How To Travel Sustainably

Traveling sustainably is something very near and dear to my heart. Spending so much time in nature, it's easy to fall in love with magical landscapes and places. These places become idolized and encapsulated in our photos, displayed on Instagram and other platforms. However, what many people don't see in the photos they glorify are the trash and waste that may be cropped out. Just steps away from model are heaps of trash. This is the not so glamorous part about traveling. And especially in developing countries, every day choices that you make can have an impact on how this trash accumulates and impacts the local communities you love to visit. 

I've compiled a list of some items you can take with you and how to use them traveling throughout the world. After all, it's a beautiful place. We just need to treat it as such. 

• Use a Tiffin Container.

Tiffin containers are little metal tin boxes that have an air-tight seal. You can find them online or in restaurant supply stores for more affordable options. Carry them when you go out for a meal and might have leftovers, or when you're packing a lunch. These containers are great to take just about anywhere. A plus - they stack on top of one another, making it easy to carry your whole meal and say no to plastic, cardboard, or styrofoam take away boxes. 

• Bring Reusable Produce Bags

I got some produce bags made of cotton netting from Life Without Plastic. Think of every veggie or herb you've bought and packaged in a small plastic bag. This stuff accumulates faster than we even think it to. An easy way is to use reusable plastic bags or opt for no bag at all. When in other countries, wrapping things in plastic bags is done without second thought. It's important to ask for no bag, or simply take the produce out and hand the bag back thanking whoever gave it to you if there's ever a language barrier. 

• Carry a Cloth Bag

Stuff it in your suitcase, in your coat pocket, or in a purse as you'll never know when you might need it. Having a cloth bag on hand will eliminate the use of a plastic bag, over and over again. 

• Hydrate with Hydroflask

What about water bottles? To minimize impact on plastic use I carry around a Hydroflask to keep me hydrated. If you are traveling in countries with questionable water, you can find reusable water bottles that have filters built inside or opt for larger bottles if you have to. Many places may use refillable gallon jugs that you can fill your water bottle from. 

• Stainless Steel Straws

Vacations are made of coconuts and cocktails, and unfortunately a lot of plastic straws. My first step is to always say no to a straw and take the drink without it. However, if you're a straw person try using a stainless steel straw instead. You can keep it in your bag in a carrying pouch for easy access when the moment strikes.