We’ve put together a handy list of sustainable camping gear essentials to ensure that what you pack doesn’t harm the environment. 

What is Sustainable Camping Gear? 

Sustainable camping gear is essentially gear made in an eco-friendly way. This means your camping gear was most likely produced by a conscious brand using environmentally friendly and socially responsible production methods. 

Sustainable camping gear will be virgin synthetic-free whenever possible and made from natural and/or recycled materials. It won’t contain any materials or chemicals that would be harmful to the natural environment.

This can look like tents made from recycled materials or non-toxic and biodegradable dish soap.

Where You Should Look For Sustainable Camping Gear

The most sustainable camping gear is the gear you already own. While it may be tempting to go out and buy all the latest, eco-friendly gadgets, try to resist. If you already own usable camping gear, that’s your most sustainable option. 

If you’re missing camping essentials, however, consider renting items before purchasing. Many sporting goods stores, even campgrounds, rent essential items like tents, stoves, sleeping bags, or clothes. Renting is a wonderful sustainable option if you’re not a regular camper and won’t be using these items regularly. 

You could also consider purchasing items secondhand on online retailers like OfferUp or visit a secondhand shop near you. Some brands, like Patagonia and REI also sell used camping gear.

Lastly, you can purchase eco-friendly camping gear from sustainable brands if you’re planning on camping often or you’ll continuously use these items.

To support you on your sustainable camping journey, we’ve put together a list of the top sustainable camping gear items, and where to find them, below. 

Note that this guide may contain affiliate links, meaning we’ll earn a small commission should you choose to purchase through one of these links. As always all featured products meet strict standards for sustainability and are from brands we love!

Eco Friendly Tents

The number one item for a successful camping trip is a tent. Unfortunately, tents are typically made from PVC and coated with flame retardants. Choosing a sustainable tent will help limit your impact on the environment.  

A great place to find a large selection of eco-friendly tents is Vaude. All of their sustainable tents are made from PVC-free, waterproof fabric and coated with silicone. They use DAC aluminum poles and their ground sheets are made from recycled materials.

Vaude has a range of tent sizes to choose from to fit all your needs from backpacking to group camping. Plus, they are a carbon neutral company. 

Check out Vaude Here

Eco Friendly Sleeping Bag 

Another sustainable camping gear necessity is a sleeping bag. Many traditional sleeping bags are made with synthetic materials or Down feathers that aren’t responsibly sourced. Not to mention, they are most likely not ethically manufactured. 

A great company that makes eco friendly sleeping bags is Cotopaxi. They are a certified B Corp, Carbon Neutral, and give back to various social organizations. 

Their Noches sleeping bag is made from repurposed fabric and filled with recycled polyester.

Check out Cotopaxi Here

Sustainable Camping Chairs

There’s nothing better than sitting in front of the fire, roasting some marshmallows, and relaxing in your camping chair. While camping chairs are usually durable and comfortable, they also tend to be made from synthetic materials (i.e. plastic) and coated in toxic chemicals. 

A great sustainable camping chair alternative is the Renewed Bamboo Chair from Snow Peak. Plastic-free, their camping chairs are made from cotton canvas with a bamboo and aluminum frame. 

Snow Peaks products are meant to last a lifetime. They have begun implementing sustainability measures such as carbon offsetting and using recycled materials. 

It’s worth noting that most camping chairs on the market are not fully sustainable. Many companies have made efforts to design more eco-friendly camping chairs, but they still have a long way to go. 

Check out Snow Peak Here

Plastic-Free Headlamp

Having light while camping is essential, so choosing a headlamp that will power you through your trip is crucial. Unfortunately, many headlamps don’t take sustainability into account and are made from plastic and/or still require batteries (leading to e-waste). 

When choosing a sustainable headlamp, look for plastic-free ones with a rechargeable battery. Origin 2 by Eukarya is a great place to start. Their rechargeable, water-resistant head lamps are made from cherry wood and aluminum. 

Check out Eukarya Here

Sustainable Cooler

Coolers are essential for keeping our food fresh and edible throughout our trip. Most coolers however are made from new plastic (sourced from fossil fuels).

One fantastic option is the Hielo 12L Cooler Bag by Cotopaxi. Each one of a kind cooler is made from repurposed leftover fabric. They are handmade and ethically manufactured. Cotopaxi coolers are insulated with repurposed foam, waterproof lining, and an easy to carry side strap. 

