Below are a few simple swaps from a big headache in waste to an easy and swift experience going plastic free!
1. Bring A Spare Tote Bag or two
I usually get to the airline a little early, so to kill time I walk down the shops and restaurants. The one thing I constantly see are purchases being made and orders ready to go. The one thing in common? Plastic bags going with all those purchases & takeout’s. Almost all those bags end up either in the trash on the airplanes or the trashcan at the airports. Instead of adding to the waste, I just bring a small tote bag that can easily be pulled out of my purse to pack in whatever purchase I make. In general this is a great thing to do when shopping but most of us forget there is also shopping in the airports. There are so many designs & styles made from local small companies to thrift stores who have a great overflow of tote bags coming in every year. By doing this we can cut an extreme amount of plastic waste made daily!
2. Collapsible Coffee Cups
One of the biggest purchases made in airports are drinks. But the amount of waste it creates every single day is insane. I am not even adding the plastic straws in the equation. That is why companies created the collapsible coffee cups. Not only for coffee use, you can use it for regular drinks or water itself. I recommend this one for all families to travel with, compact for minimal space, kids can carry this in their backpacks and we can easily carry it on our personal items. The collapsible cups come in different sizes and fun colors, again compact, usually made from silicone so its light and ready to be used anywhere or anytime. These are great when you do not want to lug around a thermos or reusable water bottle. Also extremely useful when you actually are a huge coffee drinker and want to cut down on all the plastic lined paper cups that coffee shops offer the drink in.
3. Roll On Bug Repellant
I absolutely love this brand and the form the repellant comes in. Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve Roll on Bug repellant is amazing for anyone traveling anywhere. Fast to apply with minimal to strong scent, organically made with clean all natural ingredients and easy packaging. Made in its solid form, this wont spill in our bags and we wont have to worry if we bought the correct amount since its not liquid. Just throw it in your carry on and your good to go.
4. All In One Soap Bar
Some people toss their soap in a reusable silicone bag, a zip lock or their own personal soap case. Easy and convenient, all in one means the soap works for the hair and the body all the same. Of course their is special made shampoo soaps, conditioner bars and body bars. You do not have to worry about small plastic bottles, measurements through TSA, leaking or using to much of the liquids. I personally use Dr. Bronner’s Tea Tree All in one but many others in the market are just as good. Quick tip, just cut the bar in half and bring one half with you instead of the whole bar, makes much more room in your bag!
5. Bamboo Toothbrush & Glass Vegan Floss
Plastic Toothbrushes from the 1970’s are still around to this day. As crazy as that sounds, the easiest way we can stop the very much avoidable plastic in the landfill is to switch to bamboo toothbrushes. Bamboo is a very much sustainable plant, absorbs CO’2 from the air, uses way less water and can also be grown pesticide free! Of course this may not apply to those who need the electric ones, but its okay as long as we are making steps to reducing our impact, that is what counts! Another option to add to your trip is vegan floss in a refillable glass container. Smaller than the plastic square floss people buy from the stores, sustainable floss has so many options now. You can purchase different flavors and even charcoal floss. The charcoal flavored mint is my favorite!
