The Altruistic Traveller
  • Home
  • Destinations
    • Africa
    • Cambodia
    • Colombia
    • Europe
    • India
    • Indonesia
    • Laos
    • Malaysia
    • Maldives
    • Myanmar
    • Mexico
    • Nepal
    • Philippines
    • Thailand
    • Vietnam
  • Travel Resources
    • What is Responsible Tourism?
    • How to be a Sustainable Traveller
    • What is Community-based Tourism
    • Responsible Volunteering
    • The Rise of Impact Travel
    • Ethical Animal Encounters
    • The Importance of Fair Trade
    • Responsible Travel Websites
    • Sustainable Tourism Organisations & Experiences
    • Sustainable Tourism Podcasts
    • Travel Insurance (that covers COVID-19)
  • About
    • Bianca’s Story
    • The Altruistic Traveller Story
    • Personal Stories
    • Podcast Interviews
    • Bee Designs Co
    • SustainAffiliate
  • Media
    • Featured In
    • Work with me
    • Book a Podcast Interview
  • Contribute
    • List a Sustainable Tourism Organisation or Experience
  • Contact Me

The Altruistic Traveller

Banner
  • Home
  • Destinations
    • Africa
    • Cambodia
    • Colombia
    • Europe
    • India
    • Indonesia
    • Laos
    • Malaysia
    • Maldives
    • Myanmar
    • Mexico
    • Nepal
    • Philippines
    • Thailand
    • Vietnam
  • Travel Resources
    • What is Responsible Tourism?
    • How to be a Sustainable Traveller
    • What is Community-based Tourism
    • Responsible Volunteering
    • The Rise of Impact Travel
    • Ethical Animal Encounters
    • The Importance of Fair Trade
    • Responsible Travel Websites
    • Sustainable Tourism Organisations & Experiences
    • Sustainable Tourism Podcasts
    • Travel Insurance (that covers COVID-19)
  • About
    • Bianca’s Story
    • The Altruistic Traveller Story
    • Personal Stories
    • Podcast Interviews
    • Bee Designs Co
    • SustainAffiliate
  • Media
    • Featured In
    • Work with me
    • Book a Podcast Interview
  • Contribute
    • List a Sustainable Tourism Organisation or Experience
  • Contact Me
Environmental AwarenessSustainable Travel

The Reusable Items Packing List Every Traveller Needs

by Katie McDaniel August 9, 2019August 14, 2019
written by Katie McDaniel August 9, 2019August 14, 2019
reusable-travel-items

As we learn more about the effects of climate change and our impact on the environment, it’s important that we take little steps in our travels to reduce our waste and walk a little lighter on this earth.

With non-degradable and single-use plastics being one of the biggest sources of waste while travelling (things like plastic water bottles and wasteful one-trick-travel-wonders being the culprit), it’s important that we pack smart, and with careful thought and intention.

Use this reusable items packing list to minimise your travel footprint.

Reusable Water Bottle or Cup

Staying hydrated on any trip is always a good idea, and instead of having to succumb to single-use plastic bottles of water from the gas station or airport newsstand, be prepared with a stainless steel tumbler. They’re made to keep ice and water cold for hours on end and are great to take along your hikes and long days out sightseeing, and will keep your coffee piping hot when you’re rushing to catch an early train or bus.

Stainless steel tumblers are also great for air travel, and most airports have water stations or fountains available for you to fill it up after you go through the security checkpoint. They’re the easiest way to stay hydrated even on long flights!

Reusable Straws

Plastic straws were a big topic of discussion in 2018. Starbucks announced the phasing out of straws in its stores and the European Union leaders signed an agreement to ban single-use plastics (including straws) by 2021.

On a personal level, you can start right now by saying “no” to straws, and carrying your own reusable straw set instead. Reusable straws are easy to clean and can be easily stored in your travelling bag, your rental car, or anywhere else you might need a straw. They are better for the environment than disposable straws and also a convenient option for people who have mobility issues, and might rely heavily on straws and need to make sure they always have one available.

Food Storage Containers

Buying food while you’re travelling can be wasteful. This is especially true if you’re prone to purchasing single-serve food items like the ones you might find at a gas station or airport shop. Instead of eating unhealthy food and generating waste, why not pack your own food next time or choose unpackaged products?

All you need is a little pre-planning and some reusable containers. While plastic containers may come off as convenient, cheap and lightweight, they do not last as long as their more sustainable counterparts. They may also create fumes that are harmful to your body and are bad for the environment. Instead, pack your travel snacks in collapsible silicone containers and consider replacing your plastic sandwich bags with beeswax wrap. If your travel destination is famous for its street food, think about bringing a set of cutlery from home or picking up a reusable bamboo travel set – this simple action can substantially reduce your plastic cutlery wastage.

reusable-food-items-travel

Reusable Travel Comfort Items

There are many advantages to travelling light. Not only is it more convenient for you to move around, but the lighter you pack, the lighter the weight carried on planes, thus leading to less fuel usage and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

So pack thoughtfully, and bring multi-use items with you. For example, travel comfort is especially important when on long-haul flights, but it can be a little cumbersome trying to juggle a neck pillow, blanket and other accessories onboard. In this case, try this foldable microfiber blanket instead. This functions as a pillow, seat cushion and lumbar support, and is great for later use when travelling in cars, buses or trains.

