Counting down to travel is one of the greatest joys that we can have, whether it’s a weekend getaway at a cottage, or a trip across the globe. Packing up our must-haves while living away from home, even for a short time can be exciting — and wasteful. While we’re slowly starting to face the reality of sustainability and waste on a global scale, we can utilize everything we’re learning at home and take it abroad.
So, before you take a trip to the drug store to pick up your travel essentials, consider how wasteful all that disposable plastic is, particularly when most other countries (including the US) aren’t nearly as proactive at reducing as Canadians are. Here are 10 wasteful travel products to avoid, and what you can replace them with (even at home).

Dry shampoo
What to use instead:
Although perhaps a bit less well know, dry shampoo also comes in powder form and can be applied with a thick, over-sized blush brush. Powders are made with a combination of baking soda, arrowroot powder, cornstartch and other plant-based ingredients, meaning that not only is the packaging safe, washing it out of your hair will also be totally fine no matter whether you’re staying at luxe resort, or camping in Banff.
Period products
What to use instead:
Just one single pair of period underpants can save the day. With endless cuts, sizes, and price points, just one pair could make a huge difference. And best of all? They’re hand washable, and take up next to no space in your luggage.RELATED: 10 new types of underwear you should know about.

Shampoo and conditioner
What to use instead:
Brands like Unwrapped Life make shampoo and conditioner bars that are good for your hair and easy to travel with in their own reusable and recyclable tins.
Hair ties
What to use instead:
Biodegradable hair ties, made entirely from cotton and natural rubber, with no man made plastics will biodegrade, leaving no trace behind. Exactly what you should aim for when traveling.
Travel sized toothpaste
What to use instead:
But before you worry that you won’t be able to brush your teeth on the road, think again! Brands like Lush offer toothpaste tabs in 100% recyclable and reusable containers. Just one tab and your toothbrush, and you’re good to go.YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 12 effortless teeth whitening tips for a Hollywood smile.

Body lotion
What to use instead:
But like other items you might think only come in liquid form, lotion can also come in an easy-to-travel-with, and easy to use bar — so you don’t ever have to get ready, because you’ll always be ready.
Toothbrush
What to use instead:
Instead, why not pick up a two-pack of bamboo toothbrushes? Their biodegradable, and you can keep one at home in case your travel brush doesn’t make it back with you.RELATED: The healthiest places to travel to in 2020.

Single use makeup remover sheets
What to use instead:
So before you pick up that hydrating pack of disposable makeup wipes, pick up a Makeup Ereaser instead! These soft, reusable makeup wipes can get all makeup (including waterproof!) off simply by adding water, and they last 3-5 years.
Disposable cutlery
What to use instead:
And with virtually everything else on this list, you’ll be able to reuse your set long after you’ve returned home from your trip, making your work-day lunches so much more tolerable.