Both Jack and I love nature and the natural environment and try our hardest to be sustainable. When we travel, we aim to stay away from unnecessary plastic consumption by choosing the best eco-friendly travel products and being mindful of what we buy.
This is, however, much easier when we’re at home and not travelling! It can be hard to stay green while travelling and sometimes it’s not possible.
Even so, we never stop trying and we have some products we love to use. To make things a little easier for you to travel greener too, I’ve put together the best 29 eco-friendly travel products which you can use on your travels.
Discover 29 Of The Best Eco-Friendly Travel Products For Your Next Adventure!
In this post, I’ll share our favourite eco-friendly travel products which you can use to swap out less friendly plastic products. I’ll also provide some useful tips on how to travel greener and the lowdown on eco-tourism.
Why Is Using Eco-Friendly Travel Products So Important?
Using eco-friendly travel products is important because it helps to reduce the environmental impact of travel. Travel has a significant environmental impact due to the emission of greenhouse gases. These gases, such as carbon dioxide, contribute to climate change.
Transportation, especially air travel, is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. So is the use of disposable products and the generation of waste during travel which contribute to environmental pollution and harm wildlife.
Although we can’t stop all the emissions created by travelling, we can definitely contribute to creating a more sustainable environment. Traditional travel products, such as single-use plastic bottles and disposable toiletries, generate a significant amount of waste. This waste can end up in landfills or pollute our oceans and harm marine life.
✔️ By using eco-friendly travel products, we can significantly reduce the amount of waste we generate and reduce our carbon footprint.
The Essential Eco-Friendly Travel Products
So before we dig into the best eco-friendly travel products on the market in 2023, I just want to give you a quick list of the essentials. It’s hard to be a perfect green traveller and it can also be expensive to swap all travel products for their sustainable counterparts.
It will be a slow transition and a lifestyle change but in the meantime, if the best you can do is these 5 essential eco-friendly travel products, then you are doing great!
Jack and I will never go travelling without these items:
1. Reusable Water Bottle
Everywhere we go we take a reusable water bottle with us. We have had a few over the years but the ones which are double-insulated are best. They keep the water cool (or hot) for longer, which is great when travelling around hot countries!
Using a reusable water bottle help to reduce the amount of single-use plastic bottles in circulation, which will likely end up in our oceans. Especially if you’re in countries where tap water isn’t potable!
Preferably, you want one which has a straw attached. Generally, they come with both the straw and screw-on lids these days anyways. I like these because it’s annoying to stop and unscrew mid-hike!
2. The Spork
Our trusted spork was a gift from a friend before we left for our last trip and it came in so useful. We were able to stop using the plastic cutlery given so readily in food markets across Asia.
Unfortunately, it was taken off us at the airport in Panama (surprisingly we were able to cross into America with it multiple times!) Anyways, remember to keep it in your checked luggage just in case.
This is a pain if you want to buy something in the airport which needs to be eaten with a fork like pasta! But, it’s just one of those things. Sigh.
3. The Metal/Bamboo Straw
We also carry around reusable straws with us, if you’ve ever travelled to Indonesia or Thailand, in fact, the whole of Southeast Asia you will be accustomed to how much plastic they use!
Having the straw is just a little win but it might save a sea turtle or two from getting a straw stuck up its nose. The only thing is, we always end up leaving it in a cocktail!
Luckily, they rarely come in a pack by themselves so just throw the whole box in your bag and be done with it.
4. Mineral Deodorant
Jack and I both use Salt Of The Earth mineral deodorant and we swear by it. Initially, we weren’t so sure when we made the switch, but it’s great. We made the switch to the roll-on creams from aerosol a while, back but this was the next step.
It took a while to get used to but it works better than any of the others and lasts all day. The actual salt rock (if not dropped and smashed) lasts a lot longer too…I’m talking about a year of daily usage, if not more!
There are a few options but to be completely plastic free we opt for the one that just comes as the mineral rock in cardboard packaging; no case, no plastic.
5. Reusable Shopping Bags
Everywhere we go we always take a shopping tote, it’s the norm now to have your own shopping bags when you do groceries but why do so many of us forget to take one on holiday? I mean, we’ve still got to eat, right, and we’re all going to buy food, yeah?
So, please remember to pack your shopping bag! These days they are much more stylish than the average plastic bag. They are versatile and make for a good beach bag too.
The Best Eco-Friendly Travel Products: To Lower Single-Use Plastic
Single-use plastics are a major contributor to plastic pollution in our oceans and on land. These plastics take hundreds of years to degrade and break down into microplastics that can be ingested by wildlife and enter the food chain.