Reusable Bags

Reusable grocery bags are the ultimate eco-friendly accessory. Not only can you use them in place of traditional grocery bags, but they are also handy when shopping elsewhere. Look out for foldable options that you can carry around with ease while on the road. Sturdy reusable bags will last much longer than plastic bags and can be used for so many things – including fun, location-centric souvenirs.

It’s also always great to be prepared beforehand as more and more cities have begun banning the use of plastic bags or are now charging for them. Not only are reusable bags kinder to the environment they’ll also save you money in the long run.

Solar Powered Chargers

A road trip is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of solar charging. Slap the solar charger on an area of your car that’s getting a lot of sunlight, attach your device, and let it do its thing! With this solar charger, you’ll be able to charge your devices while on-the-go without having to worry about running out of power or wasting energy. It’s also great to use when camping or just when you’re out exploring.

Sustainable Personal Items

These days, you can easily find beauty brands with eco-friendly packaging, and items like floss and cotton swabs that are biodegradable. Also, more and more hotel chains are now making the effort to reduce the plastic waste from the miniature toiletries they usually offer and are starting to switch over to bulk dispensers instead. However, it’s always a great idea to be prepared by having your own refillable travel set to fill with your favourite toiletries from home, instead of purchasing travel-sized products that have more plastic than product.

Going on a trip doesn’t have to mean having to sacrifice your green mindset. Continue reducing your waste and shrinking your carbon footprint by investing in reusable travel products.

What are some reusable items you like to take with you when travelling? Let us know in the comments below!

Download this checklist to shop reusable items for your next adventure. 

 

 

2 comments
FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinRedditStumbleuponEmail
previous post
How to Talk to Your Friends About Sustainability (and Why You Need to)
next post
A Flying Shame – My Thoughts On The Environmental Impact Of Flying

You may also like

From Trash to Treasure – How Organisations in...

January 17, 2019

Travel Bloggers Share Their Off-Season Travel Experiences

May 24, 2019

Guest Post – Eco Friendly Sports to Try...

April 23, 2016

5 Of Asia’s Most Beautiful Destinations Destroyed By...

July 4, 2016

Conserving Kampot’s last Mangroves

August 12, 2016

The Why and How of Altruistic Travel –...

February 9, 2017

7 Of The World’s Most Beautiful Snorkelling Destinations

January 31, 2017

How Travelling as a Group Can Be Better...

December 20, 2016

Ethical Gifts For Him This Valentine’s Day

February 8, 2018

How to Travel Responsibly on a Budget

September 9, 2019

2 comments

How to Travel Responsibly on a Budget - The Altruistic Traveller March 22, 2020 - 8:26 am

[…] learn to pack in an eco-friendly way. Bring rechargeable batteries for your electronics so you only need one set. Pack a reusable […]

Eco-Travel: 8 Ways to Have a Green Family Vacation – Eco Karen June 30, 2020 - 12:50 am

[…] Bringing reusable items ensures that you don’t consume products that will end up becoming waste. You reduce the amount of plastic that you and your family leave behind when you are on vacation. […]

Comments are closed.

About Bianca

About Bianca

The Altruistic Traveller

I am an Australian-Maltese freelance journalist, blogger & podcast host specialising in stories that ignite thoughts surrounding compassion, ethics and the happiness of all beings. Through my work, I aim to promote ethical values and give a voice to those who are making the world a better place.

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Linkedin Spotify

Sign up for the Newsletter

Subscribe my newsletter for new blog posts, tips & travel advice.

Listen to The Altruistic Traveller Podcast

Get Travel Insurance

incurance-that-covers-covid-19

Offset Your Travel with Offsetra

Offset Your Travel with Offsetra

Save $$$ on your currency conversion while you travel

Transfer-wise

House Sit & Travel The World

trusted-housesitters

Learn a language online with Live Lingua

Responsible Travel (Virtually) with I Like Local

I-like-local

Browse Sustainable Travel experiences on the Greener Act App

Greener Act App Button

JOIN THE IMPACT TRAVEL ALLIANCE MEDIA NETWORK

Are you a content creator specialising in sustainable travel? Join the ITA media network.

Meet local heroes and find local experiences with LocalsFromZero

LocalsFromZero Network

Book Travel with Kiwi


Learn how to become location independent

Use code thealtruistictraveller10 for 10% off courses

NomadsSkillshare

Dine with Locals on EatWith

eat-with-coupon-7B728BBE

Find Ethical Food Venues Nearest to you with Fair Food Forager

fair-food-forager

LATEST TRAVEL TIPS

Subscribe my newsletter for new blog posts, tips & travel advice.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube
  • Email
  • Soundcloud
  • Spotify
  • RSS

@2021 - The Altruistic Traveller. Developed by Cybernite Technologies.
The Altruistic Traveller uses affiliate links. If you make a purchase using a link we may receive a commission. Such revenue helps keep this website running, and allows us to keep the content free for readers like you.
This website uses cookies. To learn more or opt-out please visit our Privacy Policy.


Back To Top