Sustainable Travel Products that Actually Work

If you’re reading this, you are probably already well aware of the horrors of single-use plastic and harmful chemicals used in most products. Hopefully you recycle, avoid face wash with plastic, and (for the love of guacamole) have a reusable water bottle.

But it’s 2019 and you want to be a little better, especially when you’re on the go. That’s great because it’s even more important to be environmentally cautious while abroad than it is at home. I get that this is a bold statement, but there are two main reasons.

1. Pollution from Flying

Like most transportation, flying in a plane is bad for the environment because of the carbon emission. Since there isn’t another option (it’s not like you can ride your bike to Korea), people have been trying to offset the impact of flying in other ways.

2. Respect for Locals

Your behavior and choices while abroad have a lasting effect on your host country. When you’re traveling, you need to follow the same sustainable practices set by the community. Tourists are known for trashing destinations, so let’s not do that, okay? I don’t even want to get into what’s happening in Cinque Terre.

Think of it this way; if you went to a new friend’s home, you wouldn’t be as messy as you are in your own home. That’s rude. Treat your host community with the same respect.

Okay, so now that we have established the WHY, let’s dive into the how. The easiest way to be more sustainable is to change what you buy as a consumer. With so many organic, compostable, and reusable products popping up, making better choices has never been easier. But just because something says the word “eco” doesn’t mean it is, or that it even works.

Literally nothing stinks more than realizing half-way through the day that your organic deodorant makes you smell like cheese (ew) so here’s a compiled list of products that have been tested by the staff here at Greenheart Travel to help make you a better traveler.

sandcloud.com

Reef Safe Sunscreen

Surprise, most sunscreen is bad. Not only is it bad for your face, but the residue that gets in the ocean is toxic. Avoid ingredients like oxybenzone, which bleaches coral, leading to reef destruction. Not only is this sunscreen by Sand Cloud safe for marine life, it comes in a resuable tin. #noplasticplease

Compost Bags

You know those green compostable bags that are used to bag fruit at grocery stores? They can be used when packing liquids that might leak, instead of using plastic.

amazon.com

Bamboo Toothbrush

Some people can’t get used to bamboo toothbrushes, but these ones feel like any other toothbrush so they are great for those first starting to make the switch. Plus, they are so aesthetically pleasing!

ecocollectiveseattle.com

Zero-Waste Toothpaste

That has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? Unpaste packs come with a 2-month supply of little toothpaste tablets, that when mixed with water turn into a paste. There are no preservatives, gluten, flouride, and they are vegan!

Deodorant

It’s hard enough finding an aluminum-free deodorant that actually works, let alone one that isn’t in a plastic container. This one uses a GLASS container, plus it’s under 3 oz, so it’s perfect for travel.

ethiquebeauty.com

Solid Shampoo, Conditioners, Lotion, and Body Wash Bars

Ethique Beauty makes an array of organic, vegan toiletry bars that last a long time. Let me repeat: BARS, as in no 3 oz. liquid restriction when flying.  They come in paper, so no more plastic bottles to throw away.

Pro-Tip: If you’re staying in a hotel that provides small toiletries, bring them to the desk to confirm they weren’t used. That way they won’t get thrown out.

Organic Hair Ties

Ever wonder where all of those hair ties on your wrist went? Same. At least now when you inevitably lose them, they won’t be harming the planet nearly as much.

beeswrap.com

Wax Paper

Bee’s Wrap reusable, moldable beeswax coated paper is great for wrapping and storing food, and comes in really fun prints.

Mesh Bags

These are great because they come in various sizes, are lightweight and don’t increase the price when you’re at a food market or grocery store. You can wash them easily, but they don’t even get dirty after one use.

earthhero.com

To-Go Containers

Skip the to-go containers from restaurants with these small, 3-tiered stainless steel lunchboxes. SLEEK! They can fit a lot and expand if needed, and have a separate pouch for sauces! They are great if you must take something to go or order out.

amazon.com

Cutlery

If you’re somewhere that only offers plasticware, have some To Go Ware on hand to give yourself another option.