In case you haven’t read the news lately, the word is out! Single-use plastic officially sucks.
[Environmentalists cheering]
The Earth might just be getting a one-up on humans as single-use plastic is becoming increasingly frowned upon throughout the world. From Taiwan to Moldova, one by one countries are legislating a ban on plastic bags and other single-use plastics such as straws and coffee cups.
Mass plastic use is a huge problem that contributes to enormous amounts of landfill, and has a negative impact on ocean ecosystems. As media surfaces of the distressing impact that plastic has on our natural environment, so does the voice of the people, and so we have sprouted a movement of positive change (I love when this happens!)
In this article I want to share with you some travel hacks to ensure that this eco friendly movement spans cities and countries, because as travellers we have a responsibility to keep our earth clean no matter where we are.
Here are 5 travel hacks to make your travels plastic free.
Take a reusable water bottle
By taking a reusable water bottle on your travels you are reducing the number of plastic bottles you buy, and potentially saving yourself a lot of money as well.
Many places throughout the world now offer water refill stations, and slowly more and more hotels are adopting this practice. Even countries like Cambodia now support water refill.
Click here to read about Cambodia’s Refill not Landfill Campaign.
My favourite: Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle
Purchase on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KFHKvb
Say no to Plastic Straws
In the USA alone 500 million straws are used every day (that’s enough straws to circle around the Earth 2.5 times!). This is not good news for our oceans and landfills.
When travelling we all like to enjoy the odd smoothie or soda, and many times they will come with not one, but 2 straws! This can be frustrating if you’re trying to be plastic free.
Solution: A nice reusable bamboo or metal straw that you can take with you wherever you go and enjoy as many smoothies as you like.
My favourite: Turtley Strawsome
Purchase online: https://turtleystrawesome.com/
Say goodbye to Tampons
Ok, Ok, I know this might not be for everyone but I made the switch and absolutely love my Lunette!
According to the book, “Flow, the Cultural History of Menstruation,” the total amount of pads and tampons used in the average woman’s lifetime ends up being about 250-300 pounds of trash. Compare that to one menstrual cup that could last 10 years. That’s a lot of waste (and money) saved.
Bonus: You’ll never have to carry tampons when travelling again! All Lunette menstrual cups give you a comfortable, safe, odourless and eco-friendly period for up to 12 hours a day.
My favourite: Lunette
Purchase online in Australia: Click here
Purchase online outside of Australia: Click here
Coffee the ethical way
Who doesn’t love a coffee (or hot chocolate) when you’re out and about? If you’re an Australian then you are contributing to the use of an estimated 1 billion cups each year!
Unfortunately single-use coffee cups are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to landfill waste.
Replace your takeaway cups with a reusable cup and see the instant impact you can make.
My favourite: Pokito Collapsible Coffee Cup
Purchase on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KsSbz0
Bring a tote or two
Tote bags are the new black! Who doesn’t love a good ol’ tote bag with a lame, yet cool, message on it. Something about unicorns?
Plastic bags are just the worst, but we arguably need them to put all all our things in. This is where Tote bags are your best friend. They wrap up so nicely that they can fit into small spaces in your luggage and you never have to use a plastic bag again.
My favourite: Soondar Reusable Shopping Bags
Purchase on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2MLcUPo
**This blog post contains affiliate links which means I may get charged a commission if you choose to purchase any of these products. These funds help to keep the blog running so I can continue to share stories with you all. I only recommend products that I trust, so I know you’ll be in good hands.**
Looking for more plastic-free inspiration?
Check out my podcast with Sarah Rhodes from Plastic Free Cambodia.
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[…] all have a role to play to protect their oceans and we can start by making simple choices such as refusing single-use plastic products, participating in responsible tourism and being mindful of our […]