When I’m traveling, most reasoning is thrown out the window. Eating healthy? Debatable. Staying active? Nah. Practicing zero waste? I’ll try… my best?

Without a lot of planning, practicing zero waste when traveling can be a struggle. Between a new city, camping trips, and hotel rooms, there are many moments where I’ll encounter items that are not eco-friendly. Will I give up street food – if I really want it – because it’s packaged in plastic? Truthfully, probably not (and that’s okay). There are some things I can’t control and it can be very discouraging to enjoy a trip when the constant guilt is on my mind. Though, this is where I have started to make small changes elsewhere.

One of the easiest things I can control is what I pack at home. In addition to bringing along my set of reusable utensils and reusable alternatives with me on travels, I’ve made the transition to packing a zero waste toiletries kit too. Shared a few tips below!

FOR HAIR

I recently made the switch to bar shampoo (will write more about this in a future blog post!) as a zero waste alternative. I love to travel with the Rosemary Shampoo Bar Soap from Meow Meow Tweet because it’s easy to pack and is not a liquid item – which means I don’t have to worry about it being under 3.4 ounces. I just shave off enough for the trip and place the soap in a reusable metal container. Hassle-free, TSA-compliant, and eco-friendly.

FOR BODY

I’m guilty of buying travel-sized items from Target in the past. Although they are cute and convenient, there’s not much product in the container. After one weekend, it’s empty and the bottles will end up in the landfill. Fortunately, I’ve rediscovered bar soap again. I’ll do the same thing with bar soap – shave off just what I need for the trip and place this in the same metal tin box.

A few bar soap companies I love are: Zum Bar (can be purchased at Sprouts), Meow Meow Tweet, and any packaged-free soap I can find at my local farmer’s market.

FOR FACE

Love love love my reusable toiletries kit from REI (I bought mine from an REI store back home and can’t find the same one on their website, but this toiletries bag comes close). The bag comes with many containers for liquid shampoo, conditioner, and body soap, but also face wash, serums, moisturizers, mouthwash, and anything else you need. I like them because they are made from silicone and the same plastic as my Nalgene bottles – meaning they’re BPA-Free and will last a long time! Silicone makes it easier to squeeze liquid soap too. I also camp a lot and these always come in handy.

How do you pack for a zero waste toiletries kit when you travel? Maybe a more affordable version of the REI toiletries bag to share?

Cheers,
Jennifer