5 Practical Ways to Travel More Sustainably This Earth Day
At Pack Up + Go, one of our core values is to inspire positive change + conscious consumption. We believe everyone has the ability to make a positive impact, and we’re here to help make your travels more sustainable in easy and attainable ways! These small choices add up, and this Earth Day, we hope you’ll join us in making these changes!
1. Pack a Reusable Water Bottle
This is the easiest thing you can start doing today to make a difference! Bringing a reusable water bottle is one of the simplest ways to cut down on single-use plastic. Many airports and cities now have water bottle refill stations all over, so you’ll never be far from a free fill-up.
Want to level up your sustainability game? Toss in a set of reusable utensils and a travel straw. You’ll be ready for street food, takeout, and snacks without contributing to plastic waste.
2. Bring a Reusable Tote Bag
Along the same lines of reducing your disposable plastic intake, bringing a reusable tote bag is another way to make your travels more sustainable. It’s lightweight and won’t take up room in your suitcase, but will come in handy as you’re shopping, exploring a farmer’s market, or packing up takeout from a restaurant!
With many cities now charging for bags, this is also a great way to save a little bit of money.
3. Avoid Single-Use Toiletries
Those tiny hotel shampoo bottles? Convenient, yes. Sustainable? Not so much. Instead, pack your own toiletries in reusable containers (these ones are our favorites!).
Take it a step further and try using shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bars —they’re TSA-friendly, long-lasting, and completely plastic-free. This small change helps reduce plastic waste and encourages more intentional packing overall.
4. Choose Public Transit When Exploring
Many Pack Up + Go destinations have amazing public transportation options, and we’ll always include information about them in your surprise envelope. Opting for public transportation over a taxi or rideshare service is not only more sustainable, but can help save a significant amount of money! As an added bonus, they often allow you to explore the city like a local, which you may not otherwise get to do.
5. Support Local Businesses
Your travel dollars have power. By choosing to eat at local restaurants, shop at independently owned stores, or book tours through local guides, you’re investing in the community you’re visiting. Supporting local businesses reduces the environmental costs associated with transporting goods and helps preserve the unique character of your destination! Instead of grabbing a souvenir from a chain store, look for handmade, locally crafted items to help support a local business while bringing home a memory!
Sustainable travel doesn’t have to mean overhauling your entire itinerary or swearing off of certain modes of transportation. It’s about making thoughtful choices that minimize your environmental impact that can, in turn, enhance your trip! These five tips are easy to implement and perfect for any kind of traveler—whether you’re headed across the country or exploring closer to home.
Every small action makes a difference. Happy (sustainable) travels!