25+ Eco-Friendly Travel Products That Will Change Your Life

Travel inevitably leaves an adverse impact on our precious earth. Still, there are ways to travel in an eco-friendly manner to diminish those undesirable effects, starting with the eco-friendly products you purchase and pack.

Choosing to travel in a more eco-friendly fashion requires a bit of a mindset shift, effort, and sacrifice. But, to continue to see the world as we wish, how important is it to make that switch? 

Honestly, every little bit counts, so imagine what an impact you will have if you begin by simply decreasing the number of disposable items you use.  

Oh, and this thorough list is full of eco-friendly gift ideas to inspire your family and friends.

Affiliate Disclosure: There are affiliate links throughout this post. This means if you click on a link and purchase a product through that link, then I will receive a small commission for the referral. And that is kinda cool.

Reasons to Use Eco-Friendly Travel Products.

• Cut down on necessary plastic use.
• Eliminate waste.
• Protect the environment.
• Protect yourself from harmful chemicals.
• Save space in your luggage.
• Stop filling the landfills.
• Reduce pollution.
• To protect the future of our children and their children.
• Using eco-friendly travel products will leave you feeling empowered that you are doing something to keep yourself and your family healthy and protecting the people around you and our precious earth, too.

14 Meaningful Eco-Friendly Travel Tips.

1. Begin by living an eco-friendly lifestyle every day, then the transition to travel is seamless.
2. BYOB ~ Not just that bottle of wine. Bring your own bags, bottles, and invest in the eco-friendly travel products listed below.
3. Use what you already have at home. 
4. You don’t have to do everything at once. Remember, every little bit counts. If we all do our tiny part, we can make a massive impact on our beautiful planet.
5. Do your research for traveling, lodging, eating, activities, and brands.
6. Support the locals. Purchase food from farmer’s markets, souvenirs from local artisans, eat in local restaurants, avoid the chains, and stay in locally-owned lodging.
7. And visit the local breweries and wineries.
8. Walk or ride a bike when you explore. If it’s too far, use the local transportation.
9. Avoid flying. When flying is necessary, consider carbon offsetting your flight. Carbon offsetting is a program where flyers can offset their carbon footprint from flying with airlines that partner with an environmental agency committed to carbon reduction projects.
10. Don’t litter. Pack in and pack out.
11. In your hotel: Turn off the lights. Don’t take too long of a shower. Turn off the AC and the TV when you leave. Don’t request new linens and towels every day.
12. Have respect for wildlife. Don’t participate in unethical animal attractions. Don’t stand on or touch coral reefs.
13. Stay on the trail; those trails are marked for a reason.
14. Travel respectfully. Wear a sarong to cover your hair out of respect to the local culture. Learn a few common phrases to use in restaurants, shops, or on public transportation.

25+ Products That Will Not Only Change Your Life But Will Have a Positive Impact on Your Carbon Footprint On Our Planet.

#1 The most budget-conscious eco-friendly travel products are those you already have.  

Before you treat yourself to a bunch of new goodies for your vacation, use what you already own. And then, head out to the thrift stores to see what you can find.

2) Reusable Water Bottle.

Maintaining proper hydration is essential to health and wellness, especially while on vacation. Pick your favorite reusable water bottle and keep it full.

Disposable water bottles are convenient. However, over two million tons of disposable water bottles end up in our landfills in the United States per year. They cause harmful effects on our ocean wildlife. Plus, they are way more expensive to use consistently than reusable water bottles.

And then there is this.

Plastic water bottles contain BPA (bisphenol A), an industrial chemical used to make plastics since the 50s. Some studies have shown that BPA can seep into the water we drink from plastic water bottles. Research has implicated BPA in developing type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, estrogen effects, and changing children’s behavior. However, the FDA has stated that the low levels of BPA used are safe for us. But, if you are concerned, that is another reason to avoid disposable water bottles.

There are numerous types of reusable water bottles on the market, each with specific pros and cons. 

Stainless Steel Disposable Water Bottles (S’well or Hydroflask).

Plastic Disposable Water Bottles.

Glass Reusable Water Bottle (I have not purchased one of these).

Silicone Collapsible Water Bottle.

LOVE the Stojo. See Below. Grab 10% off $75 or more with the code “WELCOME10.”

Pros

• Plastic and BPA Free
• Doesn’t take up much space in the luggage.
• Safe for cold and hot beverages.
• Leakproof.
• Dishwasher safe.

Eco-Friendly Solid Toiletries.

Beauty brands like Ethique are committed to zero waste and sustainability. Their products are luxurious and smell so good. And they even make a butt balm to soothe diaper rash in the littles. There are so many advantages of bar beauty products.

