Mindful Travel: Reduce Waste with These Essentials

At the beginning of 2019, I decided to be more mindful of my traveling footprint. So, I reflected on some of my trips and started to evaluate some of the waste I produced, and let me tell you, it was not pretty.
While reflecting, I realized that I used a lot of plastic utensils, bags, and water bottles, which, as you know, is terrible for the environment and just not a sustainable way to live. So I told myself that I couldn’t continue living so wastefully and turned to Amazon to find a solution! In doing so, I found reusable alternatives to all the wasteful things I consumed. I purchased them, and they’ve been paying for themselves ever since!

So here are the items that I use to help me live a more mindful life while traveling (everything listed below and their accessories can be purchased from my Amazon Store Front):

1. Travel Utensils
Because single-use utensils and straws are so 2010, and they’re awful for the environment. The kit I purchased comes with everything you may need, including chopsticks, and yes, you can travel with it in a carry-on bag. Just remember to remove the knife from the case before flying.

2. Reusable Coffee Cup/ Reusable Water Bottle
A reusable water bottle has saved me so much money when traveling domestically and internationally, but more so domestically. I never have to buy bottles of water while traveling. If a restaurant has a soda fountain, you can fill your bottle for free or ask an employee. They always say yes. And the bonus, you’re getting ice with your water while saving money and cutting down on waste! It’s a win all around if you ask me!

3. Filter Water Bottle
I like to use two types of water bottles when traveling. I don’t travel with both. Instead, I use a LifeStraw bottle for Domestic travel and the Grayl water bottle for International travel, where the drinking water may be more questionable.

4. Reusable Bags
A lot of countries have a plastic bag ban. And many US States charge for paper bags. So I look at having a reusable bag as an incentive to save myself from the hassle of carrying grocery items in my arms. I save money by not having to pay a bag tax, if I do opt in for a bag, and I am keeping a bag from ending up in our oceans.

When it came to making these changes, it was a no-brainer. They are easy alternatives that will save you money in the long run and do some good for our home! So, what will you change?

Everything listed here can be found on my Amazon Store Front. Click here to shop.