Packing for your next adventure? We all know how important preparation is in travelling. You don’t want your convenience to be the cost of harming our planet, do you? Here are simple tips to ensure you’re packing the right, responsible, and eco-friendly essentials for your trip:

Bamboo toothbrush and tooth paste powder or tablets

Don’t forget to bring and use bamboo brushes, which are compostable alternative to plastic toothbrush ☺ Refuse your hotel’s or resort’s toiletries (which are mostly made out of plastic), or better yet, do some research and find hotels in your area that use refillable dispensers instead of single-use toiletries. 

Shampoo bar and soap bar

Bring your own package free soap/shampoo or buy in bulk with your own containers if it’s available. You may opt to store these in reusable tin containers than you can easily pack in your bag- even in your carry-on luggage!

Reusable and cloth bags

Reusable bags are useful especially when buying souvenirs from your trip! Cloth bags are especially useful when you go to the market or the grocery –pack your fruits, veggies, bread, grains in these cloth bags. No need to worry about staining them or getting them dirty! That’s the great thing about cloth bags- you can always wash and they’ll be good as new. 

Almond or jojoba oil in reusable glass bottle

Looking for an all-natural and organic cleanser and moisturizer? Try packing your old almond or jojoba oil to do the trick! Keep it compact in your bag. It’s best to use to remove makeup, and moisturize your lips or hands. 

Tea tree and lavender essential oils

This could be the ‘holy grail’ out of all your personal travel essentials. These oils function as a mosquito repellant, sunburn lotion, hand sanitizer, headache relief, and even a foot deodorant! Simply dilute 1 or 2 drops of essential oil with water and carry it in a small bottle (preferably with a dropper). 

Reusable water bottle

Find water fountains in your resort or hotel to refill your water bottles before heading out to your adventure for the day! Insulated bottles are even better because you can use them for your hot coffee or your iced cold water. 

Reusable straw and cutlery

Whether it’s metal, bamboo, or completely refusing to use one, make sure you avoid plastic straws for your beverages! Also, whenever you takeout food, remind your server that you will not be needing disposable cutlery anymore. In your travels, it might be convenient and practical to bring a “no straw, please” or “no plastic packaging, please” flash card to communicate that you do not need a plastic when you have your meal. Finally, find a nice, handy pouch for your cutlery and straw to fit in your bag!

Beeswax food wrap

Heading outdoor with your sandwich or fruit? Ditch the plastic bags and containers and try a more planet-friendly alternative- beeswax food wraps!

It might take a while to get used but planning and preparing to bring these items the next time you travel is a great a habit to start!