✔️ Did you know that they have now found microplastics in our bloodstream? How terrible is that…
6. The Grayl Geopress Purifier
The Grayl Geopress Purifier is an excellent eco-friendly travel product that allows you to purify water from any freshwater source, reducing the need for single-use plastic water bottles and minimizing plastic waste while also ensuring safe drinking water.
We bought one when we went backpacking around southeast Asia and ended up using it all the time! It was a great way for us to fill up our reusable water bottles from the taps if there was no free water available.
But, we also used it when we went hiking through the jungle and filled up from a freshwater stream! That was the Geopress being fully utilised and it tasted great.
7. A Pocket Knife
If you haven’t got the spork then this will come in handy for cutting up food but it’s also great for anything; hiking, opening bags, getting out splinters, cutting tags, etc.
As much as it’s an eco-friendly travel product it also helps make your trip efficient; it’s a handy product to have.
This one really needs to be kept in your checked luggage. You will not get it through security and they aren’t exactly cheap, so stay smart (and safe) and keep it in your luggage.
8. Toiletry Bars
Switch over from liquid soaps to bars. Shampoo, conditioner and body wash now come in solid bars which are wrapped in cardboard. This means no plastic bottles. And, considering the number of hair products I use this is a great trick to reduce plastic consumption. (Also see coconut oil below).
If you’re in the UK, one of my favourite places to buy these products is from Lush. They have some incredible scents. However it takes some getting used to, (I’ve noticed not as much frothing), but my hair is still left feeling fresh and smelling amazing…
9. Bamboo Toothbrush
It’s not really practical to take the electric one, although we still do sometimes. That being said, if I’m not using electricity I’m a bamboo girl all the way.
Bamboo toothbrushes are sustainable and eco-friendly making them one of the best travel products out there. They easily replace the normal toothbrush, which is not biodegradable and end up floating to that big garbage patch in the middle of the pacific.
✔️ Why Is Bamboo Sustainable? Bamboo is considered a sustainable material because it’s a fast-growing and renewable resource. It can grow up to 91 cm (36 inches) in just one day! It can be harvested in just a few years, unlike traditional trees which can take several decades to mature.
10. Safety Razor
The bane of my life and so tricky to get on with, yet it’s a very useful switch. Everyone raves about the safety razors… I tried them and it wasn’t good. But, what’s the alternative? So, in the name of sustainability and saving those polar bears, (sigh) I continue on, and so should you.
I think that we are all (me) just so accustomed to the extra smooth venus blades that we’re just super sensitive now. However, things do seem to be improving and I’m starting to get used to the sharp edges.
For that extra push you might need, plastic razors won’t break down and will end up in landfill or in the oceans. The blades also rust away and leak toxic chemicals into the earth. They have a very bad impact on the environment.
11. Refillable Toiletry Bottles
Stay away from the mini travel-size toiletries you find in places like Boots and Superdrug. These actually contribute significantly to the plastic crisis and are not good for the environment!
Instead, purchase refillable toiletry bottles. Here’s a little tip, whenever you’re somewhere with free products fill up.
12. Keepcup
Jack brought me one for Christmas a few years ago and I love it. It went everywhere with me. I’d use it at the coffee shop, refill it at work and carry it around with me, just in case. But, when we left for our last travels I forgot it…
I regretted it instantly and wished I had remembered it. I would have used it for my morning coffees and for those fresh fruit smoothies. Instead, I was destined to feel guilty every time I ordered a delicious watermelon smoothie from the lovely girl at that drink stall, knowing it would come in a large plastic cup.
Eventually, the smoothies stopped.
The Best Eco-Friendly Travel Products: To Help The Environment
The reason the following items are so important is down to maintaining long-term sustainable travel and the reduction of waste. Buying durable and sustainable products will reduce the need to dispose of products frequently and therefore reduce their environmental impact.
13. A sturdy backpack
By choosing a durable backpack made from sustainable materials, you’ll avoid the need to buy new backpacks frequently, which reduces waste. A sturdy backpack can last for years, reducing the need to dispose of worn-out backpacks.
They might be a little more expensive but in the long term, it’s better to purchase a sturdy backpack or suitcase for your travels.
14. Invest in a good pair of flip-flops
I say this because the cheap ones always break and you will end up throwing them away and buying another cheap pair. By investing in a good pair they are less likely to break and need replacing which will be better for the environment as fewer will end up in the landfill.
The number of flip-flops we saw washed up on the beaches was so sad. In certain places like Indonesia, they were everywhere.
We did a few days of volunteering with a company called Sungai Watch in Indonesia. The number one thing we were cleaning up was foam cut-outs from a flip-flop manufacturing factory!
