How to Stay Green While Traveling

Even if you’re living an environmentally conscious life at home, a lot of good habits you keep can be easily broken while traveling. All things plastic and disposable seem to plague travelers, from planes to hotels and everywhere in between.

Packing a few smart accessories before departure and following a few green rules while away from home can ensure you have a trip that makes both you and the planet happy.

What to Bring:

Reusable bottles

Say no to plastic water bottles by bringing a sustainable container with you on your travels. In addition to helping the environment, you’ll also save money. Pack a reusable metal bottle, such as the Sigg Traveler Classic Water Bottle, or a BPA-free plastic bottle like the Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth Water Bottle.

Green sunscreen

Headed to a sunny destination? Keep yourself and the oceans healthy and happy by using environmentally friendly sunscreen. All of the sunblocks in Smart Girls Who Surf’s Surf-Vival collection contain zinc oxide as the only active ingredient, and lack chemicals and parabens that can be harmful to the oceans and to humans. Smart Girls Who Surf also sells natural products for your face and lips, and carries a children’s product line as well.

Utensils

You don’t need to go through plastic fork after plastic fork while traveling with To-Go Ware’s RePEaT Utensil Set. The set includes a fork, knife, spoon and pair of chopsticks all made from bamboo, and comes with a carrying case.

What to Do:

Bike

Not only is riding a bicycle a great workout and healthy way to see a new place, but it helps the environment, too. By biking and walking instead of renting a car, you’re reducing your carbon footprint while giving yourself some exercise. Bike sharing systems like Citi Bike make it easier than ever to pedal through your trip.

Eat local

With your reusable utensils and water bottle in hand, head over to your destination’s local markets and chow down on local produce. You’ll support farmers in the area while eating in a sustainable way.

Stay at an ecolodge

Pick a place to stay that is as committed to being green as you are. Ecolodges such as Couran Cove Island Resort, Australia, Canopy Tower, Panama, Luna Lodge, Costa Rica, Green Hotel, India, Tiamo Resort, Bahamas and Scandic Simonkenttä, Finland care about the planet as much as their guests.