Thinking of going plastic-free for your next trip but not sure where to start? This comprehensive guide will give you all the tips, tricks, and product recommendations you need to create a zero-waste travel kit. From shampoo bars to bamboo toothbrushes, read on to learn how to avoid plastic pollution when traveling and adventuring in the new year.
Key Takeaways:
- Invest in reusable containers, bottles, and bags made from sustainable materials.
- Look for solid shampoo, conditioner, and soap bars wrapped in paper.
- Swap disposable razors for reusable safety razors with replaceable blades.
- Try bamboo toothbrushes with compostable bristles and toothpaste tablets.
- Carry a set of microfiber makeup remover rounds that can be washed and reused.
- Refillable deodorant containers eliminate waste from sticks and sprays.
- Pack skincare oils and balms instead of plastic bottles or tubes.
- Choose wood, bamboo, or recycled aluminium hair brushes and combs over plastic.
- Opt for bar soaps, shampoo bars, and cleansing cloths instead of bottled cleansers.
The Problems With Travel-Sized Plastics
Single-use travel toiletry bottles are incredibly wasteful. The tiny shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, face washes, hand creams, and more that hotels provide often get used once then tossed in the trash. Airport shops and convenience stores are stocked with an array of mini plastic bottled products just waiting to become plastic pollution.
Even when buying your own travel-sized toiletries, those miniature plastic containers quickly add up. Most end up as waste in landfills and oceans since recycling centers can’t process such small containers efficiently.
The sheer amount of plastic waste generated from travel-sized toiletry bottles is shocking. It’s estimated that the hotel industry alone discards over 200 million bathroom miniatures every year in the US alone.
Along with being environmentally destructive, constantly buying sample-sized plastics is expensive compared to reusable options. Ditching disposables for greener alternatives saves you money in the long run too.
Reusable Bottles and Containers
The first step to plastic-free travel is investing in reusable bottles, tubes, jars, and other containers. Look for ones made from sustainable materials like stainless steel, glass, bamboo, and silicone. You can find these in just about any size and shape.
Here are some of the most useful reusable containers for travel:
- Shampoo and soap bottles – Stainless steel or silicone bottles in various sizes are perfect for shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, hand soap, etc.
- Jars – Useful for thick creams and balms like moisturizers, sunscreen, and shave cream. Choose glass or stainless steel with tight sealing lids.
- Tubes – Squeeze tubes made of aluminium or silicone are great for lotions, toothpaste, etc.
- Small pots – Little stainless steel or bamboo pots are handy for cotton pads, q-tips, and pills.
- Toiletry or cosmetic bags – Mesh, nylon, or canvas bags organize your reusable containers. Look for water-resistant fabric.
Fill up your reusable bottles and containers before each trip. Seek out natural, eco-friendly toiletries and cosmetics free of harsh chemicals and microplastics.
Pro Tip: Label reusable containers to easily identify contents!
Shampoo and Soap Bars
Shampoo and soap bars are a simple plastic-free swap. Bars last for many uses, cutting down on waste. Brands like Lush, J.R. Liggett’s, Ethique, and Naples Soap Company offer shampoo and soap bars wrapped in recyclable paper or compostable cellulose.
Opt for bars with natural ingredients free of sulfates and parabens. Try a 2-in-1 Shampoo + Body bar that works for hair and skin. Or pick a shampoo bar just for your hair type—oily, dry, color-treated, etc.
Rub the bar directly onto your wet hair and skin to work into a rich lather. Some find shampoo bars last longer than bottled shampoo. Let bars fully dry between uses so they don’t get gooey.
Safety Razors
Many travelers opt for disposable plastic razors to save space. But plastic-free safety razors are making a comeback for good reason. Safety razors have less plastic waste, provide a close shave, and deliver more value over time.
A safety razor itself is made of durable metal. You only replace the blades as needed, reducing landfill waste. Pack razor blades in a small reusable case. Quality safety razors can last years with proper care.
Pair safety razors with shaving soap bars or creams in reusable tins. Aftershave can be carried in a small glass bottle. This time-tested shaving system cuts down on plastic.
Bamboo Toothbrushes & Toothpaste Tablets
Millions of plastic toothbrushes get tossed annually. But now there are quality options made of biodegradable bamboo. Look for bamboo toothbrushes with nylon or charcoal bristles. The bamboo handle is durable and the bristles are soft.
You can easily pack a bamboo toothbrush in its paper box or a reusable case. When the bristles wear out, just replace the head and keep using the bamboo handle.