15. Vegan sandals
Vegan sandals are a great sustainable travel product that can help reduce environmental impact. Made from sustainable materials, vegan sandals are free of animal products and harmful chemicals that can harm the environment.
Choosing vegan sandals also supports ethical and sustainable fashion practices, while reducing waste and minimizing the carbon footprint associated with the production of traditional leather sandals.
16. Sewing Kit
A small travel-size sewing kit might not seem like an eco-friendly product but it is! Here’s why, by bringing a sewing kit, you can mend clothes and gear instead of buying new ones, reducing waste and conserving resources.
The number of times I’ve patched up Jack’s shorts is insane – he keeps putting his foot through it – but it doesn’t only extend the lifespan it also saves money.
17. Re-usable sanitary products/ Menstrual Cup
This one is for the girls only!
I made the switch to a moon cup earlier this year. Personally, I liked the ease and reliability of everyday sanitary products. However, since I’ve switched the only thing I can say is – I wish I’d done it sooner!
The moon cup, for me at least, is a dream. It works better than the tampon and lasts longer! 12 hours, no leakage, that’s one change in the morning and one in the evening. It’s so easy. The only downside is you do need to be able to wash it out but generally, we all wake up and go to sleep somewhere with a usable bathroom.
18. Packing cubes made from recycled plastic bottles
I love packing cubes! I’ve raved about them before as they are just so easy to organise everything (especially now we are living in a van). However, the ones I have used previously are not from recycled plastics, but I wish they were.
Packing cubes and especially those made from recycled plastic bottles are excellent eco-friendly travel products which divert plastic waste from landfills and oceans. They are durable and reusable, helping to reduce the need for single-use plastic bags for packing.
19. Scrubba wash bag
Although I haven’t personally used it (yet), the Scrubba Wash Bag helps reduce environmental impact by allowing you to wash clothes on the go. The portable washing bag is great because it avoids using energy-intensive laundry services.
The bag uses minimal water as well, and its compact design minimizes the need for single-use plastic bags for laundry. It’s a great sustainable and convenient alternative to traditional laundry methods while travelling. We’re purchasing one soon.
20. Eco-friendly Detergent
If you can, choose eco-friendly detergent to wash your clothes. It’s an important product that helps reduce environmental impact. By using biodegradable and non-toxic ingredients instead of traditional detergents containing harmful chemicals, you’ll help reduce polluting water sources and harm wildlife.
21. Deet-Free insect repellant
Traditional insect repellents contain harmful chemicals that can harm the environment and wildlife. Deet-free repellents, on the other hand, use natural ingredients that are safe for the environment and effective at keeping insects at bay.
When we travel we love to use Citronella Oil, it works effectively and unless you’re going into the jungle you’re not going to need anything much stronger. The only downside is you have to keep re-applying. But, it’s a small price to pay to help the environment.
22. Washable Make-up Removal Cloth/Pads
Traditional make-up wipes and cotton pads are often single-use, leading to unnecessary waste. I use bamboo washable make-up pads which can be washed and used again, reducing the need for disposable make-up removal products.
It’s actually a simple but effective way to reduce the environmental impact of travel and everyday life and one product you can easily switch out.
23. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a versatile product that can help reduce the environmental impact of personal care when travelling. I usually carry a small tub and use it as a natural moisturiser for my skin, hair and lip balm, replacing traditional products that often contain harmful chemicals.
Coconut oil is a natural and effective way to reduce the environmental impact of travel as it has many uses so you can swap it out for multiple products.
24. Bamboo Hairbrush
Have you ever thought about what traditional hairbrushes are made of? They often have plastic bristles, handles, and packaging, leading to unnecessary waste.
Switch it out for a bamboo hairbrush. They have a handle made from sustainable bamboo and bristles made from natural materials, such as boar hair or plant fibres!
25. Eco-friendly travel towel
Traditional towels are often bulky and take up a lot of space in a travel bag. Eco-friendly travel towels, on the other hand, are lightweight, compact, and made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton, bamboo or microfiber. These materials are highly absorbent and dry quickly, making them perfect for travel.
26. Solar battery charger
I almost forgot this one and probably should have added it to the essential items above! A solar battery charger is a great eco-friendly travel product.
Traditional battery chargers often require electricity and produce unnecessary waste, such as disposable batteries. A solar battery charger uses the power of the sun to charge electronic devices such as phones and cameras, without producing harmful emissions.
27. Mineral Sunscreen
If you’re heading to the water you’ll need to use a mineral sunscreen. Protecting our reefs is crucial to a healthy environment. Traditional sunscreens often contain harmful chemicals and microplastics that can pollute oceans and harm marine life.
