27 Eco-Friendly Travel Products You Need For Your Packing List

From sunscreens to footwear and even the clothes on your back, no matter how small, every item has an impact on the environment.

Simply making a few careful decisions about what goes in your suitcase can be the difference between protecting the planet and polluting it. 

A little overwhelmed? Check out this eco-friendly packing guide.

I’ve compiled a list of my favourite eco-friendly travel products that will help you reduce your impact and be a more sustainable traveller wherever you go. 

By making the switch to these eco-friendly travel essentials you’ll be cutting down your carbon footprint and supporting small businesses and amazing causes around the world.

Oh and guess what? Some of them will even help save you money in the long run too!

Eco-friendly travel products to add to your packing list

Here are 27 sustainable travel essentials that do their bit for your suitcase and the planet:

1. Water filter bottle 

Use it for: cutting out single-use plastic bottles!

Single-use plastic water bottles are not only costly (particularly if you’re buying one a day) but they’re also a scourge on the planet.

According to the non-profit Ocean Conservancy, 8 million metric tonnes of plastic enter our oceans every year on top of the estimated 150 million metric tonnes already in the marine environment!

My go-to is LifeStraw Go. It can remove 99.9999% of all waterborne nasties including viruses, disease-causing bacteria, heavy metals, chemicals, microplastics and protozoan cysts. 

Designed to keep you hydrated in any environment and outdoor location, it can filter most freshwater sources from a tap to a stream.

READ MORE: 10 Best Water Filter Bottles for Travel: Safe Drinking Water Anywhere in the World

2. Reusable straws 

Use it for: reducing single-use plastic!

Love drinking from a straw but worried about the environmental impact of those pesky plastic versions? You can get straws made from all kinds of materials like bamboo, pasta (yes, really!), paper and stainless steel. 

Packing a reusable straw is a simple and nifty way to incorporate a zero-waste lifestyle when you’re travelling. I personally like this set that comes in a little pouch and with silicone brushes to keep them hygienic.

3. Bamboo utensils 

Use it for: reducing single-use plastic!

Say no to throwaway plastic cutlery by using a set of reusable bamboo versions instead. This set of bamboo utensils comes in a pouch so they’re easy to carry. You can also personalise your set so there’s no risk of them getting mixed up with anyone else’s. 

These sustainable travel products come in handy whenever you’re having a meal out and about from picnics to street food. They’re smooth to the touch and can easily be washed in warm water.

4. Sustainable tote bags 

Use it for: cutting out single-use plastic bags!

Plastic bags are one of the biggest waste offenders. Countries like Kenya and Indonesia have banned or put taxes on them. Still, it’s estimated that 500 billion of them are used annually worldwide. That’s about one million every minute! 

One simple solution is to pack a variety of reusable bags that you can use throughout your trip. I love using this organic recycled cotton tote from Amnesty International.

It’s a handy bag for when you’re out and about or heading to the supermarket. It features a quote by Emma Goldman, an anarchist political activist and writer:

“A revolution without dancing is not a revolution worth having.”

5. Sturdy backpack 

Use it for: durable and long-lasting bags!

A sturdy bag that can handle whatever gets thrown at it is one of the most important eco-travel accessories. The sturdier the better because you don’t have to replace it as often and it will keep your belongings safe.

A good option is Osprey Europe. All bags are vegan and they incorporate recycled materials where possible.

Osprey Europe’s bags are known for being exceptionally durable and they will even repair rather than replace products under their ‘All Mighty Guarantee.’ 

I have a Women’s Fairview 40L (they have a men’s version too – Fairpoint). It’s a lightweight backpack that’s perfect for casual hiking trips or as a carry-on (check luggage size allowances). I love that it has multiple pockets and it’s comfortable to wear.

Read Next: 11 Best Eco-Friendly Travel Bags for a Sustainable Trip

6. Solid toiletries 

Use it for: cutting down on water consumption!

I’m a little bit obsessed with solid toiletries. I’m talking about bar versions of all essentials like shampoo, conditioner, face cream, moisturisers and even cleansers. They’re such useful travel-friendly products.

I love using these eco-friendly travel toiletries because they’re zero-waste on top of being plastic-free (no packaging!). They last three times as long as liquid versions which makes them economical. 

They also pass airport security so you don’t have to worry about squeezing all your tiny liquids into a bag and there’s no chance of spills.

