Over the years, the impact of travel on the environment has gradually increased, as the number of tourists has also risen; the mess they leave behind has also increased. How can we be better? One of the easiest ways to reduce the negative impact of travel is by travelling in an eco-friendly way by using eco-friendly travel products. An eco-friendly traveler has become the need of the hour, and to do this right, we need to stock up on some essential eco-friendly travel products before planning the next vacation.

Here’s a list of must-have eco-friendly products that will benefit you, as well as the planet. Make sure to pack as many of them during your next trip. 

Millions of plastic toothbrushes are discarded every year, polluting the environment. Switch these with eco-friendly travel products such as bamboo toothbrushes which are not only kind to the environment but also more compact than your at-home chunky electric/plastic model. Other than the bamboo’s 100% bio gradable nature, the bristles of the brush are infused with charcoal for natural teeth whitening, making it a must for your eco-friendly travelling kit. Now to carry your toothbrush, you can also get a bamboo case which is naturally antibacterial and sturdy-so that the brush doesn’t just fall in a hurry.

While we are taking steps to be more eco-friendly, we don’t mean we can ignore the most basic rule of makeup: makeup removal. While travelling, the last thing you’d want to think about when removing your make up before bed is the environmental impact. Pick reusable makeup remover pad which is clean and effortless to use. Made from bamboo fibers and cotton, these pads are really effective at removing all the makeup while still feeling really soft on the skin.

Whether you are on a wildlife camp, on a trek or a luxury vacation, make sure that you ditch your shampoo bottle and chemical soup. The shampoo or soaps in bar form are greener, cheaper, and much more travel-friendly. Cruelty-free, natural bars of shampoo and soaps will be easy to carry and will let you bathe guilt-free, no matter where you are. Carrying these eco-friendly travel products can eliminate the use of single-use products provided by the hotels and resorts in a great way.

One use of plastic razors made from non-biodegradable plastics pose several environmental risks. They generally end up in landfills or in the oceans. Many of these razors are not recyclable and they rust away leaking toxic chemicals. Be kind to the environment with eco-friendly shaving: get re-usable razors which are plastic-free and way more effective than disposable razors.

While protecting your skin can be a high priority while travelling, know that sunscreens also contain tons of chemicals that harm the delicate coral and marine life. Certain chemicals that have been identified as being particularly dangerous to our ecosystems are oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, octyl salicylate, avobenzone and homosalate. So, pick biodegradable sunscreens which are free from the aforementioned chemicals that are safe for you and the environment.

Since a menstrual cup is a reusable product it can be super advantageous for ladies traveling on their periods. You don’t need to change it or dispose of it as frequently as you change a pad or tampon. All you have to do is empty it, wash it and use it again. This is perfect for travelling, as you might not find washrooms everywhere. It takes up little or no space in your luggage and is also economical and environmentally friendly.

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Use of single-use plastic bottles is one of the major hazards to the environment. Most of them end up in landfills and oceans. Hence always pack a reusable water bottle when you travel. That way, you won’t create lots of (totally avoidable) plastic waste, but can still stay hydrated wherever you go, especially in countries where you can’t drink the tap water. Get a lightweight flexible water bottle (that rolls up when it’s not in use) that will take up much less space in your pack. This simple switch will have an impact on our environment in a great way.

If you are planning on camping, trekking or hiking, it’s best to carry torches or lamps. But as one cannot find charging sockets in the wild, it’s best to use light-weight solar-powered lamps. Using the ever so sustainable- sun, it can be used quite easily and regularly too! Solar-powered lighting is one of the best eco-friendly travel products as the low-carbon footprint helps preserve our beloved nature.

Solar Mobile Chargers are ideal for travelling as they offer reliability for long-term trips, and allow you to continuously charge your smartphone. They’re also small in size and have lightweight designs for optimum performance outdoors. So this hassle-free eco-friendly product would just require a few hours in the sun to power your devices along.

We know how plastic straws are one of the top waste products that are being dumped in the ocean. This wasteful plastic product is just used for 15 minutes and is also the reason behind the deaths of aquatic animals. So to do your bit, start with reusable straws that come in different types of eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, silicone and stainless steel. You will be surprised to know that one stainless steel straw can replace more than 500 plastic straws. 

Being self-sufficient will help you travel in an eco-friendly way. Carry your own cutlery on your travels, so you need not ask for a plastic spoon, fork (just like a straw)! You can pick the kind of cutlery set according to affordability, durability and convenience. Bamboo cutlery and stainless steel cutlery sets are the most affordable and durable ones. 

During your one of the many stops on the trip, you’d sure want some form of entertainment to while away the hours. And if you are planning on reading, cut down on your paper usage and baggage weight by opting for Kindle. Kindle is a brand that allows you to read e-books, newspapers, magazines and also downloads via wireless networking. Here you have the access to any books instantly without going to the library or bookstore.

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What other eco-friendly travel products do you recommend? Or, what will be your first eco-friendly buy? Tell us in the comments below!