The 30 Best Eco Friendly Travel Products for your Next Trip
The best eco friendly travel products are the ones that help you save money, reduce waste and your carbon footprint, and stay connected to your values. I’m all about making travel easier and more sustainable by eliminating single-use products. This roundup of the best eco-friendly travel products will show you a few of my favorite sustainable travel hacks to make your next adventure a breeze!
You’ll find out why I love bamboo toothbrushes, how to quit using plastic while traveling, and other ways to travel sustainably without sacrificing comfort or convenience. I’ve covered it all, from reusable stainless steel water bottles to solar-powered battery packs. This list of eco-friendly products is one of the best ways to help you live greener and travel better.
The Importance of Sustainable Travel
Sustainable travel is important for many reasons, but one of the most important reasons is that it’s essential to keep our planet and everything living on it healthy and safe. Tourism is responsible for approximately 8% of the world’s carbon emissions.
It’s estimated that a single tourist vacation generates an average of 5,000 pounds of carbon dioxide every year. While this may not seem like a big deal by itself, add up all those individuals each year and it’s staggering enough to make an impact. So if you’re a frequent traveler, please be aware of your environmental impact.
Waste from tourists alone has become such an issue in some popular destinations that locals petition to reduce or completely eliminate tourism. If each individual does his or her part to keep these areas clean and reduce their own waste, we can keep traveling (sustainably) for years to come.
Eco-Friendly Toiletries
Bamboo Toothbrush
Bamboo toothbrushes are awesome eco-friendly alternatives to plastic brushes. It’s not only an eco-friendly travel product but also something worth investing in for home daily use. If you’re concerned about smelly armpits, switching to a natural deodorant or an eco-friendly anti-perspirant can be a game-changer. These options are often free from harmful chemicals and come in recyclable or compostable packaging, making them great for the planet and your skin. The toothbrush kit comes with four toothbrushes, a wooden carrying case for travel, and a glass jar of charcoal floss. The handle is super-durable, and the soft charcoal bristles provide effective cleaning power. The entire thing is zero waste!
Toothpaste Tablets
These toothpaste tablets contain no plastic waste, and activated charcoal, fluoride, and 180 pieces all conveniently packaged in a zero-waste container. Not to mention, they taste good, are vegan/cruelty-free, and environmentally safe. You don’t have to worry about sacrificing quality, as these tablets do just as good a job as your tube toothpaste at home. Enjoy fresh breath, a clean mouth, whitening, and strong teeth while doing your part to eliminate plastic packaging.
Bar Shampoo and Conditioner
The latest craze in travel toiletries has to be the shampoo bars and conditioner bars that are now available. Many brands are producing these, as not only are they more environmentally friendly and zero waste, but they also help with that pesky problem of liquid toiletries in carry-on luggage.
Biodegradable Soap
While some people think that biodegradable soap is only necessary when camping, it’s definitely environmentally beneficial to use it during your regular showers and baths as well. The chemicals in normal soap are almost impossible to break down naturally, leading to pollution of water sources. Whether you’re camping or hiking, live in a house with a septic or sewer system, biodegradable soap is ideal for keeping yourself and our water clean.
Zero Waste Deodorant
Whether you’re used to using bar deodorant or the spray kind, both produce a lot of waste. This Natural Deodorant stick set comes with a full and a travel size, and comes in 100% compostable packaging. Plus, it’s aluminum-free!
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
If you’re planning on doing some snorkelling or diving on your trip, be sure your sunscreen is safe for our reefs and marine life. Regular sunscreen contains chemicals and small particles that are known to damage or bleach coral reefs. Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which do not cause coral bleaching. This sunscreen is reef-safe, all-natural, water-resistant, SPF 50, and biodegradable.
Menstrual Cup
Something I have been using since my teens that gets rid of so much waste and necessary single-use plastic applicators. Definitely a must have!
Refillable Toiletry Bottles
Not ready to make the transition to bar toiletries? The next best thing you can do is invest in some refillable bottles, in lieu of purchasing a bunch of travel-sized items to bring on your trip. These silicone bottles, while not perfect, are much better than their plastic counterparts. Silicone is more durable and less harmful to the environment than plastic. It is better at resisting heat and cold than plastic, and it lasts longer. If burned, silicone turns to harmless silica, carbon dioxide, and water (unlike plastic which releases toxins).
Reusable Razor
One impactful habit to adopt is doing away with disposable razors! First of all, they really don’t do a good job, particularly with dense or coarse hair. As a woman with thick coarse blood, they never did it for me anyway. These safety razors are for men or women, made of metal and bamboo, are super-durable, and all you have to do is purchase razor refills.
At-Home IPL
When I tell you this is the best purchase I’ve made in the past five years (at least), I’m not exaggerating. After I started using this at-home IPL, I went from having to shave daily to once every two weeks. And almost as cool as that fact alone, it’s zero-waste. I go through far less razor cartridges using this bad boy.