They don’t take up much room either. The only challenge is transporting them without them getting dirty. For that, I recommend a soap tin. 

Finding the best solid toiletries depends on your hair and skin type. Personally, I like this shampoo bar by Ethique for my flyaway hair. It makes my hair clean and shiny without being too heavy. I don’t need to use a conditioner with it either. Another one of my favourites is Gruum.

You can read more about my top green toiletries here.

7. Reusable toiletry containers 

Use it for: reducing plastic!

If you have favourite liquid toiletries that you don’t fancy giving up, that’s fine! Instead of buying travel-sized versions of them when you travel, I recommend GoToobs from humangear as a zero-waste alternative. 

Made from squeezable food-safe and BPA-free silicone, these super handy sustainable travel items have large openings for easy access to fill up and clean. There is a range of airport security accepted sizes available and a varied choice of colours. 

Travel-sized toiletries run out quickly, and they’re expensive to keep buying. Meanwhile, they add to the already straining landfills. It’s not a cost-effective or sustainable solution for any traveller in the long run!

8. Reef-safe sunscreen 

Use it for: protecting reefs and marine life!

Sunscreen is a crucial part of our health wherever we go but the regular kind is actually terrible for the environment. Oxybenzone, a chemical found in most sunscreens, affects the DNA of young coral causing them to become fatally disfigured. 

Now, more destinations are encouraging the use of sunscreen made from zinc oxide or titanium oxide as they are biodegradable and don’t interfere with marine life – particularly when snorkelling or diving!

Some destinations, including Hawaii and Palau, have even put an outright ban on all sunscreens containing oxybenzone. 

You’re not always likely to find reef-safe sunscreen in your typical pharmacy or supermarket so it does require a bit of forward planning.

My particular favourite is Green People.

This particular brand works alongside the Marine Conservation Society to raise awareness of the effect that the chemicals in regular sunscreen have on marine life.

Its own sunscreen contains certified organic natural ingredients and is gentle on skin. It’s a perfect addition to your eco-friendly packing list!

READ MORE: 11 Top Zero Waste Sunscreens That Protect Your Skin and the Planet

9. Antibacterial bamboo clothing 

Use it for: ethical fashion!

Sustainably sourced bamboo material doesn’t just boast comfort. It’s great for travel because it’s antibacterial, which means it stays fresh for longer – ideal if you’re packing light and you don’t see a washing machine for several days. 

Bamboo clothing cuts out 97.%5 of UV rays so you know you’ll be protected when holidaying in hotter climates. Thanks to its hollow microfibre material, it’s both warm and breathable. It can also wick away moisture from the skin.

Bamboo clothes are perfect for backpackers and luxury travellers alike. They make your packing list more eco-friendly because the source of the material is more sustainable to cultivate and harvest than cotton. 

Bamboo is a type of grass that can grow naturally without the use of fertilisers and pesticides.

It can survive off just rainwater, and the soil remains in a much healthier condition because bamboo is cut rather than uprooted. It is also the fastest-growing plant in the world!

BAM is a brand that caters to all your bamboo clothing needs from activewear to t-shirts and socks. I love their bold patterns and prints.

10. PFC-free outdoor gear

Use it for: reducing toxic chemicals 

The irony in most regular outdoor gear is that, although designed for the outdoors, it’s not actually outdoors-friendly. Unbelievable, right?

Most outdoor gear contains PFCs which are human-made chemicals that are used for their waterproofing properties. Most PFCs are toxic, non-degradable, and have been found in organisms around the world. 

The same PFCs on outdoor gear were discovered in remote lakes and even in the livers of polar bears. 

Led by the Greenpeace campaign ‘Detox Outdoors’, many companies have begun phasing out the use of PFCs, but the industry has a long way to go before there are any real, significant changes.

The problem is PFCs are effective and nothing quite matches up to them – yet. 

Both Patagonia and Jack Wolfskin are committed to cutting out their reliance on PFCs and they have some good-quality sustainable travel gear.

11. Vegan shoes

Use it for: ethical fashion!

An astonishing 300 million shoes are thrown out every year in the UK. On top of that, footwear accounts for 16% to 32% of the fashion industry’s total environmental pollution. 

So, what’s the alternative? 

Comfy shoes that are made from eco-friendly, durable and recyclable materials. My favourite is Vivobarefoot. It sells a range of shoes and accessories that are designed for any adventure. 

