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We have a responsibility to our own health, and to the environments that we travel to. How much waste do you leave behind when you visit a destination? Some cities avoid tourism just to keep their land pristine. But the two worlds can live in harmony. When traveling, bring along products that are eco-friendly, zero waste, and overall a benefit to the environment, rather than harm. These clever items, that are kinder to people and the earth, will help you get started.
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Hello Boo has developed a toothbrush that will biodegrade shortly after disposal, without the toxic impact plastic brushes have on our water, soil and wildlife. Just think of the change that could be made if everyone bought these pretty and sustainable Moso bamboo brushes, with effective nylon bristles, instead. This type of bamboo grows quickly and sustainably and is not the variation cute little pandas need to eat.
Flossing with silk sounds extravagant, but it’s actually great for the earth. This completely organic floss will pamper your teeth with a special wax and gentle touch while being something you can toss in a compost bin. This company strives to be zero waste, which is a tremendous accomplishment. When traveling to a beautiful eco-friendly destination, you won’t have to worry about leaving trash behind, at least from your floss. The packaging is plant-based—and even the ink is made from soy. The handy glass jar is a reusable portable solution.
Keep in mind these travel bottles of shampoo, body wash, conditioner and lotion are 4 ounces, which is over the 3.4-ounce container limit allowed by TSA. Having said that, these small organic, all-natural, biodegradable necessities are the perfect size for a road-trip to the beach, but you can always toss them in a checked bag as well. The artwork on the bottle supports local Texas artists, and a portion of proceeds is donated to local charities.
Dry shampoo is a popular travel accessory for women and can be any traveler’s best friend. When the plane touches down, a quick dash to the restroom, followed by a very, very small amount of the rice starch and oatmeal-based, lavender oil scented formula will bring oil-dampened locks back to lustrous life. The formula is very simple and chemical-free.
Thai Crystal deodorant is free from all the environmental and health “no no’s”. Aluminum, parabens, chemical fragrances all get kicked to the curb and replaced with 100 percent natural ingredients that keep odor away for 24 hours, or on long day’s hike. This set comes with a regular size to toss in a checked bag and a small one for carrying on luggage.
We’ve been there—you absolutely have to go and all that is available on the sparse road of which you travel is a stinky old gas station bathroom where you have to get a mysteriously icky key from the clerk to unlock. Things can be a little easier with a good toilet seat cover, while also being good for the environment since these are biodegradable.
Speaking of dirty bathrooms, we can think for days about reasons one could use a good wet wipe while traveling. Freshen up the entire body with the gentle aloe and vitamin E wipes, wipe dirt off your hands after a rugged hike, or just know you have a way to get squeaky clean after a less than pleasant bathroom trip. Stall Mates are flushable, biodegradable and come in convenient single pouches. And every box sold means a new tree gets planted.
A little tube of toothpaste means something else you’d likely have to toss in the trash. Well, now there are chewable tablets with cavity-fighting xylitol that suds up when chewed, then you can scrub-a-dub those pearly whites no matter where you are. Leaving teeth feeling surprisingly clean, it’s a much easier method than sticky pastes. The glass jar is refillable, therefore this is a zero-waste product.
How many times do you grab one of those hotel makeup removing wipes, swipe your face down and toss it in the trash? These bamboo pads are a no-waste solution that can be used with an environmentally friendly cleanser, then washed in the handy included laundry bag when you get home.
The Honest Company has a solution for monthly feminine needs, which can be a total nuisance when traveling. Meet the organic cotton, hypoallergenic tampon that is designed for comfort and discretion. The applicator is crafted from plant-based materials instead of harmful plastics that pile up in landfills.
Cotton swabs are likely lining the bottom of your makeup bag because they are useful necessities for eye shadow application, ear cleaning and other hygiene-related tasks. But the classic Q-tip is made of plastic. Households go through countless amounts yearly. Switch to a better choice, a bamboo swab topped with organic cotton. Recycle them, compost the packaging, and feel good about purchasing a zero-waste product.
Our reefs are in a constant state of threat with tourists flocking to gaze upon the underwater wonderland of fish and fauna. Every little bit helps when travelers make decisions that will ultimately take a bit of the load off these habitats. Oxybenzone, Octinoxate and Silicone-free, this lip balm formula is completely natural and biodegradable, while being packaged in a recyclable paper tube. Your lips will be protected, and so will the areas you choose to snorkel.
The same brand has made a sunscreen as well, under the same concept of preventing harsh chemicals from reaching and harming our world’s gorgeous reefs. For 80 minutes you’ll be guarded with water-resistant SPF 50 protection.