For toothpaste, try small tablets or powder formulated with natural ingredients. Bite Toothpaste Bits and Georganics powder both come in lightweight plastic-free packaging that’s perfect for travel. Add a tablet to your wet toothbrush and brush as normal. Powder can be applied with a damp brush or finger.
Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
Makeup remover wipes are incredibly wasteful, not to mention horrible for plumbing and sewage systems if flushed. Reusable makeup remover pads are a zero-waste alternative. Brands like Face Halo, LastObject, and Greenzla make microfiber or organic cotton rounds that clean skin without chemicals.
Look for pads that come in a travel pouch or container. Use the rounds wet to remove makeup and refresh skin. When dirty, toss them in the laundry. Some brands offer a subscription plan to receive new pads regularly.
Deodorant Without Plastic Packaging
Conventional deodorant sticks, sprays, and roll-ons come encased in plastic and aluminum packaging. Seek out natural deodorant brands with plastic-free refillable containers.
Green deodorant companies like Each & Every, Cheekbone Beauty, and Myro sell reusable deodorant holders made of glass, aluminum, or stainless steel. When you run out, get a refill pod or tablet delivered in recyclable paper.
You can find zero-waste deodorant in various formats—stick, cream, or spray. Some containers even let you choose different deodorant scents to mix and match.
Skincare Oils and Balms
Your skincare routine doesn’t need to be neglected while traveling. The key is carrying products without plastic packaging. Try recyclable paperboard tubes for lotion and cream. Or look for bottled products packaged in glass versus plastic.
For carry-on, solid skincare balms are perfect. Lush, Meow Meow Tweet, and Ethique are some of the brands offering facial soaps, cleansing balms, lotion bars, and more. These TSA-friendly solids pack easily and won’t spill in transit.
You can also bring small dropper bottles of organic facial oils like jojoba, rosehip seed, squalane, argan, and marula. Use oils to nourish skin, remove makeup, style hair, and more. A little goes a long way.
Hair Brushes & Combs Without Plastic
Regular use of plastic hair brushes and combs generates lots of beauty waste. Seek out eco-friendly designs made from sustainable materials like wood, bamboo, and recycled aluminum.
Natural wood brush handles made from renewable beech or oak wood make a great plastic alternative. Or choose a comb made sturdy recycled aluminum.
For traveling, compact bamboo brushes are ideal. Bamboo is naturally antimicrobial and gentle on hair. Mini bamboo brushes can slip easily into a toiletry kit.
Cleansing Cloths and Solid Facial Bars
Instead of bottled facial cleansers and toners, try cleansing cloths or solid soap bars. Many brands sell soft cotton cleansing cloths pre-soaked with botanical ingredients like coconut milk and lavender. Just wipe your face to cleanse.
For a plastic-free cleanser on the go, Lush’s Tea Totaler Bar is perfect. It removes dirt and makeup without drying out skin. Or take along Grown Alchemist’s chamomile and lavender facial soap bar.
Use cleansing cloths or bars with a microfiber makeup eraser pad and small washcloth to remove makeup and refresh skin. Add facial oils or moisturizer balms as needed.
Natural Hair Ties
Plastic hair ties are one of those tiny but ubiquitous pieces of beauty plastic waste. Made from materials like silicone, polyester, and nylon, most hair ties are not recyclable or compostable.
Some eco-friendly alternatives include hair ties made from organic cotton, linen, and hundred percent natural rubber latex. Brands like Kitsch and Celestine & The Hare offer hair ties in compostable cotton bags versus plastic packaging.
For travel, keep a few spare hair ties in a small fabric pouch or tin. Some brands even make cute scrunchies from recycled materials and organic fabrics!
Plastic-Free Sunscreen Options
Sunscreen is a travel essential, but conventional sunscreens come loaded in plastic tubes, bottles, and sprays. Seek out more sustainable sunscreen brands using recyclable aluminum or glass packaging.
You can also find sunscreen formulated as a solid stick. Brands like Raw Elements and Purely Great design zero-waste solid sunblocks that are easy to pack and rub on. The natural ingredients will protect skin without harming oceans.
Or make your own DIY sunscreen with natural oils and zinc oxide powder. Mix it up at home in a glass jar before trips. Add beeswax if you want a thicker balm-like sunscreen.
Reusable Earplugs and Eye Masks
To sleep soundly while traveling, pack a pair of comfortable reusable earplugs and an eye mask. Standard disposable earplugs generate unnecessary waste. Silicone and molded wax earplugs are washable and reusable.
Choose an eye mask made of fabric instead of cheap polyester satin. Try one with an adjustable strap for the perfect fit. Look for eye masks filled with soothing beads or made of molded memory foam. A reusable mask blocks light so you can nap anywhere.
