If you’re anything like us, your 2022 calendar is already booked with wedding weekend festivities, road trips and maybe even an international adventure or two. As much fun as it is to break out of our daily routines, however, travelling can often lead to more waste consumption. Thankfully, incorporating easy eco-friendly swaps into your packing list can make a big impact. Here are 10 eco-conscious and more sustainable travel essentials that you need to add to your radar.
Related: Pinterest predicts these travel, beauty and fashion trends for 2022.
City break
Quality weekend bags are hard to come by, but this Everlane weekender checks off all the boxes. It comes with a padded laptop sleeve, spaces for two water bottles and all the pockets you can need. The best part of all? It’s made out of 100 percent recycled polyester.
The ReNew Transit Weekender, Everlane, $129.
Go with the flow
Getting your period on vacation doesn’t have to ruin your day. In fact, why not leave the tampons and pads at home? Menstrual cups can be worn safely for up to 12 hours at a time, making them perfect for long travel days.
Saalt Soft Menstrual Cup, Amazon, $43.
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Take it to-go
Trying new foods is one of the best parts of travelling. What’s not so great is the packing offered in many takeout restaurants. Cut down on single-use plastics by bringing a set of reusable cutlery that you can use for years to come.
Reusable Wheat Straw Cutlery Set, Smile Boutiques on Etsy, $12.
Related: The perfect travel destination according to your Zodiac sign.
Good hair day
Opt-out of the travel-sized bottles of toiletries and bring a shampoo bar on your next adventure instead. And, since one bar lasts for up to 80 washes, it’s an easy sustainable swap that you can also use at home.
Honey I Washed My Hair Shampoo Bar, Lush, $14.
See also: Throwback style? Our favourite trending hairstyles of 2022 are a nod to the past.
Make a splash
If you’re bikini shopping before your next beach vacay, check out this cute option from Vancouver-based Nettle’s Tale. You’d never guess that it is made from 98 percent recycled polyester.
The Cyd Top, Bell Floral, Nettle’s Tale, $89.
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Practice safe sun
Beach vacations are the best vacations. Do your part to preserve the beauty of the ocean by opting for reef-safe sunscreen options, like this pick from Supergoop.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++, Sephora, $47.
Related: These 10 new beauty products will help you welcome spring.
Cheers to that
Wherever we are in the world, the best days always start with a cup of coffee. By carrying your own collapsible cup you can enjoy your cup of joe without worrying about producing any unnecessary waste.
Stojo Biggie Cup 16 oz Mug (Pink), Amazon, $20.
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A Marie Kondo moment
Packing cubes do more than just keep your luggage organized. Cubes can help you separate clean and dirty clothes, cutting back on the need to do a load of laundry on vacation.
Baggu Storage Cube Set, Backyard Fruit, Well.ca, $35.
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Snack attack
Snacks are a must for any travel adventure, but single-use plastic bags aren’t ever the answer. Save money and cut down on waste by packing treats from home in these summer-themed snack bags that are perfect for road trips.
Danica Cottage Life Snack Bags (Set of 2), Simons, $15.
Related: 10 best products and practices to support Earth Day.
Stay fresh
Planning on hiking or camping this summer? Be sure to add these compressed hypoallergenic wipes to your packing list. They expand to the size of a paper towel, and are a great way to freshen up on the go.
maude Wipe Compressed Towels, Sephora, $16.
See also: 5 things to do for the perfect weekend in Toronto.
