While we cannot avoid certain bits of plastic while traveling, there are a lot of small bits we can do to minimise our plastic footprint while traveling and become a sustainable traveler. Some of the easy suggestions are included below.
Plastic Products while Traveling | Plastic-Free Alternative | Ease of Replacement (Habit change) | Ease of Replacement (Availability) |
Water Bottles | Carry your own bottle. Make sure its empty during Security Checks at Airports. Refilling of bottles is easier than you think - airports, places where you take your meals, coffee shops - and it is much cheaper than buying a water bottle | Easy | Easy |
Bags | Carry a foldable cotton bag with you for your souvenir shopping - collect only souvenirs not the shopping bags | Easy | Easy |
Tea/ Coffee | Try to Bring Your Own Cup to the cafe if possible, or if you can make time to drink your beverage in the cafe then request for it in a reusable ceramic mug. | Easy | Easy |
Takeaway Meals | Opt for food with minimal plastic packaging such as sandwiches or ask for brown paper bags instead of plastic boxes | Easy | Easy |
Small Toiletries Bottles in Hotels | Carry your own (refill your small bottle at home from a big bottle). Avoid collecting tiny bottles of plastic | Easy | Easy |
Plastic wrapped slippers in hotels | Try to use own footwear instead of wasting plastic used for wrapping | Easy | Easy |
Toothbrush & Dental Kits in Hotels | Carry your own or carry the toothbrush with you and reuse | Easy | Easy |
Tags (Zip Ties) | Use Locks on your bags instead. TSA Locks are acceptable for airport security for international travel as well | Easy | Easy |
Card Receipts, Bills | Take only what you need. These are coated with plastic and are not really recyclable or biodegradable. | Easy | Easy |
Snacks | Opt for healthy snacks like fruits not packed in plastic | Easy to Moderate | Easy |
Sugar Sachets | Ask for loose sugar if possible | Easy | Easy to Moderate |
Tea Bags/ Coffee Sachets | Brewed Tea from Loose tea leaves; brewed coffee from coffee shops | Easy to Moderate | Easy to Moderate |
Milk Powder Sachets | Avoid or ask for real milk | Easy to Moderate | Easy to Moderate |
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