Do you have a trip coming up? Traveling, whether it’s a staycation at home or a trip abroad, can generate a lot of waste, which can in turn contribute to excess litter that is whisked away by storm water into storm drains and the ocean. Here are five eco-friendly travel tips to help you reduce litter generation and make a positive impact—no matter where your journey takes you!
- Pack light. One of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to pack light! Instead of bringing five pairs of pants, bring two or three. Choose one versatile pair of shoes in a neutral color that matches all your outfits. Leave any unnecessary items at home. Not only is this a more sustainable way to travel, but packing light can also save you money!
- BYOB (bring your own bottle). Invest in a light and compact reusable water bottle to carry around with you. This will help you stay hydrated while avoiding single-use plastic bottles that often end up in landfills or storm drains and contribute to the pollution in our oceans. Remember, you can bring empty water bottles through airport security, and many places now have bottle-filling stations or water fountains.
- Choose sustainable transportation. Instead of renting a car, consider more sustainable options for getting around. Are you going to a walkable city? How is the public transportation system? Trains and buses allow you to take in the scenery without the hassle of driving or parking. Electric bikes and scooters are also available to rent in many travel destinations.
- Switch to solid shampoo, conditioner and body wash bars. Rather than small bottles of liquid shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, consider their solid bar counterparts. These bars are spill-proof, last longer than their liquid equivalents, and don’t come with plastic packaging, so you can feel clean and help keep unnecessary litter out of local waterways at the same time!
- Turn off lights and air conditioners when you’re out. With a packed travel schedule, you’ll likely spend little time in your room. To conserve energy, be sure to turn off all lights and air conditioning before heading out for the day. If you need light or air, open the curtains and windows or turn them on when you retur