How to minimize waste when traveling?

Reduce

To reduce the amount of waste we produce, we need to reduce our consumption by buying better quality products with little or no packaging. Sort out and ask yourself what is and isn’t useful in the items you take with you on your trip. You can reduce your cotton consumption, for example, by buying reusable textile cottons. In the food sector, which is one of the most polluting, bulk is the solution for reducing the sale of plastic and “consuming local” to reduce CO2 emissions linked to transport.

Reuse

If you’ve followed the first 2 R’s correctly, you should already have eliminated everything superfluous, leaving you with only the essentials. One of the most effective ways of doing this is to extend the life of an object or product as far as possible. In this category, you can opt for second-hand purchases, reuse and repair. For example, if you want to redecorate your home, why not buy it second-hand at a small local market? you could unearth some exclusive items! Another example: if you’re staying in a hotel, you can ask that your towel not be changed every day.

Recycle

Normally, if you’ve followed the first 3 R’s correctly, you shouldn’t have to recycle too much! But some items can’t be refused, reduced or reused, so they end up in the “waste” bin. However, waste recycling is only possible with certain resources that many countries still lack, and where waste management is still complicated. So if you can, first sort your garbage and then adapt to the waste management service of the country you’re traveling in.

Rot (compost in French)

The final stage is composting organic matter, and Béa Johnson presents several techniques. Composting is the transformation of organic matter into potting soil, which can then be used to maintain gardens. You can compost in plastic or wooden compost bins. If you’re in a country where composters aren’t available, make a pile of organic matter and bury it.

What to pack in your suitcase

As we’ve already explained, when you’re packing your suitcase, you need to ask yourself the right questions so as not to overload yourself for nothing: what’s useless/useful/essential for this trip?

The toiletry kit

The toiletry bag may be indispensable, but what it contains can quickly generate a lot of plastic waste. For a special zero-waste toiletry bag, opt for solid cosmetics: shampoo, deodorant and shower gel are just as effective. You can also take along a bamboo or interchangeable-head toothbrush, washable wipes and tissues.

Reusable accessories

Drinking water when traveling is responsible for a great deal of waste, especially plastic bottles. The technique is to use a filtering gourd, which is a sustainable, ecological and economical alternative. If you’re traveling in a country where drinking water isn’t commonplace, with a filtered water bottle you won’t be contaminated by bacteria. For your packed lunches, take along a bento lunch box and bamboo or stainless steel cutlery that you won’t want to leave home without. As for the most commonly used accessory in a zero-waste approach, it’s the fabric bag for carrying your shopping, storing your belongings, etc.

Travel clothing and equipment

In reality, we often need fewer accessories than we might think when traveling. Instead of buying a specific item of clothing or equipment that you’re unlikely to use again, it’s better to lend it out or think second-hand by turning to second-hand shops.

Electronic equipment

Our digital waste can also be managed. To reduce this invisible waste, there are a few techniques you can use, such as the e-reader if you’re a book devourer, so you don’t have to take 18 with you. Solar phone chargers are also a good ecological alternative to conventional chargers, as they recharge thanks to the sun (if you’re in the Caribbean, you can be sure you’ll never run out of battery).

Where to stay?

When it comes to accommodation, you’ll find eco-responsible lodgings all over the world run by people who are committed to zero waste. Inns, hotels, caravans, cabins in the woods, you’ll find unusual accommodation in the heart of nature. For total immersion in a country, you can also stay with a local. Finally, if you’re one of those who prefers to sleep under the stars, you should bivouac. The advantage is that you choose exactly where you sleep.

How to choose the right food?

Strolling through local markets to buy unpackaged fruit and vegetables is a good first step. You’ll find unprocessed products and local dishes to enjoy on the spot in a relaxing atmosphere. In some countries, you can also find organic or zero-waste stores like Biocoop in France. If you have to eat on the go, don’t forget to refuse plastic straws and cutlery if you already have them.

As you can see, the key to a zero-waste approach is to prepare your trip in advance. Reducing your waste when traveling will allow you to travel lighter and therefore freer. It’s also a more ethical way to travel, closer to the local population.