3) Bar shampoo and conditioner.  Check these out from Amazon.com made by Ethique: dry hair, frizzy hair, itchy scalp, and for kids.

4) Ethique Bar Face Serum is made of shea butter, rosehip, and pomegranate oils, full of nutrients to hydrate the skin.

5) Face Cream by Ethique, made from kokum and jojoba butter, is hydrating and perfect for mature skin.

This Ethique Bar Sampler is a 5-piece sustainable natural beauty bar set that includes a serum, exfoliator, lotion, and two cleanser bars.

6) Bar soap in place of liquid.  Have you ever started unpacking your toiletries only to find your body wash busted in your suitcase, and now it’s all over your clothes and shoes? Me, too. Problem solved with bar soap (and bar shampoo, conditioner, and laundry detergent).

7) Bar deoderant from Ethique or Mood.  Ethique or Coconut Matter Mood are both family favorites.

8) Eco-friendly beauty bar container like THIS ONE.

 

9) And a Reusable razor.

10) Bar or tablet laundry detergents. Try these from Dropps; they come in three scents, well two because one is unscented, then you have lavender eucalyptus and a clean scent. The pods are biodegradable and chemical-free.  

And add a bit of uplifting essential oil to your load of laundry. My favorite is lavender, and the Friendsheep Sun is Shining from Earth Hero adds orange oil, sage, and rosemary.

11) Ninja Tip:  Check this out.  The Scrubba wash bag for laundry.  If you have sweaty gym clothes or your kid’s stinky basketball uniform, they need to be washed for their game the following day, and your hotel doesn’t have guest laundry (or you don’t have quarters). Here is your ninja mom solution. Fill the Scrubba Wash Bag with water, your liquid detergent of choice, and the stinky sweaty clothes. Roll down the top of the bag and clip it securely. Press down and rub a load of laundry on the “washboard” for two to three minutes, rinse and hang the clothes to dry.  

12) Reusable makeup wipes.  Super simple, and some of them are two-sided, one side as an exfoliator and the other as a soft, gentle wipe to remove your makeup with water only.

13) Toothpaste powder or tablets.  Disclaimer: I tried this, not a superfan, but in the name of sustainability, I am in. You can pack as many as you need. Chew the tablet and brush your teeth as usual with your bamboo toothbrush.

14) Bamboo Toothbrush. Did you know that over four million plastic toothbrushes are dumped into landfills every year? A staggering statistic. Here is your solution, a bamboo toothbrush that is 100% biodegradable.  

Pack Your Eco-Friendly Travel Products in Eco-Friendly Luggage.

15) Check this out—the Samsonite Eco-Nu line, made from recycled plastic bottles, comes in various sizes to fit your needs, including an under-the-seat carry-on.  

“Designed to help the planet – built to travel across it.”

Samsonite.

16) Packing cubes made from recycled products.  The Quest Travel Cubes are made from recycled plastic water bottles, and they ship in plastic-free packaging from recycled materials.  These packing cubes keep you organized and your stuff separate.

17) Reusable utensils.  Besides reducing your plastic carbon footprint, you will always have utensils when they forget to provide when you order take out. Purchase a stainless silver set from Earth Aloha or a bamboo set like this.

And, with every kit sold from Earth Aloha, $5 will be donated to 1% for the Planet.

18) Reusable straw and cleaner.  Included in this 8-piece utensil set. You don’t need a straw. But my kids love to use a straw, and I kind of like one, too, with my iced latte or a fancy umbrella drink. There are so many reusable straws to purchase that are BPA-free including bamboo, or stainless steel.

19) Collapsible cups for coffee or wine take up minimal space.  These cups by Stojo are collapsible and take up minimal space in your suitcase. Plus, they come with a straw for smoothies or adult beverages. I had a proud moment when my husband asked where his Stojo cup was during our last weekender. He is trying.

20) Canvas Shopping bags.  They don’t have to look frumpy. They can be super stylish and environmentally friendly at the same time.

21) Mesh produce bags for collecting healthy fruits and veggies from the local farmer’s market. You get to taste local goodies, plus this is way healthier than take-out.

22) Reusable snack and sandwich bags.  These snack bags from Chico Bags (sold by Earth Hero) fit snacks, sandwiches, or trail mix. The outer lining of the bags, made from recycled plastic water bottles, so you not only cut down on plastic bag use and waste, you are using recycled materials, too. And, when you finish using the product, you can send it back to Chico bag, and they will recycle it.  

Chico bag is also a member of 1% for the Planet, donating 1% of yearly sales to environmental non-profits.

23) To-go containers to replace those styrofoam boxes for doggie bags like these.