It’s expensive, but so unbelievably worth it. In addition to its environmental benefits, just imagine having a beach vacation and not having to shave your bikini line every day!
Biodegradable Dental Floss
For biodegradable, natural, organic, eco-friendly, zero waste dental floss, look no further! This charcoal floss comes in a glass jar which you can reuse for pretty much anything, and paper packaging. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free!
Biodegradable Cotton Swabs
These zero waste, biodegradable, organic, vegan cotton swabs are perfect for travel or home. The pack comes with 1,000 and uses sustainably sourced materials.
Reusable Makeup Wipes
My mom got this for me for Christmas a few years ago, and initially, I wasn’t too impressed. After using it, however, it’s a must-have when traveling (or staying home, for that matter). All you do is wet the cloth (no soap needed!) and it removes any waterproof eye makeup, foundation, red lipstick, or other makeup that can be difficult to remove. And of course, zero waste! It’s also hypoallergenic, vegan, and cruelty-free. Win!
Deet-Free Bugspray
This natural insect repellant works for up to six hours against mosquitos and up to four hours against ticks (including deer ticks). It’s made of natural ingredients such as lemon and eucalyptus oil, is free from parabens and phthalates, and smells surprisingly good.
Clothes, Laundry, and Stuff To Wear
Eco-Friendly Detergent
If you’re planning on doing laundry during your travels, this is one of the best eco friendly travel products to bring. These zero-plastic detergent sheets are perfect for taking with you on the road since there’s no liquid involved! No plastic to worry about, either! Instead, these sheets are a natural, septic-safe, biodegradable, vegan way to clean clothes while traveling. One sheet is good for two loads of laundry, and the pack comes with 16 sheets. It’s hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin, as well!
Eco-Friendly Sandals
Ever since I found these sandals sometime back in 2016, they’re all I wear during the summer. I do wear different styles of Sanuks, such as the Yoga Sling, but the brand, in general, is by far the most comfortable I’ve ever tried. I have wide feet, so finding comfortable shoes is always an issue. The sole is made of rubber, they are vegan and cruelty-free.
Washing Bag
Taking this ultra-portable machine on the road is a breeze. Scrubba Washing Bag allows you to travel lighter, saves time, money, and water. It’s a convenient pocket-sized travel companion. In many ways, it is more hygienic than hand washing and twice as effective.
Travelers, backpackers, hikers, backpackers and holiday-makers all over the world have experienced first-hand the quality wash provided by the Scrubba internal washboard.
Eco-Friendly Travel Towel
This multi-use towel is a great thing for travel. Despite its large size, it folds up to be quite compact. It is eco-friendly and made from natural materials, vegan and cruelty-free. It’s made of 100% organic cotton and is Oeko-Tex certified. Its quick-dry and absorbent qualities make it perfect for use while traveling. And, to top it all off, a percentage of sales is donated to Surfers Against Sewage and Sea Shepherd nonprofits.
Luggage, Backpacks, and Packing Accessories
Cruelty-Free Hiking Backpack
This backpack is the perfect eco-friendly option for a hiking trip. Osprey is widely renowned for their quality backpacks, and the Fairview is no different. Padded, adjustable shoulder straps and a hip belt make this one of the most comfortable options out there, as well – plus its ventilated padded back panel to keep you cool. For smaller trips, there is a detachable day pack, too! Made of entirely cruelty-free materials. Check out my post on the best travel backpacks for more ideas!
Eco-Friendly Luggage
One of the best eco-friendly travel products you could invest in is eco-friendly luggage, of course! With its reputation for sustainable products and durability coupled with the fact that this line is made entirely out of recycled water bottles, you can’t go wrong with the Samsonite Eco Lite Spinner. Part of eco-friendly luggage is luggage that withstands extensive travel without needing to continually replace your suitcase! Samsonite is one of the top luggage brands for a reason, with global lifetime warranty and authorized Samsonite repair centers.
Eco-Friendly Packing Cubes
Have you started using packing cubes yet? No? What are you waiting for!? I love using packing cubes because I can organize my clothes by outfit, by article of clothing (undies, shirts, etc.), or by portion of the trip (if part of the trip is hiking and part is sight-seeing, for example). They keep your belongings organized and easily accessible. These packing cubes are made from organic cotton, an eco-friendly and more sustainable alternative to nylon or polyester cubes.
Recreation and Electronics
Kindle
Anyone who knows me knows I am (was) so proud of my epic book collection. I could go to a bookstore and literally spend hours sitting in the aisles and browsing, afterward spending hundreds of dollars. I love knowledge and love to read non-fiction. It makes me feel more confident in voicing my (strong) opinions, knowing what the fuck I’m talking about, haha.
However, in January 2014 I sold them all, except for a few favorites I left at my mom’s to keep for me when I took off for Asia. Now I stick with a Kindle, which isn’t as satisfying as turning a page, but far more travel- and eco-friendly. The Kindle Paperwhite is the best option for me. It’s thin, light, waterproof, and has different storage options. Plus, I don’t need to mention how much paper it saves.
