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As the awareness and concern for our planet increase, a new trend has started to emerge in the travel industry – biodegradable travel products. Biodegradable products are those that can be broken down by microbial action to simpler substances such as water, carbon dioxide and compost, thereby reducing the impact on our environment. The use of such items during travels not only helps in reducing the carbon footprint but also contributes towards sustainable living.
One of the first lines of eco-friendly products that avid travellers often resort to is biodegradable toiletries. Shampoo, conditioners, body washes, and toothpaste that we use every day during our travels often come in plastic bottles which are themselves non-biodegradable and contribute to plastic waste. To address this issue, brands have come up with biodegradable versions of these toiletries. Companies like Ethique, Lush, and Beauty Kubes offer toiletries in bar form with no plastic packaging.
Break down to their natural components once drained or discarded, even the toothpaste brands like Bite, offer their solid toothpaste bits in a recyclable glass jar. These bits do the same thorough cleaning job without leaving any trace on Earth. High-quality biodegradable floss picks from brands like ‘The Humble Co.’ also make a great alternative to traditional toothpicks.
Biodegradable travel towels are another must-have when packing for a trip. These towels, made from natural fibres like bamboo or organic cotton, are not only super absorbent and quick-drying but also compostable at the end of their life. Brands such as Active Roots and Wise Owl produces these eco-friendly travel towels that are also lightweight and compact, making them perfect for packing in carry-on luggage.
Travelers also need to consider the impact of high-use items such as sunscreens. Conventional sunscreens can harm marine life when they wash off swimmers into the sea. To combat this, a growing number of companies are now producing biodegradable sunscreens. Brands like Stream2Sea, TropicSport, and Raw Elements offer biodegradable sunscreen that is safe for both the skin and the ocean.
In the world of beverages, single-use coffee cups and plastic water bottles are big culprits. Statistics show that around 500 billion disposable cups are used worldwide every year. A solution to this problem is the use of biodegradable coffee cups and water bottles. The cup made from plant-based materials breaks down within 180 days under commercial composting conditions. KeepCup, Ecoffee cup offer such eco-friendly alternatives.
For water bottles, collapsible silicon water bottles are a great option. Brands like ‘Nomader’ produce such bottles which are not just reusable and easy to carry, but also safe for the environment. Alternatively, stainless steel bottles like that from Klean Kanteen or Hydro Flask are an eco-friendly and sturdy choice for long travels.
When it comes to dining, biodegradable travel cutlery is beginning to replace the traditional plastic cutlery that comes with take-out meals. Brands like Vegware produce cutlery, which, being plant-based, will degrade naturally once discarded. Also, To-Go Ware offers a reusable bamboo cutlery set which comes in a convenient case.
For those who love camping, biodegradable tents are now available. Brands like KarTent and Comp-A-Tent, produce 100% biodegradable tents reducing the typical festival waste. Most tents are designed to last much longer than the duration of a festival or camping trip, but these eco-friendly alternatives break down in the environment when they get wet.
Biodegradable travel accessories range even further. Travel laundry soap strips from Well Earth Goods, Eco-egg laundry eggs, bamboo or cornstarch traveling cups, compostable waste bags for camping trips, and bamboo fiber travel cases can all aid the efforts towards a more sustainable and responsible trip.
Even in travel wardrobe department, there are eco-friendly alternatives available. Shoes brands like ‘Allbirds’ produces environment-friendly shoes made from Merino wool and castor bean oil, both biodegradable materials. Also, Pangaia brand uses seaweed and organic cotton to make their clothing, they even use natural dyes extracted from food waste and plants.
When considering your luggage for travel, incorporating eco-friendly options can also be advantageous. Patagonia’s Black Hole luggage range, made of recycled polyester fabric and treated with a water repellent finish, is an effective alternative to conventional suitcases. The bags are sturdy, durable, and come in different sizes to fit various traveling needs.
The rise of biodegradable travel products is admirable and provides hope for less environmental damage caused by tourism. By embracing these products, we are one step closer to preserving our beautiful planet for future generations.
Remember, every little step helps in this path of sustainability. It is our duty to take whatever steps we can to reduce our carbon footprint and biodegradable travel products make this task a little more manageable. Their benefits go beyond convenience and cost-effectiveness, they positively impact our environment and contribute to the overall betterment of our planet.
By adopting these products, we can make a significant difference in reducing waste, promoting sustainability, and protecting our environment. At the same time, we can experience a more conscious and satisfying journey that minimises our impact on the destinations we visit.
Traveling responsibly and doing what we can for the environment, we can enjoy the beauty of our planet without causing any harm. After all, it’s not about giving up your comforts but about finding sustainable alternatives that are just as good, if not better.