Mineral sunscreens are made from natural minerals such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and do not contain harmful chemicals. They are also biodegradable and do not harm marine life, making them a perfect choice for eco-conscious travellers.
28. Umbrella/Multi-Use Ponchos
Instead of purchasing single-use rain ponchos, an umbrella can be reused multiple times, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Umbrellas are often made from durable materials, such as recycled plastic or sustainable wood, which can further minimize their impact on the environment.
Multi-use plastic ponchos are an alternative to single-use ponchos. These ponchos are made from durable and reusable materials, such as recycled plastic or polyester, which can be used multiple times instead of being thrown away after one use.
✔️ Remember: Plastic isn’t bad when it’s made for long-term multiple use.
29. Travel With A Kindle
Although I much prefer books, travelling with a Kindle can be a great way to reduce your environmental impact while still enjoying your favourite books. There are a handful of positives to switching, including reducing paper waste.
With the ability to store thousands of books on a single device, a Kindle is also a great space-saving option for your travels.
What Are The Benefits Of Choosing Eco-Friendly Travel Products?
Choosing eco-friendly travel products can have several benefits. They help to reduce our carbon footprint and environmental impact, support ethical and sustainable practices and help to protect the health and well-being of our planet.
They are a simple but effective way to support sustainable and responsible tourism practices while minimising our impact on the environment.
Other Useful Travel Resources
👉 Have you ever heard of Ecologi? It’s an environmental & reforestation organisation. For a small fee, they will plant 12 trees a month for you at various reforestation projects worldwide! It’s a great way to help offset your carbon emissions while travelling.
👉 With that in mind, I’m guessing you love travelling? Jack and I have visited many places and love sharing our travel guides and itineraries with you. One of my favourite places was Ayutthaya in Thailand and travelling around Bali on a scooter road trip! Another few fantastic places to visit include Colombia, Costa Rica and Panama.
Purchasing Eco-Friendly Travel Products
When purchasing sustainable travel products, here are 5 things to keep in mind:
✔️ Material. Look for products made from sustainable, biodegradable or recycled materials. Avoid products made from plastic or other non-renewable materials that are harmful to the environment.
✔️ Durability. Choose products that are built to last, rather than those that are designed to be disposable or have a short lifespan.
✔️ Packaging. Consider the packaging of the product and try to choose options with minimal or eco-friendly packaging.
✔️ Ethics. Look for products from companies that prioritise ethical and sustainable practices. These could be, fair labour practices, low carbon emissions, and a commitment to reducing their environmental impact.
✔️ Functionality. Choose products that are practical and functional for your specific travel needs.
The Best Eco-Friendly Travel Tips
✔️ Bring a reusable water bottle and filter. Instead of buying plastic water bottles, bring a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter.
✔️ Stay in eco-friendly accommodations. Look for hotels or accommodations that prioritize sustainability, such as those that use renewable energy sources or have implemented water and energy-saving measures.
✔️ Choose eco-friendly transportation. Opt for eco-friendly modes of transportation, such as biking or walking, when possible.
✔️ Pack light. Packing light reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions during transportation.
✔️ Eat locally and sustainably: Support local businesses and reduce your carbon footprint by eating locally grown and organic food.
Eco-Friendly Travel Products FAQs
What Is The Most Eco-Friendly Travel?
The most eco-friendly way to travel is by walking, cycling or using public transportation such as buses, trains, and electric trains. These modes of transportation emit fewer greenhouse gases and reduce the carbon footprint of your travel.
What Is Eco-Tourism?
Eco-tourism is a type of responsible tourism that aims to minimise the negative impact of tourism on the environment and promote sustainable travel.
The goal of eco-tourism is to promote conservation and sustainability while providing an opportunity for tourists to experience and learn about unique ecosystems, cultures, and wildlife.
This type of tourism often involves staying in eco-friendly accommodations, supporting local communities, and participating in activities that contribute to the preservation of natural resources and wildlife.
What Are The Green Tourism Products?
Green tourism products are travel products and services that are designed to minimize the negative impact of tourism on the environment and promote sustainable tourism practices. These products can include eco-friendly accommodations, eco-tours, eco-friendly transportation options, and eco-friendly travel products.
In addition, green tourism products can include locally sourced and organic food and beverages, as well as cultural experiences that promote environmental and social sustainability.
Conclusion: The Best Eco-Friendly Travel Products
Eco-friendly travel products and green tourism practices have become increasingly important as more people recognize the need to protect our environment and preserve natural resources for future generations.
By choosing sustainable products and engaging in sustainable tourism practices, you will reduce your impact on the environment while still enjoying unique and fulfilling travel experiences!
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