Eco-Friendly Travel Yoga Mat
There are a ton of eco-friendly yoga mats out there that I absolutely love, but for travel, I prefer the Jade Voyager. Actually, Jade has two different travel yoga mats – the Voyager and the original Travel Mat. The Voyager is slightly thinner and weighs a little less, which I prioritize when traveling. For any other traveling yogis out there, this is one of the best sustainable travel products to have.
Both are made of natural rubber, which comes from trees. To offset this, for every mat sold, Jade Yoga plants a tree! That’s right, since 2006, they’ve planted over 1,000,000 trees!
Solar Lantern
This solar-powered lantern is a great product to have on-hand for hiking, camping, or at home for emergency preparedness. In the event that sunlight is low, it’s also chargeable by USB (cord is included). It’s also inflatable and waterproof, so don’t worry about it getting wet!
Solar Charger
This is a great solar charger to have handy. There are four solar panels, making it much more efficient than most others on the market, who seem to use solar charging as a backup and not a primary energy source. There is also a micro-USB to use for charging in the event that sunshine is lacking. The design is rugged, durable, and waterproof, making it perfect for camping or other adventure activities.
Eco-Friendly Food and Beverage Accessories
Collapsible Cups
This set comes with two collapsible food-grade silicone cups, each holding up to 19oz (550ml). They are lidded and even have a mini-carabiner to attach to your bag. Perfect if you’re traveling as a couple or want an extra to keep at home. As a bonus, it can be used as an eco-friendly, portable water dish for your pet! If you’re someone who really likes to drink from a straw, don’t forget to also purchase some reusable, eco-friendly reusable straw instead of plastic straws. I find it so much nicer to sip on a metal straw anyway.
Organic Shopping Bags
These organic cotton reusable shopping bags are perfect for travel or home use. I’m from the Canada, where you generally only have a ‘paper or plastic’ option – of course the paper bags break easily, are not reusable, and I don’t even need to go into the harmful effects of the plastics.
Now, living in Europe, you are not given grocery bags automatically, you have to pay for them. This is great for dissuading people from using plastic bags, but also a pain in the ass if they don’t offer cloth bags as well. These organic reusable travel bags are great not only for groceries, but shopping of any kind. They’re durable, washable, and fold up nicely in your luggage.
Bamboo Cutlery
Ideal for a day trip, camping, hiking, or to keep a set of reusable cutlery on-hand while traveling, bamboo is the way to go. Bamboo is technically a grass which is super-fast growing. It’s biodegradable, compostable, organic, and durable. If you’re looking for sustainable materials, bamboo is the perfect plant and a great component of the best eco friendly travel products.
Reusable Coffee Cup
This is another eco-friendly travel product that is great for both travel and local coffee shops use and that you’ll use for a long time. In the USA especially, many to-go, disposable coffee cups are made of Styrofoam – no bueno! Plus, they sometimes come at an extra cost. Use this eco-friendly alternative instead for your daily coffee fix. It’s collapsible so you can easily pack it in a carry-on. A much better option!
Reusable Water Bottle
If you already know you are drinking from a safe water source, you don’t need water purification, just a reusable bottle. This one ticks all the boxes – it’s made of glass, silicone, and has a bamboo lid – all eco-friendly materials! It’s simple, straightforward, and affordable. BPA, PVC, Lead, and Cadmium-free, making it one of the safest options out there. Not to mention, it comes in a number of cute colors.
Water Purification System
Here is a reusable water bottle that also acts as a water purifying system. It’s very straightforward and easy to use – plus, it kept me safe drinking river water in Ecuador! One filtration cartridge from Grayl saves the equivalent of 300 plastic bottles! Alternatively, the Steripen is a very popular option. Really, it depends on your needs and preferences. If you know you’ll be drinking from questionable sources, this is one of the most important eco-friendly travel products you could invest in.
Final Thoughts
We’ve talked a lot about the importance of sustainable travel and how it can help with environmental conservation. There are many ways to be environmentally conscious while on vacation, from packing your clothes in eco-friendly reusable bags to carrying less plastic water bottles by using refillable metal or plastic containers. I hope these tips help make your next trip a little more eco-friendly and sustainable! What is one of your favorite eco friendly travel products that you use during your travels? Share them with us in the comments below so we can include them in our post as well!
Amélie is a health and wellness junky. Certified yoga instructor with Yoga Alliance in the Vinyasa and Ashtanga styles, she has a Yoga Instructor Certification – Level I (300 hours) and Yoga Instructor Certification – Level II (200 hours) under her belt. She also has a certified Open Water Diver certification with PADI and SSI Scuba Schools International Freediving Level I certification with SSI Scuba Schools International. She’s been vegan for over 15 years and is obsessed with anything wellness-related.