Sustainable Travel Products: 15 Easy Switches to be More Eco-Friendly!

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The road to sustainability is a journey. Especially when it comes to travel, there are many avenues to take if you want to be a more sustainable traveler. One of the easiest steps on the road to becoming an eco-friendly traveler is to swap out some items in your usual packing list for more sustainable travel products!

Even for me, the journey hasn’t been easy or fast – certainly not both. While my family grew up reusing Dutch cookie tins and old jars for other uses (like grease storage lol), the fairly recent switch from any sort of plastic is new to me. I mean, my family even reuses ziplock bags…so…are those “single use” items more damaging than billion dollar companies exploiting natural resources?

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In my opinion, I’m not one for shaming individuals into going cold turkey for anything that has the possibility of not being sustainable. But, hey, if you can make some lifestyle switches, why not? I tried to find sustainable travel products that can be easily incorporated into your every day routine, as well as sustainable travel products that can serve you BETTER than what you already have.

No downgrades here.

Toiletry Bag: Face

If anything, your toiletry bag might be the one thing that is hard to swap out. Like, we ALL have our favorite toiletries! However, you may find that some of these sustainable travel product switches may end up saving you, your wallet, AND the environment in the long run!

Bite Toothpaste Tablets: While it doesn’t contain fluoride, these super-small bite-sized (get it??) tablets foam up amazingly and leave your breath minty-fresh! All-natural, zero waste, zero plastic, and cruelty-free! You can also sign up for a subscription if you, like me, constantly run out of toothpaste and have to replenish the DAY OF.

Natural Mouthwash Tablets: Likewise with the Bite Toothpaste, they don’t contain fluoride, but they’ll keep your breath fresh and clean! They’re great for when you just get off a plane and need to freshen up a bit.

Compostable Floss: Placed in a refillable bottle, the silk floss easily slides to clean your teeth. Though, it does take some getting used to.

Reusable Face Pads: I used to use normal cotton pads, but after running out multiple times on a trip, I have since switched to washable pads. I usually try to book a place with a washer/dryer, so it’s easy to just pop these in their mesh laundry bag and throw them in the washer.

Toiletry Bag: Body

Reusable Bamboo Pump Bottles: They’re cute, they don’t leak, and they’re refillable! The golden trifecta. Pump bottles are a KEY element for your packing list, so it’s just a cherry on top that these are also sustainable travel products!

HoneyPot Menstrual Cup: Members of the menstruating club, thinking about taking the leap to menstrual cups? Reusable for an entire year, these medical-grade silicone cups are free from latex, harmful chemicals, and phthalates. There are two sizes to best fit you, and you can go a full 12 hours leak free!

Organic Tampons: Buuut, if you’re not ready to jump into menstrual cups, HoneyPot also makes all organic tampons!

Sustainable Body Scrubber: Made from a rubber-like material, I personally switched to this scrubber months ago for home, then bought another one for travel! They dry super quick so you can shower in the morning and still be ready to pack by your noon-flight! Plus, they stick to the shower wall!

Natural Body Sponge: But, I also have extremely dry skin. Like. CLINICALLY dry skin. So I need some sort of friction in my routine as well. For this, I’m slowly getting used to using a natural sponge loofa!

Day Pack

These are the sustainable travel products that you’ll be taking with you when you’re out and about on your travels! You have limited space in your day pack, so you want to make sure that you’re efficient in your selection! Gotta save room for souvenirs after all!

Bindle Waterbottle: Hands down my favvvorite water bottle! It keeps your water cold for HOURS, just like any other Hydroflask. But, it also comes with a hidden storage compartment at the bottom! It’s a great way to hide your spare change!

All Good Sunscreen, Butter, and lip balm: There aren’t manyyy sunscreens that are ethically sourced, sustainable, water-resistant, reef-safe, AND vegan. But this one is! Plus, it has a natural bug repellant so it’s great for outdoorsy areas! If you have a darker skin tone and are looking for a product that won’t leave white residue on your skin, check out my sunscreen post!

Bamboo Travel Utensils: Unless you’re eating at a sitdown restaurant, it’s just easier to carry your own utensils. Especially for on-the-go food stops at the night market or street vendors. And more hygienic than eating with your hands after a long day of exploring and touching crap. As someone with teeth so sensitive I get aches in the cold wind, I NEED a straw. I absolutely HATE metal straws because they are too cold. And don’t get me started on paper straws. Bamboo straws are a solid medium though.

Back at the Hotel

Or whatever your lodging may be. While the bulk of this list included sustainable travel products for your toiletries and healthcare, you have other needs too! This is for all that extra stuff to bring along with you to use in your spare time. For a little bit of downtime relaxationnn~

Kindle Paperwhite (Waterproof!): I lovee the new edition that’s waterproof. You can store a ton of books on here at a fraction of the space. What’s not to love?

HoneyFeet yoga mat : It rolls super compact and is made of 100% cork and all-natural tree rubber. As it turns out, cork is a natural anti-slip material! And since cork is made from bark that regrows, no trees are harmed in the process! Using no glue or latex, like other mats, the trees are also mildew proof, & ventilated. I’m not sponsored by them, but I love their mats so much that they gave me a 15% off coupon! Use “AwkwardTravel15″ at checkout for a discount!

Snacks: This is a given. Some of my favorite ethically sourced snacks are as follows: Bohana (water lily seeds, like a more filling popcorn), Ahi Tuna Jerky (very salty if you’re into that – I am!), and Craize Guava Corn Chips. Plus, if you’re want to be a great Couchsurfing host, they’re great to provide for your guests!

Pack for a Purpose: This one doesn’t actually contain sustainable travel products, but if you have extra space in your bag, consider packing a few items for the program “Pack for a Purpose.” They partner with organizations (schools, shelters, community centers, etc) around the world and the organization provides them with a wishlist of materials. Then travelers can take a gander at the list and bring any supplies to a drop-off station when they visit!

Sustainable Travel Products: Conclusion

Well, that should be enough to get ya started! Hopefully, you find some new favorites on this list! What are your favorite eco-friendly and sustainable travel products? If you have suggestions, drop them in the comments below!

Thanks for reading! See ya on the eco-friendly side!

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