Traveling green means adopting various environmentally friendly practices while on the go. These include reducing energy use, limiting water waste, and using biodegradable travel products. With a growing emphasis on eco-consciousness, many travel brands now offer an array of biodegradable products to reduce your carbon footprint. This article will focus on the subject of sustainable travel and highlight top biodegradable items for it.
## Importance of Biodegradable Travel Products
Non-biodegradable products are harmful to the environment as they do not decompose naturally and end up filling our landfills for an estimated thousand years. On the other hand, biodegradable products disintegrate over time, with the added benefit of releasing valuable nutrients back into the earth.
Many everyday travel items are non-biodegradable, including plastic bottles, bags, and toiletries. Swapping these out for biodegradable alternatives makes your travel more sustainable, reduces your carbon footprint, and helps protect the natural landscapes we all love to explore.
## Biodegradable Bags
Biodegradable bags are one of the best ways to implement green travel. They decompose in a few months to a year, much faster than their standard plastic counterparts. Brands such as BioBag and Compost-A-Pak offer an array of biodegradable bags suitable for various travel needs, including shopping, food storage, and waste disposal.
## Water Bottles
Plastic water bottles pose a massive burden to our environment, with millions ending up in landfills and oceans each year. Choosing a biodegradable water bottle cuts down on this waste. Brands like Eco for Life and Biota offer environmentally friendly alternatives. Their products are made from plants, which ensures they decompose rapidly post-usage. Moreover, the materials can be composted, returning nutrients to the earth.
## Toiletries
Switching to biodegradable toiletries is another excellent method to travel green. Start by opting for shampoo bars instead of bottles, which offer the double benefit of being plastic-free and lasting longer. Brands like Lush and Ethique offer a wide range of options.
Similarly, select biodegradable toothbrushes made from bamboo or corn starch instead of plastic ones. Not only are these gentler on the environment, but they are also healthier as they do not leach harmful chemicals.
Biodegradable sunscreens are another rising trend in eco-friendly travel. Recent studies show that certain ingredients in sunscreens are harmful to marine life. Brands such as Thinksport and All Good produce safe, biodegradable alternatives that shield your skin while preserving ocean species.
## Eating and Drinking Utensils
Disposable utensils are a significant contributor to plastic waste. Biodegradable utensils, made from plant-based materials like bamboo, corn starch, and sugar cane, are great options for travelers. Companies like GreenWorks and Repurpose make such products, which are not only environmentally friendly but also sturdy and heat-resistant.
## Cleaning and Laundry Products
Biodegradable cleaning and laundry products are made from natural ingredients that do not harm the environment. Brands such as Ecover and Seventh Generation make environmentally friendly and effective products for cleaning, dishwashing, and laundry.
## Take-Home Message
Adopting biodegradable travel products is an excellent way to reduce your environmental impact while exploring the world. They are not only beneficial for the environment but also safe for your health as they are free from harmful chemicals found in regular plastics.
Remember, going green does not happen overnight. Make small, consistent changes and inspire others to follow suit. From biodegradable bags to toiletries, utensils, and cleaning products – each choice makes a difference in promoting a more sustainable future for travel.
In conclusion, being a responsible traveler doesn’t mean you need to stop exploring the globe. With the wide range of biodegradable travel products available, you can easily incorporate sustainable practices into your travel routine. So, let’s all do our part and tread lightly as we wander the world, doing our best to preserve it for future generations.
## Sources:
1. Eco for Life. (n.d.). Our bottles. Retrieved from www.ecoforlife.co.uk/our-bottles
2. Thinksport. (2022). Safe sunscreen. Retrieved from thinkbaby-thinksport.com/safe-sunscreen
3. GreenWorks. (2022). Our compostable cutlery. Retrieved from www.greenworksco.com/our-compostable-cutlery
4. Ecover. (n.d.). Our cleaning products. Retrieved from www.ecover.com/our-products
5. BioBag. (n.d.). Certified compostable bags. Retrieved from www.biobagworld.com
6. Compost-A-Pak. (n.d.). Australian certified compostable bags. Retrieved from compostapak.com
7. Lush. (n.d.). Our naked shampoo bars. Retrieved from uk.lush.com/products/shampoo-bars
8. Repurpose. (2022). Compostable tableware. Retrieved from www.repurpose.com/products
9. Seventh Generation. (2022). Our plant-based cleaning products. Retrieved from www.seventhgeneration.com/laundry-liquid-free-clear
10. Ethique. (n.d.). Planet-friendly beauty bars. Retrieved from www.ethique.com
11. All Good. (2022). Reef-friendly biodegradable sunscreen. Retrieved from allgood.com/reef-friendly-sunscreens
12. Biota. (2022). Biodegradable water bottles. Retrieved from www.biotaspringwater.com