Plastic-Free Dental Care
You can find eco-friendly options for keeping teeth clean while traveling too. Choose biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes we mentioned earlier. Pack dental floss made of silk or soft beeswax versus plastic flossers full of microplastics.
Toothpaste tablets eliminate the need for plastic tubes. Or try tooth powder in glass jars from brands like The Humble Co. Their activated charcoal powder is fluoride-free.
For fresh breath, take along metal tins packed with organic breath mints or chews. No need for wasteful plastic containers of mini mints.
Natural Bug Repellent Without DEET
Standard bug sprays contain DEET and other harsh chemicals. Safer natural bug repellents use plant oils like citronella, lemongrass, and geranium oils. These repel insects without toxic chemicals.
Seek out spray bottles made of glass instead of plastic. Or buy natural bug repellent already packaged in small recycled aluminum tins. Some companies even make DEET-free botanical repellent wipes or towelettes.
Reusable Food Savers and Bags
Those flimsy plastic Baggies for packing snacks and sandwiches are easily replaced with reusable food savers. Try washable silicone bags from companies like Stasher that come in handy portable sizes. Or use snack pouches made of durable lightweight nylon.
Beeswax wrap is another alternative for covering food. Wrap sandwiches or leftovers in the washable reusable cotton infused with beeswax, tree resin, and jojoba oil. Rinse and reuse the wraps.
Plastic-Free Period Care
For women who menstruate, traveling sustainably may require packing menstrual products without plastic. Seek out plastic-free tampons with applicators made of cardboard and organic cotton. Or try compact portable menstrual cups made of medical-grade silicone.
Pairs of reusable cloth period pads are handy for travel too. Use them instead of disposable pads, then wash them when done. Thinx makes absorbent underwear and pads perfect for periods on the go.
Zero Waste First Aid
First aid kits are a must for travel. Build yours from plastic-free essentials like bamboo bandages, cotton swabs, and reusable cold packs. Add metal tins of antibiotic ointment or arnica salve. Use recyclable paper tape and cloth wraps instead of plastic adhesive bandages.
Pack any medications in glass bottles. Include natural remedies like activated charcoal capsules made without plastic capsules or cotton swabs made from bamboo and organic cotton. Carry it all in a durable canvas pouch.
Start Your Zero Waste Travels Today
Adopting more sustainable travel toiletries takes awareness and effort. But the impact it has in reducing plastic pollution and waste makes it well worth it. Follow the tips in this guide to begin curating your own eco-friendly travel toiletry and accessory kit. See which swaps work best for your needs.
As more consumers demand plastic-free options, companies are listening. There are now so many innovative brands offering sustainable travel-sized products minus the pointless plastic waste. Vote with your dollars and make green choices.
Remember that small steps towards plastic reduction do make a difference. When we all commit to cutting back, the collective reduction in waste adds up in a powerful way. Pack your reusable toiletries, hit the road or skies with zero waste, and inspire others. Safe travels!
FAQs About Zero Waste Travel Toiletries
Are zero-waste toiletries as effective as regular products?
Yes, plastic-free natural toiletries can clean, moisturize, style, and treat your skin, hair, teeth, and body just as well as conventional options, if not better. Brands specially formulate natural solid bars, tablets, oils, and powders to work without packaging waste.
Can solid shampoo and soap bars really clean and work well for travel?
Absolutely! Shampoo and soap bars lather up into a rich foam to deeply clean hair and skin. Some bars have nourishing ingredients to combat dryness. The solid bar format prevents spills or leaks when travelling. Bars also last a very long time, making them cost-effective.
Where do I find plastic-free sunscreen? Does it work well?
Online stores like Amazon and Grove Collaborative sell sunscreen in recyclable tins or glass bottles. Or look for reef-safe sunscreen formulated as a solid lotion bar that’s easy to pack and rub onto skin. Natural mineral sunscreens using zinc oxide offer just as much UV protection as conventional sunscreens.
What’s the most eco-friendly way to pack for air travel with zero-waste toiletries?
Use reusable silicone bags and bottles in your quart-size liquids bag for carry-on. Any solid bars, tablets, balms, oils, etc can go right in your toiletry kit, no plastic baggie needed. Be sure to check TSA rules on carry-on liquids.
Can you really make DIY toothpaste tablets and zero-waste deodorant?
Yes! With some simple ingredients like baking soda, coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils, you can whip up homemade toothpaste tablets. For deodorant, mix coconut oil, baking soda, arrowroot powder, and essential oils like tea tree and lavender. Store in a reusable container.