What is Sustainable Travel
Sustainable travel is all about traveling the world where you reduce your environmental impact, conserves resources, and supports local communities. It's not just about what you consume—it’s also about respecting the cultures, wildlife, and ecosystems you meet along the way. The goal is to make conscious choices that minimize harm to the environment while benefiting both traveler and the places you visit. Here’s how you can make a positive impact while traveling, leaving behind a minimal environmental footprint.
The Growing Trend of Sustainable Travel
In recent years, sustainable travel has seen a surge in popularity. According to a report by Booking.com, 75% of travelers want to travel sustainably. This growing demand has pushed the tourism industry to embrace sustainability, with airlines, accommodation providers, and tour operators introducing greener practices and alternatives.
Eco-conscious influencers, bloggers, and travel enthusiasts are helping raise awareness by promoting products and practices that support sustainability. They recommend using eco-friendly products such as reusable water bottles, biodegradable toiletries, and sustainable travel accessories—choices that help travelers reduce their waste and carbon footprints.
Sustainable Travel Tips
Choose Eco-Friendly Transportation
Transportation is one of the biggest contributors to environmental impact during travel, with airplanes being especially harmful. To reduce your travel emissions, consider these transportation alternatives:
Fly Less and Choose Direct Flights
Reducing air travel is one of the best ways to lower your carbon footprint, though it may not always be feasible depending on your destination. When flying is necessary, direct flights are a better option as they typically use less fuel, avoiding the additional emissions from takeoffs and landings.
Travel by Train or Bus
In many regions, trains and buses offer a more eco-friendly and energy-efficient way to get around. While they may take more time, they are a sustainable alternative and can offer a more scenic and enjoyable journey.
Carpool or Rent Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Opting for an electric vehicle, bike, or scooter, or sharing rides with others can greatly reduce the environmental impact of your road travel.
Sustainable Accommodation Choices
The places where you stay also influence your environmental footprint. Hotels and resorts often consume vast amounts of water and energy and contribute to waste through single-use plastics. Here’s how to make more sustainable accommodation choices:
Eco-Friendly Hotels
Choose hotels with certifications such as Green Key or EarthCheck, which adhere to strict sustainability standards like energy-saving practices and waste reduction.
Stay in Local Guesthouses
Supporting locally-owned accommodations reduces environmental impact while supporting the local economy. These accommodations also tend to have lower energy consumption than large hotels.
Choose Sustainable Airbnb Listings
Many Airbnb hosts now feature properties that prioritize sustainability, such as solar-powered homes or eco-friendly appliances.
Travel with Minimal Waste
One of the main contributors to environmental waste while traveling is the excessive use of single use items, particularly plastic. Sustainable travelers seek eco-friendly alternatives to disposable products by choosing reusable travel accessories. Here are some sustainable items that reduce waste:
Reusable Water Bottles: By carrying your own water bottle, you can avoid single-use plastic bottles and stay hydrated during your travels. Eco-friendly bottles are often lightweight and can be refilled at water stations.
Eco-Friendly Toiletries: Traditional mini toiletries in plastic bottles can generate significant waste. Instead, switch to products like solid shampoo bars or refillable containers. One great option for travelers is the Nope Conditioner Bar, which packs light and lasts longer than liquid conditioners, reducing plastic waste.
Reusable Travel Gear: Opt for sustainable alternatives for all your travel needs, such as a Travel Nail Brush made from natural materials or a Pop-Up Brush to maintain your grooming while minimizing space in your bag.
Our Favorite Sustainable Travel Accessories
If you want to take your sustainable travel to the next level, choosing eco-friendly travel accessories is key. At our zero waste store, we offer a variety of products that are perfect for eco-conscious travelers. Here is a list of our top favorite sustainable travel accessories and why each item is an excellent choice.
Travel Nail Brush: Made from sustainable wood and natural bristles, this compact and durable nail brush helps get your fingernails and hands clean when out exploring the wilderness.
Travel Nail Brush
$16.00
Bürstenhaus Redecker Travel Nail Brush Keep your nails fresh and clean—wherever life takes you! The Bürstenhaus Redecker Nail Brush is your go-to eco-friendly fingernail brush, designed for effortless grooming on the move. Small but mighty, this compact nail scrubber keeps… read more
Pop-Up Brush: This space-saving brush folds neatly into a compact size, making it perfect for making more space in your luggage. It’s made from durable, sustainable materials that help minimize your environmental impact.
Kaylaan Toothpaste Tablets: These plastic-free toothpaste tablets come in minimal, eco-friendly packaging, making them a great choice for travelers who want to maintain oral hygiene without creating waste.
Kaylaan Toothpaste Tablets
$14.00
Effective, Easy, and Eco-Friendly Oral Care Kaylaan Toothpaste Tablets are crafted with high-quality, natural ingredients and fortified with fluoride to give your teeth the best care. These zero-waste tabs are a top choice for anyone seeking a natural approach to… read more
Bamboo Travel Toothbrush: This toothbrush is made from renewable bamboo and comes with a convenient travel case. It’s an excellent environmental alternative to traditional plastic toothbrushes, and the bamboo is compostable, reducing plastic pollution.
Nope Conditioner Bar: This solid conditioner bar eliminates the need for plastic bottles. It’s lightweight, long-lasting, and made from toxic free ingredients, making it a perfect travel companion for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Nope Conditioner Bar
$13.00
Meet the Nope Conditioner Bar – Your Hair’s New BFF! Looking for a conditioner that’s good for your hair and the planet? Say hello to the Nope Conditioner Bar! Here’s why it’s going to be your new favorite from our… read more
Conditioner Bar Travel Tin: This travel tin keeps your conditioner bar safe and dry during your travels. It’s reusable and compact, reducing the need for plastic containers and minimizing waste. No exploding shampoo bottles with this eco-friendly product!