Check out Cotopaxi Here

Eco Friendly Camping Stove

Camping stoves often generate waste with hard to dispose gas canisters. Plus, they use toxic fossil fuels like gas and petroleum. Making the swap to a wood burning camping stove is a great solution to this. 

One fantastic option for a sustainable camping stove is the CampStove 2+ from BioLite. This portable wood burning stove uses fire to provide electricity. Each stove includes a USB charger for your gadgets. You can light it with debris from around the camp, like twigs, and cook while charging your phone. 

BioLite is passionate about providing solar power to those without, globally. So far they’ve given power to 3.5 million people. 

Check out BioLite Here

Reusable Kitchenware

Disposable dishes generate unnecessary waste and most of our packaged food options come in plastic. It may seem tricky to pack and eat your food in a low waste way when camping, but it’s easier than you think. 

How? Pack reusable items made from sturdy materials. United by Blue is a one stop shop for finding eco friendly camping dinnerware, cups, and water bottles. They have a variety of bamboo tupperware, silicone sandwich bags, and stainless steel cooking ware and dinner sets. (Remember to use what you already have at home first, though, before buying new dinnerware!)

Check out United by Blue Here

Biodegradable Dish Soap

A camping essential that often gets overlooked is dish soap. Many of us may think we can bring our daily dish soap camping, but unfortunately, that’s not the case. Traditional dish soap contains chemicals that shouldn’t be dumped in the woods, rivers, or oceans. It’s best to choose a non-toxic, biodegradable soap. 

Tangie has a wonderful line of waste free products including their zero waste dish soap bars. Their bars come in compostable packaging and are plastic-free. 

Each bar is made from four natural, biodegradable ingredients, so you can use Tangie’s dish soap outside without hurting the environment. 

Check out Tangie Here

Zero Waste Toiletries

Last but not least for sustainable camping necessities is zero waste toiletries. Just like dish soap, it’s important to prioritize packing non-toxic, biodegradable toiletries when you’re camping. 

Avoid bringing single-use toiletries packaged in plastic that you have to toss out and opt for zero waste options instead when possible.

Here are recommendations for the most common toiletries: 

• Shampoo and Conditioner Bars by Corvus Botanicals: Palm-oil free, with sustainably sourced ingredients. 
• Tewín’xw Cranberry Facial Bar by Skwalwen Botanicals: Indigenous owned, this sustainable cleanser doubles as a make-up remover. 
• Alkalizing Mineral Toothpaste by Uncle Harry’s: Family-run, zero waste toothpaste from chemical-free, plant-based ingredients. 
• Essential Soap Bars by Yukon Soaps: Indigenous owned, handcrafted soaps made from wild-harvested ingredients. 
• Moisturizing Botanical Bar by Nopalera: Handmade, vegan, plant based lotion with no added chemicals. 
• Face & Body Tin SPF 30 Sunscreen by Raw Elements: Plastic-free, reef-safe biodegradable sunscreen. 

You May Also Want to Check Out:

Sustainable Camping Guide: 10 Tips for a Positive Impact

What is Responsible Tourism and Why Does it Matter?

14 Zero Waste Body Soaps for a Plastic Free Clean

About The Author:

Alicia Briggs is a writer & editor specializing in slow travel & sustainable living. She’s worked in journalism since 2016 and currently writes for a variety of publications such as Sustainably Chic and Hidden Lemur. She has been a full-time traveler since 2018 and runs her own blog, Learning the Local Way, where she covers responsible travel & living tips.

Pin this post for later:

The post These Are The 9 Top Sustainable Camping Gear Essentials For Your Next Trip appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.

Unfortunately, camping isn’t always sustainable if we aren’t mindful of our actions. Adopting sustainable camping practices is an easy way to ensure we’re protecting and respecting the natural environment. 

What Is Eco Camping?

Eco camping is camping in a way that leaves the smallest negative impact possible on the natural environment. Sustainable camping means being mindful of what we pack and what we do while camping. 

This can look like supporting campgrounds that are transparent about their sustainable practices, only choosing activities we know how to do responsibly, or not posting the location of local camping spots on social media. 

Why Is Eco-Friendly Camping Important? 

