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Summer Travel: Choose Your Own Go-Green Getaway

After being stuck in quarantine for the past year, the concept of the journey mattering more than the destination has taken on a whole new meaning. Having the ability to get back out into the world brings all those feel-good vibes of adventure and gratitude back into the picture and if you’re anything like us, you can’t wait to plan your next getaway. Whether you’re seeking majestic mountain views, a calming ocean breeze or a high-energy urban scene, you’ll want to travel smart and sustainably. Don’t start to stress. Small swaps can make a big impact when it comes to reducing the mark your environmental footprint leaves behind. 

All you have to do is pick a location (like these green ones!) and your mode of transportation and we’ll take care of the “what should I bring” conundrum. Below is a list of eco-friendly, zero-waste products designed to make your upcoming go-green getaway a more positive experience for you and Mother Nature. Take your pick: To fly, to drive or to camp out — let the adventure begin!

Sit back, relax and take to the eco-friendly skies.

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of the airport hustle and bustle. Just make sure to leave yourself enough time to get to your gate so there’s a little less hustle involved 😄 Before you get sidetracked fantasizing about your vacay, here are some environmentally conscious products to bring on your trip. 

  • Eco friendly Eagle Creek brand digital luggage scale with alarm clock weighing an Eagle Creek backpack
  • Eco friendly Eagle Creek brand grey versatile 2-in-1 travel pillow with neck roll and pillow.
  • Hand holding earth friendly TSA friendly tin and plastic containers inside transparent leak proof Eagle creek brand bag, part of TSA-Friendly Travel Container Set.

Be an environmentally conscious road trip warrior.

Remember back in the day when you would have to print out directions to get from point A to point B — we’re talking ancient history. Thanks to a good friend that goes by the name of Google, you can hit the open road with confidence. As you rack up the miles and the memories, you’ll want to keep these Earth-friendly alternatives in mind. 

  • Photo of a model stuffing their stuffable pillowcase by Rumpl with jacket.
  • Overhead view of top side of sustainably made Ten Tree brand recycled polyester lightweight blue packing cube in closed position, with all three packing cubes displayed.
  • Holding onto loop cap of 18 ounce white bamboo and stainless insulated traveler bottle standing on wood railing with waterfall in the distance.

Make a bonfire and s’more earth friendly choices. 

Camping is a great way to get a change of scenery and as a bonus, doesn’t often require having to travel too far away from home. Thanks to this list of awesome products that are made from recycled materials or to otherwise help you skip single-use, you are ready to set up camp and prepared to ditch the waste. Look at you making smart, sustainable travel choices! Your mom will be proud, and so will Mother Nature.

  • Female with long brown hair in pony tail facing away from camera to show off eco friendly EcoGear Products brand recycled plastic grey Darter Backpack.
  • A Mizu water bottle being filled up in a river. The Adventure purifier allows hikers to use fresh water sources to purify water while in the wilderness.
  • EarthSuds starter trio includes 5 sets of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash tablets in an aluminum tin. This is the perfect low waste travel companion.

An important takeaway for your getaway: As an industry prone to overconsumption, tourism consequently produces a substantial amount of waste and pollution. In some places, tourists produce up to twice as much waste as local residents.¹

Now that you have a good idea of what to bring, you might want to take a look at some of these packing tips and tricks from full-time travelers and our Master Roadmap for Sustainable Travel. Bon voyage, fellow world travelers and #EarthProtectors!

¹https://sustainabletravel.org/our-work/waste-pollution/