EditorsNowadays, the dilemma between travelling the world and being environmentally conscious is ever-present. We all want to have incredible, unforgettable experiences travelling the world, but of course, travelling is not always an eco-friendly activity. Although we love the planet and want to experience it in the flesh, taking planes and using disposable travel-size products isn’t exactly good for the carbon footprint. This being said, there are ways to maximise your eco-friendliness when abroad. After all, we all deserve to have a break and do something we enjoy – and if we can help the planet in doing so, even better.
So how can we be environmentally conscious while travelling the world? Here are five eco-friendly holiday essentials which will revolutionise your travels.
Ditching Plastic Toiletries
Travel-size toiletries such as shampoo and shower gel are very useful, but are they eco-friendly? Well, the short answer is no. However, there are now equally effective products which don’t require so much plastic. Lush’s shampoo bars and soap bars are cost-effective, all-natural, and can be stored in small metal tins for reduced mess. This means wherever you go, you can carry bars of your toiletries in reusable metal containers instead of single-use plastic bottles which end up in landfill. Cool, right?
Similarly, there are companies whose bottles appear to be plastic, but are actually biodegradable and are not as damaging to the planet as plastics. Do your research when it comes to buying toiletries, and ensure you’re making ethical choices. Plus, many sustainable brands can be found on NetVoucherCodes, so you never miss a sweet deal.
Use eco-friendly toiletries
Natural Bug Spray
If you are hitting the tropics, you will have been told that bug spray is an essential. This much is true; you will only forget it once, and be well and truly eaten alive for your mistakes. Unfortunately, many bug sprays are terribly corrosive and damaging, not just for your skin but for the air and environment too. Never fear! There are many natural citronella formulas widely available around the world which protect you from biting bugs, without harming the planet.
Reusable Water Bottle
Okay, this is pretty obvious. But many people, if visiting countries with low quality tap water, purely rely on single-use plastic water bottles to get by. No need. With cheap, accessible water purifying tablets, you can drink water from any tap at all, and use your same water bottle for years on end. No need to hurt the oceans with your single-use plastic. Water purifying tablets are perfectly safe and help our planet stay healthy.
Coral Reef-Friendly Sunscreen
Did you know that many sunscreens are highly damaging to sea creatures in coral reefs? Well, now you do. There is a chemical in some sunscreens called oxybenzone, which comes off your body when you swim in the water and settles on coral. Oxybenzone damages the coral’s surface and can end up bleaching it completely. If you plan to swim in the ocean on your travels, make sure you are wearing coral reef friendly sunscreen.
Luckily, there are helpful compilations of all the best brands who sell environmentally friendly sunscreen which doesn’t damage sea life and can keep your skin safe from the sun too. Result!
Photo by Tomas Salas via Unsplash
Recycled Swimwear
Most types of swimwear contain microplastics which are hard to break down and, as we know, terrible for the environment. The reason swimwear is so great at wicking away water and being lightweight is because it is usually made of nylon which is a form of plastic. This is pretty unavoidable – but there are things we can do to help.
There exist swimwear companies who make their clothing from recycled materials. So yes, it’s still plastic, but it’s been recycled from a previous material to make your swimsuit. It’s not a perfect system, but this does reduce the amount of plastic that winds up in landfill and positively affects our planet.
Conclusion
If you love travelling but you love the planet too, there is a happy medium that can be found. You don’t have to punish yourself by going nowhere at all, but you should research and use this guide to help you travel in a planet-friendly way. The earth is a beautiful, complicated place which we should cherish; any action, big or small, can aid our planet’s sustenance and make our world a better place.
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