Green Travel Gear
It’s a paradox of modern travel—in order to see and experience the natural wonders of the world, we must also contribute to the carbon emissions and waste that are helping to destroy the planet. However, since many of the same people who love the planet (and hence are trying to see it) are also environmentally conscious, traveling can pose a substantial moral dilemma. While there are plenty of ways to reduce your carbon footprint when traveling and reduce your environmental impact (read more about how in 9 Tips on How to Travel Greener), there is also some handy travel gear that you can bring along on the road that will help you lessen your environmental impact.
1. EcoCase by Heys USA
This suit case is not only durable and easy to roll (not to mention will keep your stuff inside safe and prevent it from getting crushed), but it’s also made from 100% recycled plastic. You’ll be rolling along knowing that you are protecting your valuables and the environment.
2. Solio Magnesium Edition Solar Charger
Not only will this little gadget allow you to charge up your iPod, Blackberry or cell phone without an electrical outlet, but it also used only the power of the sun. While this little gadget won’t recharge you for hours, an hour of sunlight will give you about 20 minutes of talk time.
>> Buy Solio Magnesium Edition Universal Solar Hybrid Charger
3. Neo Recycled plastic speakers
These little speakers are not only compact and super portable, but they are also made from recycled materials. This way you can bring your jams with you on the road without worrying about killing any polar bears.
>> Buy NEO Recycled Plastic Speakers Pair
4. Compact Eco Tote
It’s no secret that plastic bags are really bad for the environment, so instead of carrying or wrapping your stuff in one of those, opt for a small nylon tote that can not only be stuffed into your purse. Plus, you can use it over and over again to carry anything from your market finds to your sunscreen on the way to the beach.
>>Buy BAGGU Reusable Shopping Tote – 3-Pack
5. Down to Earth Travel pillow
This travel pillow is made from 100% organic cotton and recycled memory foam that will allow to have sweet dreams on the plane or in the car about how your lovely little pillow is also good for the planet.
>>Buy The Happy Company Down To Earth Travel Pillow
6. Exuberance First Love travel pack
Just because you are traveling, doesn’t mean you still don’t want to look totally fabulous. This little eco-friendly travel pack of organic beauty products comes with eye cream and green-tea facial cleanser, all in travel friendly containers that can sail through security.
>>Buy Exuberance – First Love – Palette of 10 facial products
7. Klean Canteen Water Bottle
A sturdy, reusable water bottle is a travel essential, and having one that is both BPA and plastic free is both good for you and good for the environment. Skip buying individual bottled water on the road (unless you are in a place without safe drinking water of course) and stick to filling your water bottle instead.
>>Buy Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Water Bottles
8. Vulcana Recycled Rubber Tourist Bag
This handy little tourist bag will not only safely keep your passport and cash, but you can also rest assured knowing that your stylin’ bag is also helping get tires out of a Florida landfill. These Vulcana bags use a patented method that re-styles old tires into great bags. Eco-friendly, water resistant, scratch-resistant and practical? Where do I sign up?
>>Buy Vulcana Recycled Rubber Bags
9. Campsuds Biodegradable Soap
The original, biodegradable camping soap made from natural vegetable derived ingredients that’ll wash everything from your dishes to hair to clothes.
>> Buy Campsuds Biodegradable Cleaner
10. Wrap-n-Mat
Unlike its re-usable food storage cousin Tupperwear, the wrap-n-may is nearly paper thin, meaning you save valuable room in your purse or suitcase. Plus, rather than havign to buy, and then throw away, plastic baggies, you can re-use the wrap-n-mat over and over again.
>>Buy Wrap-N-Mat Reusable Sandwich Wrap with PEVA Liner – Green
11. Lightload Towels
These compact, lighweight and perfect travel towels are also biodegradable and come in a variety of sizes. They are the perfect companion for a backpacking trip or just a beach vacation. Plus, if you don’t have any room in your suitcase on the way back (do a little too much shopping on your trip?), you can leave it behind without worrying about it sitting in a landfill for the next 3 centuries.
>>Buy Lightload Towel $6.95