While living a sustainable lifestyle is important in general, it’s essential when we’re directly interacting with the outdoors. When we’re camping, we’re in wild, natural environments that humans don’t usually spend time in. 

Many of these areas don’t typically experience day-to-day pollution and they are also vital natural habitats for animals and plant species. Keeping them protected ensures that these environments remain healthy and thriving.

When we choose to adopt sustainable camping habits, we can safely enjoy the great outdoors without endangering it.

10 Sustainable Camping Tips

1. Pay the Fees

Most official campsites and parks have entrance, camping, or hiking fees. While this can unfortunately make these areas less accessible, fees do serve a purpose. 

The fees are used to protect the natural surroundings you plan to enjoy. They ensure facilities are maintained, park rangers are paid, and these beautiful areas stay beautiful. 

Many parks, however, operate on an honor system with little to no regulation. It can be tempting to skip out on paying, but please pay the fee so that these precious spaces can be enjoyed for decades to come. 

2. Stay in Designated Areas 

While it may seem harmless to explore off-trail or to try to find a secret campsite, it may not be sustainable. Campgrounds and natural parks have designated areas for hiking and camping for a reason. 

Staying in designated areas maintains the natural habitat, respects the wildlife, and helps you avoid unpleasant experiences like poison oak. If you’re interested in exploring more remote or off-the-beaten-path destinations, check out the next tip to do so sustainably. 

3. Research Your Location Beforehand 

Before you head off into the woods or the desert, take the time to research your location. Are you going on a rugged backpacking trip? Then make sure you know where you’re going, what you need to bring, what the natural environment is like, and what species are native to the area. 

It’s also a good idea to know the history of the area you’re planning to camp in. Are there any current issues like overtourism or water pollution that you should be aware of? How does the local community feel about tourists camping and hiking in the area? What problems has it posed? 

Once you’ve done your research, you can camp in a way that doesn’t negatively impact the community. 

4. Choose Campgrounds that are Eco-Friendly 

It may seem like all campgrounds should be eco-friendly. After all, they are right in the middle of nature! But, this actually isn’t always the case. It’s important to research what type of facilities your campground offers and how they maintain them. 

If you can, find designated eco-friendly campgrounds in your area but keep in mind that not all eco camps are advertised as such. When choosing a campground, try to find out who runs the campground, what environmental initiatives they are taking, and how they dispose of camper’s waste. 

5. Plan Trips Outside of Peak Season

Peak season is usually during the summertime or dry season, which makes perfect sense. After all, why wouldn’t you want to enjoy the great outdoors during the nicest time of the year? That being said, there’s usually some wiggle room on this timeline so that you’re not camping right when everyone else is. 

Camping is a particularly popular activity in places like California, but guess what? California has great weather year-round. You don’t have to visit June-September to still enjoy the surroundings. 

If you need to camp during peak season, choose lesser-known campgrounds and save the most popular ones for off-season. This will also increase your chances of getting a campsite while lowering costs. 

6. Leave No Trace 

A common saying for hikers and campers is “pack out what you pack in.” Sustainable camping means leaving little to no trace. Campgrounds usually have designated dumpsters for your trash, so please do not litter and dispose of your waste properly. 

If there’s no trash collection in the area, bring your own bags and hold on to them until you’re back in an area where you can properly throw them away. 

When packing up your campsite, check to make sure that the surrounding area is just as it was when you arrived. Ideally, though, avoid bringing things that will generate waste in the first place. How? By following the next tip. 

7. Bring Reusable, Plastic-Free Items

Packing reusable, plastic-free items helps prevent excess trash during your camping trip. Bring your reusable water bottle instead of a plastic water bottle. Check to see if the campsite has a water refill station. If it doesn’t, plan ahead so you have enough water to last the trip. 

Pack items like coffee, tea, snacks, and dry goods, in reusable jars or containers to prevent packaging waste. If you can, make your meals beforehand so that you can also bring them in sustainable containers. 

Shampoo, conditioner, and soap bars are great zero-waste items to bring. Resist buying single-use items like disposable wipes or travel-size toothpaste. Instead, pack the toiletries you already have. 

8. Choose Toiletries & Cleaning Items That Are Environmentally Safe

One of the most important things we can do when camping sustainably is to ensure that our toiletries and cleaning products aren’t harmful to the natural environment. 

