There is no denying that we tend to be wasteful while we are on the go! We don’t give a lot of thought to the sandwich bags we use or the plastic bottles we drink out of. However, it all adds up in the end, right?
This is why you need to make sure you look for different ways to reduce your waste in all areas of your life; not only while you are at home but also while you’re on a trip too. A lot of people take long road trips in vehicles such as Jeeps, exploring the world. You can click here for more information on this. There are then those who travel regularly for work. No matter what applies, zero waste is the way to go.
With that being said, below, we are going to take a look at some ideas to follow in order to reduce your waste while on a trip – no matter whether that be a trip to the markets, school, or the other side of the world.
What should be on your list?
There are a number of different things you can pack with you for your zero waste trip! This includes the following…
A reusable cup
A reusable coffee cup is a must for anyone who is on the go. You can get your much-needed energy boost without having a detrimental impact on the environment. Not only do reusable coffee cups reduce waste but a lot of people are unaware of just how dangerous takeaway coffee cups are. This is because they have a wax lining, which keeps liquid in, yet stops them from being recycled. This is despite the fact most takeaway cups are made from paper. A lot of people don’t realise this! By making the switch to a reusable coffee cup, you could be responsible for saving the planet from 365 coffee cups alone. That’s how much an average person saves by making the switch.
A cloth napkin
As well as a reusable cup, you should also opt for a cloth napkin. This is a good way of avoiding paper versions. Yes, paper napkins can be composted. However, the vast majority of food courts and establishments do not subscribe to a composting green waste program, which means they ultimately end up in a landfill. The best thing to do is to bring your own cloth and then wash it once you get home. After all, you’re only going to be using it to wipe a little bit of grease from your fingers, and so it’s really easy to simply take a cloth with you.
A shopping bag
You will also need a shopping bag to carry all of your items in or to ensure you have a bag handy should you do a bit of shopping on your trip. After all, we all know just how damaging plastic bags are to the environment. There are many different reusable shopping bags to choose from; from tote shopping bags to mixed mesh bags, and so you are bound to find the perfect one for you. No matter what style of bag you go for, it is vital to ensure it is made from natural fabrics and can fit all you need plus anything you pick up along the way. Mesh bags are great for this, as they collapse and can stretch to fit the most ambitious shopping excursion.
Utensils
When it comes to utensils, you will want to stay away from the plastic single-use cutlery that a lot of people take with them when going on a trip. So, what’s the alternative? Do you need to bring your expensive silverware from home? Of course not; opt for bamboo utensils instead. They are great because they are much less jangly and a lot lighter when compared with silverware, so they will be much easier to take around with you.
A metal straw
No matter whether you are planning on enjoying a few cocktails on your trip, you’re a sucker for an iced coffee (no one likes to drink the frothy top bit, right?), or you’re planning your child’s school trip bag, you will want to get your hands on a metal straw. Straws are great, but the plastic kind are exceptionally dangerous. They usually end up in our oceans, causing huge damage to wildlife. Instead, simply swap your plastic straw for a reusable version. Most people would agree that metal straws are the best choice. They’re very classy and extremely durable. However, if you are a little bit forgetful, it’s better to go for bamboo. This is because bamboo is biodegradable and compostable, and so if you do leave your straw behind, it is simply going to degrade back into the soil on its own, so you don’t have to worry about unintentionally causing damage to the environment.
A drink bottle
Last but not least, you’re going to need a drink bottle for your trip too. No matter what sort of trip you are going on or where in the world you are going, it is important to stay hydrated. After all, the average person will use 156 plastic drink bottles per annum. Just think about how much damage this is causing to our oceans, especially when you factor in that most of the plastic in landfills ends up in the ocean. The best thing to do is to purchase a steel drinks bottle. They are light and come in different sizes. For short shopping trips, 500ml tends to be advisable, especially as there are typical taps around for a quick and easy refill.
So there you have it: the complete guide to going zero waste while on the go. We hope that the tips that have been provided above will help you to reduce your waste considerably while on a trip.
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