Traveling is an exciting experience but also one that produces a lot of waste. Using disposable items, such as plastic bottles and food containers, can be tempting. However, making decisions that contribute to a more sustainable environment is not always difficult. Don't get it twisted; the goal is not to achieve zero waste entirely but to reduce trashing.

That said, there's a lot you can do to limit waste while traveling, including traveling green. Below are the top ten tips to help you practice more eco-friendly travel and be socially conscious.

• Carry reusable items

Disposable plastic bags can take centuries to decompose, which can incredibly damage the environment. They release toxic chemicals and sometimes end up being consumed by animals, causing great harm to them. Embrace more eco-friendly practices by creating a zero-waste kit when planning your trip. It would help to pack the following reusable items:

• Containers, straws, cutlery, food wraps

Get canvas and cotton bags to carry homemade meals for a trip. There are also plenty of other options, such as glass containers or paper bags (do not use them for liquids). 

Research shows that 89% of the Mariana Trench waste is plastic bottles. Preferably carry fresh foods and drinks instead of processed ones, which require more packaging. Refilling your water bottle will reduce waste. You will also buy less and save money.

• Press seals and tote bags

Pack your fruits in silicon zip-lock bags where you can add water to maintain freshness. They are secure and long-lasting compared to plastic bags. 

Tote bags are light, occupy little space, and can be best for storing your travel meals.

• Use e-tickets and digital documents

Printed tickets and documents are now old school. When paying for rental cars or making your reservation, present the digital receipt wherever necessary. The service providers can then check their digital records to ascertain their accuracy. While online booking is effective, you can easily fall for scammers. Use Nuwber or TruthFinder to verify the identity of car rental dealers to avoid dealing with swindlers.

Another way to enjoy an authentic experience without using private cars is to take public means or cycling. Walking has the least amount of pollution and allows to save on printed tickets.

• Avoid single-use toiletries

Most hotels package their toiletries in single-use plastic, contributing to waste in oceans and landfills. Bring reusable toiletry items like toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner bottles, and soap bars while traveling. Buy solid soaps, deodorants, or shampoo bars without plastic packaging, and use biodegradable toothbrushes. For women, carry menstrual cups because they are by far better waste reducers than tampons or pads. 

• Adapt ethical shopping

While traveling, you can easily be an impulse buyer. Unethical shopping has negative consequences for the environment, like buying items made of unsustainable materials. If you purchase goods from international vendors, it can also negatively impact the local economy. If possible, buy goods made in the area you are visiting and avoid those with disposable packaging.

• Use digital entertainment

Lengthy bus trips are tiresome, so we all need something to occupy our minds and pass the time. You can purchase an e-reader and get all your favorite stories on it or read online articles. It will help reduce paper waste and free your bag from would-be heavy loads of books. Replace paper maps and guidebooks with an online travel site.

• Be consumption-conscious

Reduce energy consumption and water usage anytime you are traveling. Switch off lights, unplug appliances, and take shorter showers. Watch how much energy and water you use when cleaning dishes or clothes. Moreover, look for hotels with an energy-saving policy. Donate all unwanted items and clothes to thrift shops or charity before traveling.

• Stop buying unnecessary souvenirs

While purchasing souvenirs, pay attention to what they are made from. Buy stuff made from sustainable materials to preserve the environment. Instead of showing your friends and family printed pictures from your travels, bring home some local spices and cook a foreign dish. This way, you can combine your trip memories with the new cuisine experience — a zero-waste method of transportive nostalgia.

• Be time-conscious

Last-minute packing can lead to a waste of time. It would also be challenging to decide what to leave or pack. Packing before D-Day can help you prepare more efficiently, reducing time and money spent on unnecessary detours or activities. It can also help avoid cancellations, frustration, or delays, saving time and money. Avoid unnecessary delays or waiting by sticking to your itinerary. Maximizing time during trips can help to enhance the journey and increase productivity.

• Carry the necessary equipment

Pack only necessities like clothes, gadgets, or camping gear needed on a specific trip. Ensure you have everything to help you along the way, such as water, snacks, a map, and an emergency kit. It can help you make the most of your travels, and minimize waste and the risk of getting lost or running out of supplies. Additionally, packing light and reusable items can help reduce waste. Use brands that embrace sustainability in their production.

• Travel slowly

Vacations are so exciting that you might spend most of your time moving from one place to another. Take your time before moving from one destination. Instead of planning multiple short trips, consider taking one extended vacation. Invest in exploring a single destination thoroughly rather than quickly moving from one place to the next. Doing so will give you more time to appreciate the area and what it has to offer.

Take the time to explore the culture and get to know the place you are visiting. Make meaningful connections with locals and discover the unique features of the destination. Slow travel gives you a more authentic experience and helps reduce carbon emissions.

Conclusion

Reducing the amount of waste created in transit is achievable if you put in the effort. It can be done by carrying reusable items like bags and water bottles. You can also buy seasonal and local items with minimal packaging. Selecting sustainable accommodations and limiting plastic consumption can go a long way. If all people made a conscious effort to reduce their waste while traveling, the world would become a better and cleaner place.