When camping, you’ll most likely be brushing your teeth, washing your body, or cleaning your dishes, outdoors. It’s important that these products are truly natural and biodegradable so they don’t pollute the surrounding environment. 

Don’t forget to use the same standards for the things you’re putting directly on your body — especially when it comes to sunscreen that can sweat or wash off into local waterways. 

9. Use What You Have, Rent What You Don’t 

It’s tempting to go out and buy all the latest gadgets and gear for your camping trip, but try to resist this urge!

Unless you’re a regular camper, most of that gear won’t be used, making it an unsustainable purchase. Chances are, you already have the essential items like reusable containers, water bottles, suitable clothing, blankets, pillows, and maybe even a sleeping bag. 

If there’s something you truly need to get, like a tent, or a camping stove, you can rent it. You don’t need to buy these items brand new. Check out your nearby sporting goods store or do a quick Google search to find out where to rent the camping gear you need. 

If you do need something, shop secondhand first! REI has a Used Gear marketplace for all sorts of needs.

10. Pack Sustainable Gear

When deciding what to pack, prioritize your items made from natural fabrics to limit the spread of microplastics and minimize our impact. 

If you own non-synthetic material shoes, activewear, swimwear, or backpacks, move these items to the top of your packing list. 

Final Notes on Sustainable Camping

Sustainable camping doesn’t have to be complicated. If you love the outdoors enough to go camping in them, chances are you already know how to do so somewhat responsibly!

Following the tips above will ensure that your next camping trip is both fun for you and respectful of the natural environment you’re choosing to visit. 

Check These Guides Out Next:

What is Responsible Tourism? Plus, 9 Examples

11 Easy Zero Waste Swaps to Get Started With

12 Eco-Friendly Luggage & Travel Bag Brands

About The Author:

Alicia Briggs is a writer & editor specializing in slow travel & sustainable living. She’s worked in journalism since 2016 and currently writes for a variety of publications such as Sustainably Chic and Hidden Lemur. She has been a full-time traveler since 2018 and runs her own blog, Learning the Local Way, where she covers responsible travel & living tips.

Pin this post for later:

The post Sustainable Camping Guide: 10 Easy Tips For a Positive Impact appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.

Why is Responsible Tourism Important?

Responsible tourism aims to address the pitfalls of the tourism industry. Before the 2020 pandemic, tourism had reached an all-time high. For many popular global destinations, as tourism grew, so did exploitation, gentrification, rising prices, and ecological damage. 

As the world begins to reopen and travel resumes, several cities have begun to address ways to combat overtourism, which is a great start. Beyond the number of people traveling, creating a more sustainable tourism industry also depends on how we travel, too. 

Our actions as travelers directly impacts the places we visit. When we choose to adopt responsible tourism practices, we can create lasting, positive change. 

What is Responsible Tourism? Common Terms to Know

Responsible tourism is traveling in a way that minimizes your negative impact and maximizes your positive impact on the places you visit. There are many ways to travel responsibly, but the terms below are the most common approaches: 

Sustainable Travel

Sustainable travel means taking into account the people and the environment of the place you’re visiting so that you don’t negatively impact that destination.  

Some sustainable tourism examples could include staying in a family-run hotel instead of a chain resort or going on a hike led by an ecotourism company. It can also look like eating at a restaurant that serves locally grown food instead of a chain restaurant.  

Slow Travel

Slow travel has been increasing in popularity as more people start to work remotely and are interested in less touristy experiences. Slow travel is essentially traveling slower. It’s usually defined as staying somewhere for three weeks or more. 

What slow travel is not: Slow travel is not taking a five-day cruise or hopping from one location to the next in a matter of days. Slow travel helps you have a more local experience, giving you the opportunity to do more than visit the most popular tourist attractions. 

Ethical Travel

Ethical travel means that you’re taking the time to learn about the culture and laws of the places you visit. Once you’re there, you respect them and don’t engage in activities that are prohibited or irresponsible. 

Tourism often results in certain cultures, people, and industries becoming exploited or stereotyped. Travel photography often contributes to this by publishing photos that misrepresent so-called “developing” countries. Many tourists take photos of people without their consent — particularly children — and further this narrative. 

Tourists also often participate in activities that involve exploitation, and trafficking. Examples of this include sex tourism, drug tourism, and even animal tourism.

