to buy something that must be weight, you need to wrap it in plastic as well.
Visiting local markets is one of our favorite activities to do in a foreign country for many reasons.
First, it is most of the time authentic; second, it is a free thing to do (until we start shopping); and third, it is much easier to shop here plastic-free.
And regardless of whether you go shopping in Amman, La Paz, or Kathmandu, it's always an extraordinary experience.
Fruits, vegetables, and other stuff are here sold freely, so the only thing you need is your own bag.
Visiting local markets is, according to us, the most natural step on how to reduce your plastic consumption on our list. And you do not have to travel far to visit a veggie market.
We think that almost every city now organizes a market where local producers sell their products, so you can try it how is it like in your home country first.
LOOK FOR MORE ECO-FRIENDLY SOLUTIONS
Nowadays, almost every single product has a more eco-friendly alternative. It is only about your attitude and about how much you would like to be involved.
Using less plastic when you travel requires your time to search for available options, enthusiasm, and sometimes even more money.
Plastic is so widespread because it is so cheap.
Often, only the first investment is a bit higher, and when you start using the product regularly, you will save money in the end.
That's why it really pays off to be well-informed and well-prepared before your journey begins.
Sure, when already on the road, you can go shopping, but the variety of products is often limited, and you will hardly get the opportunity to make ideal and informed decisions.
We talked quite a lot about water bottles and toiletries, but do you know, that for instance, you can shop for clothes made of recycled plastic?
There are so many good eco-friendly clothing brands such as Patagonia, Prana, Pact, or Alternative Apparel, to name just a few.
When the possibilities are endless, it would be a shame not to use less plastic and not to be more eco-friendly when we can.
A few years ago, Martin bought his Patagonia fleece jacket made from recycled plastics you can see on the picture from Quilotoa Trek down below, and it quickly became one of his favorite pieces of clothing.
PICK UP TRASH
This tip won't help reduce plastic, but if you find litter on a forest trail or a beach, why do you not pick it up?
The reason why today's society talks about using less plastic is that it is so visible and destroys otherwise beautiful places. You can just pick up the trash wherever you go.
When it is in a country that has an exceptional recycling system, then it is fantastic.
If you are in some countries in Southeast Asia, South America or Central America, unfortunately, we would still be quite worried where the trash goes after you clean a place and throw the garbage away.
That's why we find quite interesting, organized cleanups and meetups when several same-minded travelers decide to clean a specific area together.
These events are usually backed up by local environmentally-oriented organizations that make sure the plastic and other trash you pick up go to the right place.
If you are passionate about this topic, search for more information about the destination you plan on visiting and get in touch with people who share the same interests.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