24) Stovetop Espresso Maker and travel coffee mug by Stojo.  I never travel without these two items. If you are staying in a lodging that offers a stovetop, the stovetop espresso maker brews a rich, silky, strong shot of espresso every time. It’s a tad too strong for me, so I add hot water to lighten up the strength and help begin the day. You can purchase a tiny one for one or two servings or a 12-cup monster if you need more caffeine than the average Joe.

25) E-Reader or Audible.  Listen, I am a book reader; I love to hold a novel in my hands, preferably a hardback, and devour its contents. But an e-reader or Audible is so convenient, and when you finish that first book (you know you will), you have another one ready on your wishlist.

If you must carry a hardback book (I must), find a book swap to leave your book behind and pick another.

26) Reef safe/organic/ocean-friendly sunscreen.  You can purchase numerous sunscreens and suncreams from Earth Hero that are reef-friendly, organic, BPA-free, and shipped in packaging made from recycled materials.

27) DEET-free mosquito repellent. BadgerNatural anti-bug spray and soothing balm for itchy bite relief. Or mindful mixtures made with the essential oils mosquitoes don’t like, citronella, lemon, eucalyptus, lemongrass, basil, and cedarwood.

***Caveat: If you are traveling to an area where mosquito-borne illnesses are rampant, use DEET. Mosquitoes can be deadly, but diseases can be avoided with proper protection. And this included DEET.***

28) KÜHL Natural Evolution Legging (Or any KÜHL product).  These are my new favorite leggings, perfect for the active traveler in your life. These stylish and comfortable tights are made of breathable, durable fabric, perfect for hiking, biking, or just taking a long walk. The fabric is soft against the skin and provides lots of movement flexibility. In addition, KÜHL is an environmentally conscious company that practices mindful production methods to reduce waste. With a passion for “the Great Outdoors” as their driving force, these leggings will make a great eco-friendly gift for friends who love to explore the world. 

One more important bit of advice is to research the brands you decide to purchase. Here’s a list of our favorites.

Earth Hero

The mission of Earth Hero, an eco-friendly marketplace, is to “make sustainable shopping so easy, everyone does it.” All of the products sold by Earth Hero are produced using sustainable methods and upcycled and recycled materials. And all of the suppliers are committed to respecting the earth.  

Use the coupon code “TRAVELINGPARTYOF4” to get a 10% discount on most items (except sale items).

Ethique creates the lushest beauty bars. They are committed to zero waste and sustainability. And this…

• No use of plastic.
• 100% zero-waste.
• No spillage.
• Made of all-natural products.
• Long-lasting. 
• Easy to pack and transport.
• Kind to the Planet.
• 100% biodegradable.

Earth Aloha 

I discovered Earth Aloha when I began moving towards a zero-waste eco-friendly lifestyle. The items sold focus on reducing the use of plastics and simplifying choices that lead to an eco-friendly lifestyle. Earth Aloha donates to 1% for the Planet. 

Coconut Matter Mood is our favorite sustainable solid deodorant, made of essential oils, plant, and mineral ingredients. And 100% plastic-free.

KÜHL is an independently owned and environmentally conscious company with quality apparel and outerwear that blends style with sustainability. With mindful production methods to reduce waste, their apparel is both eco-friendly and sustainable. They offer an extensive selection of clothing and accessories for both men and women. For the ladies, there’s a wide variety of shorts in different styles for hiking and the casual city stroll. In addition to that, they also carry pants, leggings, dresses, skirts, and skorts. Men can choose from long sleeve shirts, tank tops, short sleeve shirts, bags & packs, and caps & hats to complete their outdoor wardrobe. They also carry jackets, sweaters, and fleece outerwear. So whether you’re going hiking or want to dress up your outdoor look with something comfortable yet stylish, KÜHL has you covered.

Stojo (Get 10% off orders of $75 or more with code “WELCOME10”).

Stojo products are BPA-free, durable, and recyclable, not to mention super stylish and fun. And every year, one Stojo bottle “saves 23 lbs of greenhouse gas emissions, 16 pounds of solid waste, and 281 gallons of water.” Plus, the collapsible cup fits in your suitcase when you can’t fit anything else in there.

What is 1% for the Planet?

1% for the planet is a “global movement inspiring businesses and individuals to support environmental solutions through annual memberships and everyday actions.”

“This is not philanthropy. This should be a cost of doing business. It’s paying rent for our use of the planet.”

YVON CHOUINARD ~ Founder of Patagonia and 1% for the Planet.

These companies give to 1% for the Planet: Patagonia, Earth Aloha, Nature’s Path Envirokidz, Klean Kanteen, and Honest Tea.

Now it’s your turn? What are your favorite eco-friendly travel products or brands?

Drop me a line below and help me add to my list.