Ethical travel looks like choosing to visit an ethical animal sanctuary, or not posting photos that further negative stereotypes. 

Ecotourism

Ecotourism focuses on visiting places specifically to learn about and preserve the natural environment. 

There are numerous ecotourism tours and destinations throughout the world. These will be led by experts in the field, usually locals, and involve sustainable activities.

Some examples of ecotourism would be visiting a local sustainable farm like an eco-friendly coffee farm in Costa Rica. Ecotourism can also look like staying in an eco accommodation and learning about their sustainability initiatives. 

9 Ways to Travel Responsibly:

As a responsible traveler, there are numerous different ways you can have a positive impact. Start by choosing a few of the responsible tourism examples below that are accessible to you. 

1. Visit During Off-Season

An easy way to be a responsible traveler is to visit destinations during the off-season. During peak season, cities experience an unsustainable influx of people causing increased traffic, overcrowding, and even damage to local ecosystems. This can also cause a tourism dependent economy where businesses have to shut down during off-season. 

When we travel during off-season, we can help support the local economy year-round. We won’t further contribute to the impact that large crowds of tourists have during peak season. This also works in your favor since prices are lower, and crowds are sparse, allowing you to get a more authentic experience. 

2. Contribute to the Local Economy

When traveling abroad, it can be tempting to choose chain hotels, stores, and restaurants that you’re familiar with. Unfortunately, traveling like this does not contribute to the local economy. This leads to locals experiencing all the negative effects of tourism without receiving the benefits. 

Consciously choosing to support locally run businesses is the best way to combat this. Whether that’s a locally run restaurant, small boutique, or a sustainable tour company — spending money locally makes a difference. 

3. Stay in Locally Run Accommodation 

Another great way to travel responsibly is to stay in locally run accommodation. Chain hotels or Airbnbs run by property management companies, don’t support the local economy. They also tend to contribute to gentrification and rising prices. 

Choosing family-run, locally owned hotels, hostels, or Airbnbs is an easy way to combat that. There are wonderful sustainable options everywhere you go. Plus, they might even offer a more personal experience, and save you money too. 

4. Limit Air Travel 

One of the most shocking discoveries for me after leaving the US was finding out how affordable flying was in other parts of the world. Unfortunately, just because a flight is affordable, doesn’t mean you should take it. 

Although convenient, flying is the most unsustainable form of traveling. Any time you can choose to use other methods of transportation such as trains or buses, opt for these instead. 

If you do have to fly, look for the flights that have lower carbon emissions. Google Flights now shows the emissions of each flight so you can easily compare. Most airlines also offer the option to offset your emissions for a small fee. 

5. Pack Sustainably 

Traveling responsibly isn’t just about what you do when you get somewhere. It also means being mindful about what you bring with you. What you pack matters. In order to limit your plastic consumption while traveling, bring reusables like your water bottle. 

Pack toiletries that will last the entirety of your trip instead of buying a travel size option that’s usually packaged in plastic. If you’re only bringing a carry-on, or have limited space, I recommend packing zero waste shampoo, conditioner, and lotion bars. 

If you own natural fiber clothing (like linen clothing or hemp clothing), pack that to minimize microplastic pollution. If your vacation involves swimming, prioritize sustainable swimwear.

6. Learn the Local Customs and Laws

This may seem like a given, but it’s surprising how many tourists go to international destinations without knowing the local laws, customs, or the language. 

It’s important to remember that when you’re in another country, you are a guest there. Even if you don’t agree with local customs or laws, it’s necessary to follow them. 

It also makes traveling easier when you know what time people eat, when businesses typically operate, how people greet each other, and what is against the law.

If you don’t know the local language, attempt to learn common phrases such as hello, goodbye, and thank you.

7. Avoid Activities That Involve Exploitation 

As a responsible tourist, doing your research is important. Many popular tourist activities are exploitative and even involve trafficking. 

For example, animal tourism is one of the most unethical activities that tourists pay thousands of dollars for. It may be your lifelong dream to see an elephant, play with a tiger, or stand next to a gorilla, but it’s important to know how to do these things ethically. 

Animal tourism often involves animal abuse and forced labor. Research reputable, ethical alternatives to the activities you’d like to do and support those companies instead. 

