Carry on Must Haves for the Eco-Traveler
The eco-friendly items that will make your next trip so much more comfortable
Why you should use re-usable carry on items
Three weeks ago today I was in Hawaii, spending my time either on the beach, exploring the coast or trying new food. It was amazing! I got the flights on sale back in June for $500/person, less than a Paris-Marseille train ticket!
I think it was the first time I was travelling since I became truly aware of my (and the world’s) environmental impact. As I was preparing my usual carry on, I started thinking about the flight, and everything they serve or give you… We are so used to it all that we tend to forget almost every items given to us is single use, mostly plastic and end up all together not recycled.
I was ready to pack my own cutlery but I doubt they would have let me go through with a knife. On top of that, the weight allowance is so low it’s is usually easier to rely on what we are given.
Lucky for you, I have come up with the ultimate carry on list that will reduce your use of single use items on board make your next trip much more practical.
1. Water Bottle
This is a carry on must. Not just because you can ask the flight attendant to fill it up for you so you don’t have to ask for plastic cups or bottles, but also because you get to keep it with you on your trip. I have got a stainless steel Sistema bottle. It is double insulated so it keeps drinks cold for about 6 hours and tea or coffee hot for about 3 hours. It is also super light and cheap, I got it for $20 at the local supermarket.
2. Travel Pillow
I don’t know if it is just me, but I’ve never liked u-shaped travel pillows. I find that when I put them on my shoulder my head is pushed forward way too much.
The Sachi Organics travel pillow has a cylinder shape and is made with organic buckwheat hulls and organic cotton case. It is light and malleable, so you can still shape it around your neck. You can also use it on the side if you have a window seat or a partner to rest your head on. What I also love to do (and let me know if I am weird) is to cross my arms holding it and rest my chin on it. It usually prevents me from nodding off.
3. Throw
The thought of using an itchy blanket that has been used by hundreds of people really is not appealing to me. For the past few years, I have been using a sarong. It’s light, doesn’t take much space, smells nice and I use it as an actual sarong/beach towel on holiday.
I recently discovered Layday and they are gorgeous! Their towels are made out of organic cotton with NO microplastic, lightweight, quick drying and take a third of the space a normal towel does. In addition, they come free of plastic packaging. What more do you want?
4. Toothbrush
I use an electric toothbrush on a daily basis, but a few months ago, I went to a design market and got myself the goodie bag. It had the Eco Shop Co bamboo toothbrush in it. I took it with me to Hawaii and I loved it so much! It fits in the carry on and it's a great alternative if you do not want to take your electric toothbrush on your trip. I also liked that it came packaged in cardboard. It is sustainable, biodegradable, vegan friendly and BPA free. I got the medium and the bristles were sooooo soft and gentle on the gums.
5. Coconut Oil
How much would you pay for a product that smells like holiday in a jar, could hydrate your skin and moisturise your lips? What if it could condition your hair, help in a shaving emergency, brush your teeth, clean your makeup, act as sunscreen or soothe a sunburn? What if you could get all this for about $10?!
Coconut oil has been for used for centuries on hair and skin. Simply put coconut oil in a re-usable travel container and that is basically the only carry on beauty product you need for your trip!
Have a look at Kiki Health Organic Coconut Oil. It’s made with 100% raw ingredients (pure unrefined certified organic pressed virgin coconut oil) and presented in a lovely glass jar. It is a UK Brand, but I found it on the Australian Website Fruugo.
6. Cutlery Set
Now, I am not sure what kind of knife is or isn’t allowed on a plane, but in my opinion, you can leave the knife at home. Most of the dishes on planes are already chopped and easy to eat with just a fork or a spoon. If I get served a mini bread with butter, I usually deal with it with my fork. There are already so many thing on my tiny tray, something always falls on the floor and I can’t get it back, usually my knife…
Joseph Joseph has an awesome cutlery set: practical and compact. I actually take it to work since most of the time, there is no fork left or they have been badly washed…
The set is very light, takes little room and the case allows you to store the cutlery after use so your bag doesn’t get soiled with bolognese sauce. Yes, it is silicone but is is durable & re-usable!
7. Biodegradable wipes
Wipes are life! I mean, let's be honest, wipes are great in many, many situations, but especially travelling. We touch so many thing at airports and in planes. Germs are absolutely everywhere.
The first thing I do after I have settled in my seat is to wipe the armrests, tray etc. I’m pretty sure I don’t have to convince you of how amazingly helpful wipes are.
Jak Organics have come up with a great range of wipes. They are really affordable, 100% natural. What makes them such a great carry on for travelling is that they are bacteria resistant (so germs will stay away) and biodegradable. So you can throw them out with the general waste without feeling guilty. Bonus point: They are vegan friendly.
8. Headphones
For some reason, I always thought I couldn’t use my own headphones on plane because of the double plug. The low cost company I flew with to Hawaii actually encouraged to use our own headphones in their check in email. The earphones they provide are not only single use but they are also very bad quality, making the in-flight movie very difficult to enjoy and usually end up giving you a headache.
My ultimate trick is to put ear plugs AND over ear headphones on top of them. This way, the background noise of the plane and screaming kids is blocked and I can hear my movie loud and clear. Why have I never seen anyone else do that? Do you do it too? Let me know! It makes the flights so much more enjoyable and sleeping so much easier! Now a 6 hours flight seems like it only lasted for half the time.
Just think of all the bad quality cheap earphones we could save from landfill if we all use our own!
Conclusion
There you have it: a compact, light, practical & eco-conscious carry on! Please leave a comment below if you have recommendations for travel bags. I am looking for one and would love to hear your suggestions!
In the meantime, make sure to check out the most amazing eco-lodges by the beach for some inspiration!
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