Plastic Free Tips for Travel

1. Carry a reusable water bottle with a filter. When we are out of our normal routine, it’s easy to forgo your good habits and reach for single-use plastic items, especially when on the go. Amusement parks, museums, and other common tourist activities make grabbing a plastic water all too easy. Make the effort to bring your reusable water on your next flight. Be sure to get one with a filter so you never have to question the safety of the water.

2. Use refillable toiletry containers. Hotels often offer complementary miniature toiletry bottles. With a limit on how much liquid you can carry on commercial flights, it would be easy to rely on hotel toiletries and skip this item on your packing list. Making the effort to bring your own toiletries can help cut back on this unnecessary plastic use. Get yourself some travel sized bottles that can be tossed in the dishwater for easy cleaning.

3. Eat fresh fruit instead of packaged snacks. It’s no secret that most snack foods are packaged in plastic. When out sight-seeing and traveling, it’s easy to reach for these convenient pre-packaged foods. Make an effort to choose snacks like fresh fruit that isn’t covered in plastic packaging. Step out of your comfort zone and try some local cuisine while you’re at it!

4. Bring a reusable shopping bag for souvenirs. Many of us have gotten into the habit of bringing a reusable shopping bag to the grocery store. Take this habit a step further and remember to bring a reusable shopping bag for all of your souvenir shopping on your next trip. 

5. Say no thank you to plastic amenities in your hotel. In addition to miniature toiletries, hotels offer plastic amenities like cups, utensils and shower caps. Do your best to avoid these plastic goods by bringing your own items or asking the hotel if they other options.

6. Pack reusable utensils and straws. It’s safe to say that you will get food to-go at least once on your travels. Get yourself a set of reusable utensils and a straw that you keep with your travel gear.