8. Eat the Local Food 

One of the best parts of traveling is the food. Unfortunately, travelers are often told that local or street food isn’t safe. This may cause tourists to try to stick to the same diet while abroad or to choose chain restaurants. 

Avoiding the local food means missing out on amazing cuisine and the chance to support wonderful local businesses. If you’re worried about getting sick, a quick online search will let you know what you should be careful about eating. Take the necessary precautions, ease into street food, and enjoy all the local restaurants and dishes you can.  

9. Avoid Contributing to Overtourism 

With the rise of social media and travel being more accessible than ever, it’s hard to find any place that hasn’t been affected by tourism. Many of the most well-known destinations however are experiencing overtourism.

Overtourism is when there are too many tourists in one place at one time, resulting in a negative impact. This looks like rising prices, locals being pushed out, or damage to historic sites and the environment. 

If you want to visit popular destinations like Venice, Santorini, or Bali, it’s important to be especially mindful of your actions. Visit popular destinations outside of peak season and implement the above tips to minimize your negative impact. 

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, responsible tourism can be as fun as it is impactful. Travel is the perfect opportunity for us to connect with each other globally. It gives us the chance to understand how our actions truly affect everyone, everywhere. 

Responsible Tourism doesn’t need to be another set of rules to follow or remember. It’s simply traveling in a way that shows the same respect to the people and the places you visit, as you do at home. The sustainable choices you make in your everyday life can and should be made abroad. 

You May Also Want to Check Out:

Conscious in Chicago: Sustainable Shops, Restaurants and More in the Second City

Your Ultimate Sustainable Nashville Guide: What to Eat, Drink, See, and Do

Eco Friendly Luggage & Travel Bags For Your Next Adventure

About The Author:

Alicia Briggs is a writer & editor specializing in slow travel & sustainable living. She’s worked in journalism since 2016 and currently writes for a variety of publications such as Sustainably Chic and Hidden Lemur. She has been a full-time traveler since 2018 and runs her own blog, Learning the Local Way, where she covers responsible travel & living tips.

Pin this post for later:

The post What Is Responsible Tourism — And Why Does It Matter? appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.

It will save you time: less time spent packing & unpacking, more time making memories!

It will save you stress: no need to worry about if everything will fit and less overwhelm figuring out what to wear once you are at your destination.

And, it might even save you money, particularly if you are traveling by plane, or if the train you’re taking charges for extra baggage.

BUT, it isn’t always easy to pack minimally and efficiently while also making sure you have what you need. So this guide will give you some tips and tricks!

1. A List Will Be Your Best Packing Friend

You might be thinking, ‘ugh, I don’t want to spend time on that’ but hear me out!

Spending a bit of time upfront on creating a list and then narrowing it down or adding to it will take far less time than the alternative.

If you don’t make a list, you might take everything you need out of your closet, then realize you don’t need certain things and have to spend all that time re-folding / re-hanging them.

And then, even after you pack, you may think of additional things you need or realize you don’t need something that’s already in the bottom of your suitcase and you’ll have to unpack and re-pack all over again.

It can really become quite a headache!

When you make a list, you can create a rough draft, then come back to it and realize ‘oh, I actually don’t need X’ and cross it off. Or realize that ‘hm, I actually will need Y for X occasion on my trip’ so you can add that to your list.

Once you’ve created a packing list you’re happy with, I HIGHLY recommend creating a template out of that list!

You can do this by just creating a Word, Pages or Google Docs document, depending on what software you have available to you.

Or, you can use a checklist / to-do style app to create a packing list that you can reference on your phone again and again.

If you want to get fancy, you can create an entire packing “project” in a project management software like Asana, Hive, or Trello.

I personally use Asana, since it’s something I already use regularly for my business. The basic version is completely free!

You can even create multiple lists, such as “Summer Trip Packing List” vs. “Winter Trip Packing List” or “Camping Packing List” vs. “City Travel Packing List”.

2. Plan Out Outfits

One of the most common things that leads to overpacking is that we bring everything we might possibly wear instead of what we KNOW that we are going to wear.

I can totally understand the hesitation to limit ourselves. We want choice and freedom to pick out our outfit when we are on a trip. But, you can do this without bringing a ton of stuff!

The key is to bring pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits.

One of the easiest ways to do this is to pick a color palette to stick with. Note that this does NOT have to be all neutrals! Most people think that minimalism has to be just black and white or neutral hues — and it’s understandable why because that’s how it’s often portrayed — but that does not have to be the case.

