Did you listen to Heike Pirngruber’s podcast interview where she shared her journey and experience cycling around the world. Heike starting cycling in 2013 and now 6 years and many thousands of miles later is still determined to keep going because of the thrill of the adventure and the deep desire to ‘see the world’.
If you missed Heike’s interview you can listen here. This inspiring lady certainly inspired us to wander more, slow down and experience all the adventures of the road – from stopping to smell the wildflowers to pulling over to stare at the landscape and scenery around us no matter where we are.
Another aspect of travel and adventure is sustainability and reducing your carbon footprint especially when traveling away from the comforts of your own home. With steadily increasing concerns over the current state of our planet and the ongoing issue of climate change, more of us are eagerly adopting the practices of sustainable living. There are everyday changes that we can do to be mindful of our energy consumption. But sustainability should be something we actively practice wherever we go, even when we travel.
Here are some ways how you can aim for a more sustainable existence when you travel, and how you can pack your suitcase accordingly.
#1 Organic and natural body products
Choosing products that are both organic and chemical-free is the first step when packing a suitcase fit for a sustainable getaway. Whether you are away for the weekend, a month or even a backpacking adventure like Heike, you will be taking along your favorite tried-and-tested skincare and body products along with you. We all need such toiletries, but replacing more common (and less sustainable) products with their natural, organic counterparts will not only be better for your skin and your health, but will have a gentler effect on the environment.
Some of the most common travel toiletries are sunscreen and deodorants. Organic sunscreens and natural deodorants don’t contain any of the nasty ingredients that synthetic skincare and body products usually do. One common chemical used by major sunscreen brands is oxybenzone, which has been known to cause drastic damage to marine life and, in particular, coral reefs when it is washed off of our bodies and into the ocean. By comparison, organic sunscreens are made of mineral-based, biodegradable, natural ingredients that won’t harm our planet. In a similar vein, deodorants and aerosol antiperspirants often contain aluminum and petroleum derivatives, which are not only toxic to our water systems but also cost the planet substantial losses in precious energy and resources. Natural deodorants, on the other hand, are often made with ingredients such as mineral salts, essential oils, and baking soda, none of which will clog your pores or our fragile ecosystem.
Another common travel toiletry is soap. Move away from small travel size, plastic-bottled products and use soap and shampoo bars instead. This is a huge benefit to the environment — not to mention that they are wonderful to travel with as they don’t take up much room, spill, or exceed any liquid carry-on restrictions. When staying in hotels, refuse to have any toiletries in your hotel room. Those tiny, single use soaps, shampoos and body lotions almost always make their way to landfills – no matter how cute they look and how amazing they smell.
#2 Reusable and recyclable everyday items
We all know by now that plastic bags are suffocating our planet, as they are made from non-biodegradable materials, using non-renewable resources. They block drainage systems, leach toxins into our water, cause injury or death to wildlife when mistaken for food, and continue to wreak havoc long after disposal with the release of harmful gases into our atmosphere. In some beaches around the world, plastic has been found many feet below the surface as micro-plastic in the soil.
Reusable totes are a great way to fix this problem at an individual level and can be used for just about anything — from carry-on luggage to shopping baskets or beach bags. Be sure to purchase those that are made of recycled materials, organic cotton, or hemp. Stay away from bags made of inorganic cotton, canvas, or polypropylene.
Reusable utensils are another way to safeguard our environment and they’re also great to have on the road. Products such as stainless steel straws, water bottles, utensils, and coffee cups are all making a splash on the global scene, and are both easily purchased and inexpensive. Say no to single-use cups, plastic straws, and plastic forks, and say hello to a cleaner, greener world.
#3 Ethical fashion and clothing options
Creating a sustainable wardrobe can be daunting, when considering the added costs of purchasing ethical clothing and the shift of mindset needed to stay away from brands we may have previously loved so much. But the truth is your wardrobe doesn’t need to be changed all at once. Make a few simple adjustments and start building your sustainable wardrobe one piece at a time if you prefer.
When purchasing new items, make an informed decision about which companies you choose to support. Look for brands that manufacture sustainable clothing made from organic cotton, organic wool, sustainably grown bamboo, hemp, and linen, and avoiding synthetic materials such as polyester, acrylic, and nylon. Also look into companies that have ethical working standards and give back to the local communities they do business in. Sure some of the pieces you like may be expensive. But a well built item will last longer and be more sustainable in the long run.
The second course of action in building a more sustainable wardrobe is to shop vintage. Thrift stores and op-shops are a far more sustainable way of sourcing new outfits. When you want to get rid of certain clothing items, look at thrift stores to donate your items. Don’t put them in the trash or even leave them on the side of the road – they will most likely clog up smaller rivers and streams as they get washed away with the rain. Lastly, remember to take good care of the clothes that you already have. Go the extra mile to wash your clothes carefully and as their labels advise, and hang and fold them appropriately. When you can repair small damages like loose buttons or minor tears, do it and extend the life of that piece of clothing that you love.
#4 Eco-friendly technology and devices
Solar power has been around for decades, but only in recent years has solar technology become more efficient and affordable. Adding a solar-powered portable battery to your travel gear is a great eco-friendly solution that will provide you with a constant source of reliable power, whenever you’re on the go. Replace disposable batteries with rechargeable ones is a great way to prevent single use batteries from landfills.
In addition, many mobile apps are being designed to help travelers ensure that their trips are as eco-friendly as possible. UNEP Carbon Calculator enables users to calculate the size of their current carbon footprint and visualize its impact on a particular ecosystem.
In this day and age, sustainable living and traveling should be at the forefront of our minds. We owe it to each other to make sustainable choices both at home and abroad. Be respectful of the world around us when you are traveling, and remember that we can all make a difference, wherever we are in the world.
0 Comments