courtesy of Lifefactory
Sustainable living might be perfectly manageable to work into a daily routine, but when it comes to staying “green” while traveling, there are often a lot of challenges that make it much harder to do so. From disposable toiletries to plastic water bottles, there are always products to pick up while on the road that might be convenient, but are not very environmentally friendly.
But for those who choose to live an eco-conscious lifestyle—even while traveling—check out these five great products to help you keep your commitment to reducing your carbon footprint:
1. Travel-Sized Silicone Containers – Though travel-sized plastic containers are convenient for traveling (and undeniably adorable), they can also be very harmful to the environment if thrown away after one or two uses. A more ecological option is to use travel-sized silicone containers that are easily refillable and small enough to pass a TSA inspection. Brands like Lavievert, iNeibo, humangear and several others offer different varieties of these awesome leak-proof containers.
2. Reusable Snack Bags – Not only are reusable snack bags great for reducing your carbon footprint, many are also BPA-, phthalate-, PVC- and lead-free. They are also usually machine washable, adjustable in size and available in multiple colors. Many parents continue using them well after their vacations have ended, as they are great for any occasion, any time of year. ChicoBag and Lunchskins are two ideal brands for this product.
3. Glass Water Bottles – Ideal for all types of travelers, glass water bottles offer a great alternative to disposable plastic and paper cups found at restaurants, gas stations, and other stops along the way. It’s a great way to help save the planet while simultaneously helping you save money by not repurchasing overpriced water bottles throughout your trip (and instead just refilling your glass bottle at water fountains, restaurants and other locations). One popular brand—Lifefactory—offers several BPA-free options for travelers of all ages, including ones with a straw cap, a flip top, a silicone casing and handle, a wide mouth for adding ice, and more.
4. Bamboo Utensil Sets – Another way to stay eco-friendly while traveling is opting not to use plastic utensils when given the option to. Instead, it’s better to use a reusable material, such as flatware made of bamboo—a highly sustainable material usually made without the use of pesticides. To-Go Ware, Zelco Mangia! and Totally Bamboo are perfect brands for these utensils.
5. Solar Chargers – Traveling with one or more electronic devices can be a nuisance if you’re in a position where you’re unable to charge it/them for long periods of time. One energy-efficient option is to use a solar-powered charger—many of which cost less than $50. Brands like Solio, ECEEN, VicTec and Sunferno are great brands to choose from.
courtesy of Chris
Going out of town doesn’t have to mean giving up your eco-friendly lifestyle. These are our E-Z top picks for environmentally safe products to use while traveling. Plus, find even more travel resources, such as our exclusive E-Z discounts, travel-related blog posts, special coupons and more.