As long as you are selecting colors that can all be worn with each other, it will be easy to mix up the combinations and stick to a minimal packing list. This post has tips for creating a closet color palette.

Another thing to keep in mind is proportions and silhouettes. Try to pick styles of items that can be easily interchangeable within a category.

For example, maybe the silhouette you’re picking is flowy bottoms and more form-fitting tops. Then you could pack flowy skirts, shorts, and dresses while sticking to more fitted shirts and tops.

Alternatively, you could pack looser shirts and more form-fitting shorts, pants, skirts, and dresses. You get the idea!

3. Be Intentional About Footwear

Shoes tend to contribute the most to both space and weight in luggage so this is a good area to be extra vigilant about.

As a general rule of thumb for longer trips, pick out one pair for walking and getting active in, one comfortable non-performance pair for casual occasions, and one fancier pair for going out at night.

This could look like sneakers, sandals, and wedges for a warmer weather trip.

Or, hiking boots, riding boots, and booties for a cooler weather trip.

Of course, this will vary widely depending on the type of trip you’re going on! If you’re camping in the woods, you probably can leave out the fancier pair of shoes.

You can also look for multi-functional footwear.

These eco-friendly plant-based shoes from Munjoi can be converted into sneakers, slides, mules, or sandals!

These would be perfect for trips where the weather might vary throughout your time there.

This is also where it comes in handy to have a color palette. If your clothing is all in a similar color family (hues, tones, or shades), then it will be simpler to select footwear that can go with anything you’re packing.

4. Pack Versatile and Multi-Purpose Items

Something that helps a lot with making outfit combinations is choosing versatile pieces that can be worn multiple ways.

For example, basic tees, a denim jacket, or a pair of black pants are pieces that can be easily dressed up or down.

Or, pieces that can actually be worn multiple ways, like a reversible top, a dress that can also be styled as a skirt, or a button-up shirt that can also be worn unbuttoned or tied at the bottom.

This tip also applies to toiletries! See if there are items that you can use for multiple functions.

I personally LOVE Dr. Bronner’s pure castile soap because it can be diluted in different ways for very different purposes. You can use it as a facial cleanser, shampoo, makeup remover, body wash, laundry soap for hand washing, dish cleaner, and more.

Another idea is to find an all-purpose oil that’s both good for your hair and skin.

BB and CC creams like this one from 100% Pure are also versatile beauty products that can be your moisturizer, facial sunscreen, foundation — though they’re usually more like a light tint — and anti-aging cream.

And, you can get creative using items designed for one purpose in other ways.

One great example is using your conditioner as shaving cream as well!

5. Freshen Up Clothes On the Go

Another common reason for overpacking is packing extras of items in case they get dirty or smelly.

If you’re going on a longer term trip, a far more efficient way to prepare for this is to pack tools that will help you freshen up your clothes.

If you’ll have a washing machine at your destination or one of your locations, then packing a bit of natural laundry detergent might be a good idea.

You could even hand wash items if you don’t have an accessible washing machine.

But, if you don’t have a way to wash (or don’t want to spend the time washing clothes), there are also ways to freshen up clothes without washing them.

I have a guide to easy ways to get smells out of clothes without washing them. Of course not all of these ways will work on the go, but simply airing out your clothes before you put them back in your suitcase can help with faint odors.

You could also pack a miniature/travel-sized non-toxic air freshener spray.

6. Pack Fabrics That Won’t Stink!

Another thing to keep in mind is the TYPE of fabrics you’re packing. Some fabrics tend to start smelling faster than others.

Polyester has been found to hold on to smells the worst, while natural fabrics like cotton are a bit better, and wool is the best because it’s porous.

So, if you have merino wool, organic cotton, hemp, or linen clothing, that would be great to pack!

7. Pack Efficiently in Your Bags

This tip isn’t so much about how to pack less as it is about how to pack better.

Once you’ve minimized the number of items you’re bringing, you probably still want to pack them efficiently.

There are a number of folding techniques you can use to ensure your clothes take up the least amount of space possible.

Lifehacker tested a bunch of different methods to see which ones worked best and found that a smart combination of various methods will lead to best results.

