We’re passionate about practicing “sustainable travel” here at Dame Traveler. The concept is certainly a buzzword right now in the travel industry. But we believe that in order to love and cherish the world and its many wonders, it’s important to explore responsibly. Eco-conscious travel is not a trend in our eyes, it’s truly a positive shift. What’s most amazing? Traveling sustainably isn’t all that difficult… it just requires some education and mindfulness. Today, we want to spotlight some small but mighty eco-conscious travel accessories you can pack on your next adventure!
Natural, Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Turns out, many mainstream sunscreen brands are using ingredients that are killing our precious coral reefs. That’s right! 14,000 tons of sunscreen end up in coral reef areas annually, resulting in some horrible damage to the ecosystem that’s already struggling to survive. Make the switch to organic, biodegradable and proven reef-safe sunscreen. You’ll be saving the environment while also treating your skin better.
ECOMASK
We love these reusable face masks by Eco Mask that are made from fishing nets, recycled plastic bottles and an FFP2 Filter. Proceeds benefit Healthy Seas, a non-profit whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon which is responsible for micro plastics, destruction of ecosystems and the needless death of marine life.
Solid Shampoo & Conditioner Bars
By eliminating the plastic containers for shampoos and conditioners, you’re wasting less and saving more room for liquids in your carry on. Win-win situation, if you ask us!
Check out this shampoo and conditioner bar.
Hydro-Flask Or Canteen
One major wasteful move travelers make is constantly buying overpriced plastic water bottles while on the road. Eliminate your waste and excessive spending by bringing along a Hydro-Flask or other reusable water canteens.
Reusable Shopping Bags
Reduce your impact on waste while traveling by packing small, reusable shopping bags. These totes come in handy in many ways! Not only do most fabric bags carry more than disposable ones while you’re out shopping, but they also can be great places to stow away wet swimsuits or dirty laundry. Our favorite? Apolis’s customizable market tote. It’s a sturdy, weather resistant bag that can handle any grocery trip and it ends the cycle of poverty. The female artisans who handcraft your eco-friendly bag receive Fair Trade wages, annual profit dividends, and a retirement fund. Amazing right?
Deet-Free Bug Repellent
Sure… Deet is the go-to remedy for those pesky mosquitos. But, many environmentalist urge to stray away from using the harsh chemical. Deet is known to irritate the eyes and impair the nervous system. And, in our opinion, that can’t be great for the environment either! Choose a deet-free bug repellent instead.
Microfiber Towel
Although many hotels and beaches offer free towels, the amount of water wasted on washing them really add up. Instead, pack your own micro-fiber, reusable and quick-drying option.
Reusable Silverware & Drinking Straws
You probably don’t think about silverware while you pack for your next adventure, but reusable silverware and drinking straws are two extremely meaningful eco-friendly travel accessories. At this point, we’ve all heard about the catastrophic effect of plastic straws on the environment. By packing these reusable items on your adventures, your committing yourself to a sustainable lifestyle… and the earth will thank you for it.
We’re fans of eightysix straws made by nature itself, they are grass that already grows in a straw like shape and they actually work! They don’t get soggy like paper straws and they come in a perfect envelope that’s light and easy to carry/pack.
Bamboo Toothbrush
Three cheers for less plastic in our health-care rituals! By packing a bamboo toothbrush, travelers can feel good about caring for the earth. It’s the little things like this that add up to a big impact.
Solar Power Banks
By choosing to harness the power of the sun, our natural provider of energy, we’re able to eliminate our reliance on electricity. Packing a durable, waterproof solar power bank is a great option for campers, but also for travelers anywhere! Many of them serve as lanterns and can charge multiple devices.
Refillable TSA-Approved Bottles
When sitting down and beginning the packing process, it can be overwhelming to plan what toiletries are needed. Instead of buying travel-sized options, use your favorite products and place them into reusable, refillable TSA-Approved Travel Bottles. You’ll get the perks of having your favorite items for self-care while on the road while also improving the health of our earth.
Recycled Journals & Plastic Pens
If you’re sitting down to reflect on your adventures, why not do it in an eco-friendly way? Recycled journals and biodegradable pens are two simple travel accessories that can eliminate waste while also being super cute!
Some Other Simple Things To Keep In Mind While Traveling
While the idea of sustainable travel can seem daunting to travelers, we’ve found that the first step is through education. Once travelers are mindful of their impact on the space they visit, they are able to make conscious steps toward eco-friendly travel.
Here are some really simple things to do while on your next adventure.
- Shop local – avoid big name-brand companies
- Cut down on at least one non-recyclable item a day
- Eat in instead of takeaway
- If you can, travel slow!
- Use digital media instead of paper for maps, books, etc.
- Book eco-conscious hotels
- Volunteer for a local community resource
- Spend an hour picking up trash in green areas, like on the beach
You can find more ideas on sustainable travel right here on the blog!