Its trainers combine the practicality of a walking boot with the casual style of a trainer. The shoes are 100% plant-based and made from recyclable and eco-materials!

12. Solar power battery charger 

Use it for: reducing energy consumption

Solar-powered eco-friendly travel products are an amazing way to reduce your carbon footprint and make sure all your important electronics are charged wherever you go.

A solar charger ticks both those boxes and you don’t have to worry about finding a reliable place to charge your phone. 

I particularly like this power bank because it doubles up as a flashlight so it’s perfect for camping. It’s also dustproof, waterproof and shatter-resistant. Not bad!

13. Sewing kit 

Use it for: reducing waste!

I can’t tell you how often a sewing kit has come in handy while travelling. It’s an essential part of any eco-friendly travel kit (just be careful of the scissors if you’re flying with a carry-on!).

You can patch up items that would otherwise end up being thrown away. It also saves you money and time because you don’t need to find a replacement. 

Duct tape can also be handy for this too.

14. Takeaway food tins 

Use it for: saving money and food waste!

One of the best zero waste travel essentials to have in your bag, durable stainless steel food tins or Tupperware make an excellent way to cut down on food waste. You can use them to store leftover meals, lunches and snacks. 

You can get them out when you want to avoid styrofoam containers restaurants tend to put any of your leftovers in. You might also be able to use it at a street food market. 

This leakproof lunch box has a handy removable divider to keep dishes separate. Plus it’s easy to clean and comes with a spare seal for double leak protection on the go.

15. Reusable coffee mug 

Use it for: reducing plastic and paper waste!

I love a good coffee in the morning but buying takeaway drinks when you’re out and about can get wasteful. Not to mention a lot of takeaway cups aren’t recyclable.

If you enjoy your caffeine fix as much as I do, it might be worth making a reusable coffee cup one of your sustainable holiday essentials.

I like this one that’s specially designed for travel. It’s made with stainless steel to keep hot drinks hot for 6 hours and cold drinks cold for 12. It also has a fully leakproof resealable lid to guarantee zero spills. Handy. 

16. Bamboo sunglasses 

Use it for: cutting out plastic!

It’s always a good idea to keep the sun out of your eyes. One of my favourite sustainable travel accessories is Bambooka Sunglasses and it does a pretty decent job of it.

Plus its frames are made from bamboo, not plastic. This is particularly ideal if, like me, you’re prone to accidentally breaking your sunglasses. 

In fact, if your old pair gets damaged you can send them back to Bambooka and the brand will give you 25% off your next order. 

Bambooka is a unique brand as it’s volunteer-based. All profits are donated to their partner charities that provide eye care around the world.

17. Guppy bag 

Use it for: reducing micro-plastics!

Did you know that when washed, clothing made from synthetic materials releases small pieces of microplastics that end up in our waterways? 

An easy solution is to put them in a guppy bag before they enter the washing machine. This Guppy Friend Washing Bag can simply be tucked into a corner of your bag until you need it. 

This simple essential will help you protect marine life and fight against plastic waste wherever you go.

Another bonus? It’ll prevent some of your more fragile garments from getting damaged in the machine!

18. Plastic-free sanitary products 

Use it for: reducing plastic!

Another way to cut out plastic is through your choice of sanitary products.

Tampons and pads can be a bloody nightmare for the environment. Not to mention they’re not always readily available in some parts of the world. Queue a bag filled with sanitary products in every available nook and crevice…

Do your bag, body and environment a favour by adding a pair of WUKA period pants or a menstrual cup to your eco-travel kit.

A lot of people swear by the menstrual cup although it does have some pros and cons to consider. For example, it can last up to 10 years which is a huge amount of money and waste saved! But you do have the tricky issue of keeping it hygienic while travelling. 

If you’re unconvinced by both of these, TOTM does a range of biodegradable sanitary products. They still count as eco-friendly travel products!

Curious about what period pants are like when travelling? Read my WUKA review!

19. Bamboo toothbrush

Use it for: reducing plastic!

After switching to a bamboo toothbrush I’ve never looked back since. One of my favourite eco travel products, they work just as well and last just as long as their plastic cousins. I would even say they’re more gentle on gums and teeth. 

Wild & Stone does great quality toothbrushes. Once they reached the end of their lives, you can put the handle into the compost bin but you’ll have to pull out the bristles first as they’re yet to be fully recyclable! 