Marley’s Monsters Wet Bag: Ideal for keeping wet or soiled items separate from clean clothes, this wet bag is reusable, durable, and eco-friendly. It's perfect for storing swimsuits, sweaty clothes, or baby essentials when you're on the go. The water-resistant material makes it a convenient and sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bags.
Marley's Monsters Wet Bag
$38.00
The Ultimate Wet Bag for Every Need! Material & Durability Crafted with high-quality, water-resistant fabric, this waterproof wet bag is designed to keep moisture contained and odors at bay. Whether you need it for gym clothes, swimming gear, or cloth… read more
Fat and the Moon Bod Powder: A great travel companion for staying fresh. This natural, non-toxic body powder is perfect for absorbing moisture and preventing irritation, making it ideal for long flights, hot climates, or after workouts. It’s easy to pack, eco-friendly, and works well for sensitive skin.
Fat and the Moon Bod Powder
$16.00
Stay Fresh All Day! Embrace all-day comfort with Fat and the Moon Bod Powder, available at our zero waste store. This natural powder blends arrowroot powder, kaolin clay, and essential oils to effectively absorb moisture and control odor. Free from… read more
Yay for Earth Face Lotion: a lightweight, nourishing, and soothing lotion that is free from harmful chemicals. It's ideal for travel because of its compact size that fits perfectly in your carry-on.
Reusable Facial Rounds: A fantastic alternative to single-use cotton pads, these reusable facial pads are perfect for your skincare routine while traveling. They are soft, washable, and eliminate waste, making them an eco-friendly, zero-waste option for facial cleansing or makeup removal.
Marley's Monsters Reusable Facial Rounds
$18.00
Soft, Absorbent, and Reusable Facial Rounds Transform your skincare routine with Marley's Monsters Reusable Facial Rounds, crafted from plush, absorbent flannel cotton. These cotton makeup rounds are ultra-gentle on your skin, making them perfect for makeup removal and cleansing. The… read more
Laundry Detergent Sheets: Convenient and eco-friendly, these laundry detergent sheets are compact, and easy to pack in your travel bag. They are perfect for washing clothes at laundromats while traveling, and they eliminate the need for bulky, plastic laundry detergent bottles. Plus, they’re biodegradable, making them a sustainable choice.
Cosmetic Bag by Marley’s Monsters: This eco-friendly cosmetic bag is ideal for keeping your beauty and skincare essentials organized while on the go. Made from sustainable materials, it keeps your items neatly contained and easy to access, all while minimizing waste and supporting your zero-waste lifestyle.
Marley's Monsters Cosmetic Bag
$24.00
Stylish & Practical Cosmetic Bag Our Marley's Monsters Cosmetic Bag is made from high-quality, durable fabric that's perfect for everyday use. Handmade for extra sturdiness, this bag ensures your cosmetics stay safe and secure, making it a must-have in our… read more
Meliora Stain Stick: This portable stain remover is perfect for any traveler. Whether you're eating on the go or dealing with travel mishaps, this natural and plastic-free stain stick can be a lifesaver. It’s compact, effective, and an eco-friendly solution to keep your clothes looking fresh while minimizing waste. I always bring this when traveling, it is a eco-friendly travel product essential!
Fat and the Moon Dry Shampoo: Perfect for those times when you don’t have access to a shower or want to freshen up quickly, this dry shampoo is a sustainable alternative to aerosol sprays. It’s easy to pack, helps absorb oil, and leaves your hair feeling fresh, all without relying on single-use plastic containers.
Fat and the Moon Dry Shampoo
$18.00
Revive Your Hair Naturally Struggling with oily roots and no time for a wash? Fat and the Moon Dry Shampoo Powder provides a swift and natural solution. Available at our waste free store, this dry shampoo blends arrowroot powder and… read more
Shampoo Bar: A travel must-have, the shampoo bar is compact, lightweight, and lasts longer than liquid shampoo. It’s perfect for saving space in your bag and helps reduce the need for plastic bottles, making it an excellent choice for a sustainable travel routine.
Charcoal Dental Floss: This plastic free floss is a eco-friendly travel product essential for maintaining your oral hygiene while traveling. It comes in a reusable container, and the charcoal-infused floss helps to naturally whiten teeth while keeping your travel routine waste-free.
These sustainable travel products all align with green practices and are designed to make travel more eco-conscious while still being functional and practical. They not only help minimize your environmental footprint but also offer convenience and portability, perfect for travelers who value sustainability.
Myths vs. Facts About Sustainable Travel
Myth: Sustainable travel is expensive.
Fact: While some sustainable travel options may have a higher upfront cost, they can save you money in the long run. For example, using reusable items and staying in energy-efficient accommodations can reduce waste and lower your overall travel costs.
Myth: Sustainable travel means sacrificing comfort.
Fact: Sustainable travel doesn’t mean giving up comfort. Many eco-friendly accommodations, tours, and destinations offer luxurious and comfortable options while still prioritizing sustainability.
Make an Impact with Sustainable Travel
Sustainable travel involves making mindful choices to minimize your environmental footprint while discovering new places. By selecting eco-friendly transportation, accommodations, and travel essentials, you can help preserve the planet and support local communities. Products like the Travel Nail Brush, Kaylaan Toothpaste Tablets, and Nope Conditioner Bar are great examples of sustainable options for your journey. As more travelers embrace these practices, we can help protect the beautiful destinations we cherish, ensuring they remain for future generations to enjoy and explore.
Wishing you happy, sustainable travels! 🌍