Sometimes when we travel we get so excited about getting to know new destinations that we completely forget about the ecological repercussions that traveling brings. Flights, for example, are responsible for 2% of CO2 emissions. If you want to make your next destination a more planet-friendly route, we will tell you how to make your backpack a little more ecological and contribute a little to the rescue of the environment.
How to make your backpack a little more ecological
We know that packing your luggage to a new destination is always an experience. For some it produces a certain stress; for others, a joy and excitement for the trip. However, when it comes to traveling, we never or almost never stop to think about the repercussions that our next game may bring. Have you ever stopped to think about how much you contribute to the pollution of the planet if you take a plane, a train or just take a road trip?
We already know that flying represents 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Taking a train is less polluting, since only 14 grams of CO2 are produced per passenger. Traveling by car also pollutes, and more so if the car is not emission-free like electric cars. This does not mean that you stop traveling, just that you try to make it a little more environmentally friendly.
For example, you can start by saving the paper printing of all flight or train tickets, since these can perfectly have them at your fingertips on your mobile screen. But, when it comes to packing, can you also take care of the environment? Of course! If you follow these practical tips, you will not only be able to make your backpack a little more ecological , but you will also be able to save a few euros.
Goodbye to plastic bags
Plastic is one of the great pollutants on the planet, especially the ocean. You may be wondering what plastic is in your backpack. Probably not too many things. But let’s start with something as basic as grocery bags that you may carry to store your snacks , swimsuit, dirty clothes, shoes and a long etcetera that you might not have noticed.
Instead of these bags, we recommend you get organizers of different sizes that will not only help you be more eco-friendly, but also allow you to always have your backpack in order and avoid losing a sock in any hostel in the world.
The best deals we’ve found to buy backpack organizers
Many times we try to travel as low cost and we stay in hostels or in an Airbnb , where it is possible to cook. For this course we propose 3 products that you can buy to make your backpack a little more ecological .
If you prepare the food yourself, you will save a few extra euros. To transport the purchase it is better to resort to the tote bags , which you can not only use to go to the supermarket in your destination, but also when you return home. In addition, for girls it is a very fashionable accessory even for going out for a walk, as there are them with a great variety of patterns.
On the other hand, if you are more traditional and you like curiosities, then you can buy organic cotton mesh bags like the ones we show you below.
The best deals we have found to buy ecological bags
Reusable “tableware”
Once the purchase is made, you can cook whatever you like and transport it throughout Thailand, London or any part of Spain. The best part is that you can take it on a getaway to the beach or sit down to eat in a nice park. For that we recommend you buy a tupper that you can transport everywhere and wash where you are staying.
Another of the big stars when it comes to packing in an ecological way is the stainless steel water bottle. How many plastic bottles do we buy when we are traveling? Reduce your consumption by purchasing a stainless steel bottle and refilling it before leaving the hotel. Here we present an excellent option that allows you to control the temperature of the liquid you transport and that is capable of staying at that temperature for 6 hours.
In addition, you can also implement reusable napkins in your eco-friendly backpack as kleenex or to clean food leftovers. The best thing is that you can wash them up to 85 times each.
The best deals we have found to buy ecological kitchen utensils
Ecological hygiene
Another consideration when traveling and that we should implement at home is the use of toothbrushes made of bamboo. These brushes are biodegradable and take care of the environment. They need to be changed every 3 months, like traditional toothbrushes. We present an option with a travel case.
The best offer we have found to buy an ecological toothbrush
On the other hand, We must also talk about the women who travel and who know that during the journey they are likely to have their menstrual period. It is common for them to fill the suitcase with a large amount of pads or tampons to deal with what is coming. Not only does this steal space in your suitcase, it also doesn’t help the environment too much. Therefore, if you are a girl and you are not using a menstrual cup yet, what are you waiting for? This is a great alternative not only when traveling but also in everyday life.
Here we present you not only a menstrual cup alternative, but also tools so that you can sterilize it during your journey through distant lands.
The best offers we have found to buy the menstrual cup
Eco backpack
We know that the destinations and the duration of the trips are very different. You may need to bring a 25-kilo suitcase, a cabin suitcase, or just a backpack to spend the weekend. An essential for all trips is a smaller backpack that we usually carry with a book, electronic devices, snacks for the plane or, as already mentioned, few clothes for a weekend, for example, in Madrid. Did you know that you can also have an ecological backpack for these uses?
They have been a trend a few years ago, but they have been around for many more. The Kanken backpacks, of Swedish origin, are 100% eco-friendly. These backpacks are made with polyethylene yarn obtained from recycling plastic containers. Although its cost is a bit high, you will surely end up falling in love with it. There are different sizes and models to suit your needs. There are waterproof or “maxi”, for longer trips.
