Traveling low waste can be difficult. Any type of travel – domestic and international comes with its own unique challenges and experiences. To focus on your personal trash production while trying to translate directions, navigate new places and experience new cultures is no small feat. No one wants to inhibit their wanderlust for fear of their environmental impact. Finding a balance between remaining conscious of your sustainability but not letting it take away from your experiences is the ultimate goal.
There are a few key areas to keep in mind that can help you reduce your environmental impact while also staying present in your travels.
First, airplane travel is known for being particularly harmful to the environment and there are a few pre-travel things you can do to decrease this. Before you even take off, think about what you are packing. Preparation is key! Making a packing list can help you bring exactly what you need so you won’t have to buy replacement things while you’re traveling.
Do you have a reusable water bottle? Bring it empty and you can refill it after you get through security. The same goes for reusable coffee cups if you need your caffeine fix on the go. If you like to snack on the airplane, think about bringing your favorite snacks in reusable containers so you can refuse the plastic packaged snacks they offer you on the plane. If you find yourself using plastic utensils often, buy or make your own reusable utensil pack. Wrap a fork or spoon and a reusable straw in a cloth napkin or bandana and you’re good to go.
Before the airport, think about downloading your airline’s app. Most airlines will let you download your boarding pass onto your phone which eliminates any waste from paper boarding passes. This will also allow you to check-in early which might help reduce some travel anxiety.
Once you’re on the plane you can relax knowing you did your best to reduce your traveling waste. While on the plane, you can simply say “no thank you” to drinks in plastic cups, napkins and snacks in plastic because you were so prepared. But if you forgot your water bottle or your snacks, it’s going to be okay. Don’t let your lack of water bottle keep you from staying hydrated, especially during long haul flights. Trying to travel low waste will inevitably end with some choices that might not be the most environmentally friendly and it’s imperative to be okay with that imperfection along the way.
Sometimes thinking about the environment can also help you learn new things about the culture you’re in. Consider the local culture. Would it be appropriate to ask for no straw with your drink? When you make waste, how does your travel destination take care of it? Some cities have separate receptacles for recyclables, paper, compost, and trash for the public to use! Recently, Sweden has been employing trash-to-energy methods in order to reduce their country’s environmental impact. How does the country you’re in view sustainability and what can you learn from them?
What happens after you’ve landed? Well, I’d recommend taking a deep breath, getting off that plane, and exploring the world! Go walk around the cobblestone streets of Italy or taste Korean street food. Focus on where you are and try not to let your low waste quest derail your trip. Let yourself enjoy the trip, soak in the new smells and tastes, and hopefully come back home knowing you made your own small efforts to make your travels sustainable.