Top tip: after you’ve used your bamboo toothbrush, put it somewhere for the bristles to drain out. This will help it last longer. They can last up to three months.

20. Bamboo toothbrush case 

Use it for: reducing plastic!

Keep your eco-friendly toothbrush safe by putting it in a bamboo travel case. This toothbrush case is made from polished bamboo. 

The amazing thing about bamboo (as we’ve previously covered) is that it has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s zero-waste and biodegradable too!

21. Soap nuts 

Use it for: cutting out toxic chemicals!

Nope, I’m not going nuts, it really is a detergent that grows on trees. The magic is in the shells which have a natural surfactant called saponin which creates soap suds and cleans and softens clothes without damaging the colours. 

Soap nuts are particularly useful for those with sensitive and allergy-prone skin as they’re hypoallergenic.

Approximately 300g lasts for 100 washes, which is about 3p per wash. Economical AND ecological. It’s a double win, really.

22. Reusable makeup cloths

Use it for: reducing waste!

Ditch makeup wipes and opt for a reusable version instead. They’re much better for your skin and the environment. 

Choose from cotton makeup pads, bamboo makeup pads or a nice and simple face flannel. The great thing about these eco-friendly travel products is that they can be washed and reused over and over again. 

I personally use an anti-bacterial face flannel to dry my face after washing my makeup off with jojoba oil and warm water.

It’s a routine that’s never failed either at home or abroad.

23. Reusable razor 

Use it for: reducing plastic!

Every year, 2 million razors are thrown away and the majority of them end up in landfill as their mix of materials makes them difficult to recycle. 

Luckily, stainless steel safety razors are here to help you make the switch to a more sustainable shaving routine. Stainless steel is infinitely recyclable so it never has to end up in a landfill. 

I like this razor because it’s easily transportable and has a beautiful wooden handle. The shave also leaves your skin beautifully smooth.

24. DEET-free insect repellent

Use it for: cutting out toxic chemicals!

You don’t need DEET to keep the bugs at bay. Leaving it on the shelf will only be doing your body and the environment a favour. Instead, there are eco-friendly versions that are just as effective without toxic chemicals. 

This one by Badger has kept people safe in the rainforests of Costa Rica and by the ‘mosquito-infested canals of Malaysia’ according to one reviewer.

It’s also travel-sized, cruelty-free, certified organic and comes in a little metal bottle. They do a tin version too for extra sustainability points. 

25. All-terrain sneakers

Use it for: an all-rounder sneaker

If you’re the type of traveller that likes to do a bit of everything whether it’s urban sightseeing, hiking, adrenaline sports and more, knowing what shoes to pack can be a bit of a conundrum.

Let’s face it, filling your bag up with bulky shoes is less than ideal. So, what if you could pack one shoe and be sorted no matter where your adventures take you? That’s exactly what Tropicfeel can do.

The brand’s All-Terrain sneakers can take you from the streets to the great outdoors.

They’re lightweight, comfy, odourless, water-friendly and quick drying. They’re also sustainable, made from recycled polyester and EVA from unused or waste materials.

26. Bamboo earphones 

Use it for: sustainable materials and great listening

One for music lovers and podcast listeners! House of Marley is no stranger to making its tech as eco-friendly as possible and the portable wireless earbuds are no exception. 

These eco travel essentials are made from bamboo, natural wood fibre composite and Marley’s own REWIND™ fabric.

They have a 9-hour onboard playtime and a battery life of 32 hours in the case which makes them handy for long journeys on the road.

Read Next: 20 Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas for Sustainable Travellers (An Ethical Guide)

27. Natural deodorant 

Use it for: reducing toxic chemicals and plastic waste!

It’s crazy how so many of our toiletries are encased in plastic. Standard deodorants and antiperspirants also have the added bonus of containing toxic chemicals.

Some of them even have aluminium which blocks your pores and prevents you from sweating (sweating is actually very important for your health). 

Wild have created natural deodorants that are effective and kind to your body. They offer a refillable case made from aluminium and recycled plastic which you can fill up with your favourite deodorant scents.

It’s delivered to your door in subscriptions as much or as little as you like. These eco-friendly essentials can easily be slipped into a bag when on the go too. 

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Want to learn more about eco-friendly travel? I can help!

• Your Complete Sustainable Travel Packing List for an Eco-Friendly Trip
• Sustainable Travel Tips That Will Help the Planet 
• 7 Ways To Be an Ethical Traveller

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