5 ways travellers can avoid adding to global waste each day
Living a “zero waste lifestyle” can mean many different things.
For some of us, it means simply doing our best to reduce (or eliminate) the amount of waste sent to landfill – not only while we are at home, but while we are travelling abroad, too.
While air travel does nothing to support zero waste – what with its high levels of carbon emissions and use of fuel – there are a few things you can do to travel consciously so you have the lowest impact on the Earth.
1. Pack with purpose
Whether you are travelling by train, plane or hot air balloon, it is important to pack with purpose because waste happens when we least expect it, so we have got to be prepared.
When it comes to low-impact travelling it is all about packing light, packing smart and, again, packing with purpose.
The trick is to think ahead and pre-empt any worst-case scenario: if the destination is known for its street markets, pack a reusable food container.
If you like in-flight snacks, pack your favourite nibbles ahead of time in a refillable bag.
If you have carry-on liquids, invest in a see-through pouch. If you know you will be shopping, take a few tote bags to avoid using plastic bags.
2. Eat in and eat locally
Once you have arrived at your destination, drop the urge to dine at fast-food eateries and opt for eating at more local restaurants instead. This does two things: it helps save on plastic takeaway containers and cutlery and also offers a more authentic experience.
While visiting street markets, try to take a reusable set of food/drink containers, metal straw, utensils and a cloth napkin (we like to use a multifunctional bandana) for a low-impact alternative to on-the-go packaging.
3. Say ‘no’ in a new language
It is up to you when it comes to what you are carrying with you as zero waste dining alternatives.
However, remember the first rule of going plastic-free: do not be afraid to say no – in the local language. For example, when in Malaysia, “tak nak straw/plastik” will be extremely helpful while on your low-impact journey.
4. Skip the souvenirs
Try not to buy souvenirs. Those fluorescent cookie-cutter souvenir magnets offer nothing to the experience one has while travelling and they are often made with harmful materials that cannot be recycled.
Instead, consider shopping for locally made (preferably handmade) products, rather than those made on an assembly line at some mass-market factory and packed in plastic.
Better yet: buy directly from the artist, or an indigenous artisan, for a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind memento.
5. Reduce, reuse and be resourceful
When travelling abroad, finding package-free alternatives or saying “no” to single-use items doesn’t always turn out the way we would like.
Yet remember that there is usually always a low-impact alternative out there somewhere; it might not be 100 per cent zero waste, but at least we are doing our best to limit the negative impact on the Earth.
That could mean downloading e-tickets onto your phone, finding a hotel located near public transit or choosing a nearby food store because of its package-free (or bulk-buying) opportunities.
Remember to reduce what you can, reuse what you have and be resourceful for what you need.
Always remember: pursuing a zero waste lifestyle is not about being perfect or living completely without waste, as some people can manage. It is simply doing the best you can within your own personal means to reduce what you are responsible for sending to the landfill.
Do not feel guilty about accidentally receiving a straw in your drink and let it spoil your holiday – just keep doing your best.
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Flying on aircraft will never help zero waste efforts, but there are things to remember so you make the lowest impact on the Earth