Bundle wrinkle-prone clothing, roll up other pieces of clothes to maximize space, use compression bags for bulkier items and throw in some packing cubes (these travel cubes are made from recycled polyester) to keep smaller items more organized.

8. Minimize Souvenirs

So, you’ve packed minimally on the way TO your vacation or adventure, but to make sure your luggage stays light on your way back, try to minimize or opt out of souvenirs.

The reason I say minimize instead of eliminate is because realistically, there may be a couple of really thoughtful items that you want to purchase as gifts or to commemorate your trip. And I don’t think that’s wrong — you don’t have to be extreme to be minimalist.

Of course, as a conscious lifestyle blogger, I’d advocate for only buying locally, sustainably, and ethically made pieces, and not those mass-manufactured souvenirs built to break.

You may see jewelry made with locally sourced natural materials by artisans in the community, for example. Or maybe there’s a neighborhood bakery with delicious treats you want to bring back home.

Something that may help is to set a budget or item allowance before your trip. This way, you can invest in something intentional without going overboard OR without feeling guilty!

In Summary

My top tips for minimal packing are to:

1. Have a packing list
2. Plan out smart outfits in advance
3. Be very intentional about footwear
4. Pack versatile and multi-purpose items
5. Prepare to freshen up clothes on the go
6. Pick fabrics that won’t stink
7. Pack efficiently in your bags
8. Minimize or avoid souvenirs

Are there any other tips you’d add to this list?

Pin this post to reference it later:

The post Minimal Packing Tips & Tricks for Low-Impact Travel appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.

That’s how much carbon I’ll produce with one round-trip from Chicago to Europe this year.

That one trip is 10% of the emissions the average American emits in an entire year.

Yikes.

Not to mention, the aviation industry as a whole is responsible for approximately 2% of total global emissions and a whopping 12% of the CO2 emitted from transport.

Now I see why Elisabeth Rosenthal wrote an article in the New York Times calling out airline travel as “the biggest carbon sin”.

Of course the most sustainable solution would be to stop air travel completely, but with friends abroad and an insatiable case of wanderlust, I haven’t been able to come to terms with that idea. Plus, in a broader sense, travel is incredibly important for society. It broadens our perspectives, opens our minds, gives us a better sense of the world, and allows us to interact with people from cultures we never would have otherwise been able to meet.

So how do we, as travel lovers with a conscience, make the best of this? Here are some ways to make air travel a little more green:

1. Fly less

Even though flying can sometimes be cheaper and quicker than driving or riding the train (especially in Europe), opting for the slow route has its benefits. Instead of viewing the extra hours as time wasted, view it as an opportunity to view the scenery, read that book you’ve been meaning to get to, write in your journal… or just sleep!

2. Choose a fuel-efficient airline

Not all airlines are created equal.

The International Council on Clean Transportation found that there was a 26% gap between the least and most fuel-efficient airlines in the US and a difference of 51% between the most and least efficient intercontinental airline.

So which airlines are the most fuel-efficient?

In the U.S., the winners were Frontier, Spirit and Southwest. In Europe, the top four were Norweigan, AirBerlin, Aerlingus and KLM. (having flown the latter 3, I can vouch for them being great airlines, though AirBerlin has since gone out of business.)

It also matters which aircraft the airline is flying. Generally, newer aircrafts tend to be more efficient—Airbus A319 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner are among the most efficient options.

3. Fly nonstop

Nonstop flights save emissions—not to mention a ton of time and hassle.

A plane’s takeoff and landing contribute an estimated 25% of a flight’s total emissions. While it’s usually more expensive to opt for this option, saving the emissions (and the valuable vacation time) makes the extra cost worth it in my mind.

5. Pick coach instead of first-class

An eco-friendly and budget-friendly option.

According to a World Bank study, a person flying business class contributes up to 4x the carbon emissions as someone in coach. The extra emissions come from a combination of factors—first-class seats take up more space and add more weight, business class flyers receive numerous on-board amenities, and they require more staff than a person sitting in economy.

6. Select green airports

While you may not always have a choice on which airport you fly into, it’s worth taking a look through eco-conscious airports in the U.S. or globally—the area of your departure or destination may have a few hubs to choose from.

7. Pack lightly

The more weight on a plane, the more fuel consumption that is required, and the more carbon emitted—reduce your footprint by learning to pack like a minimalist.

For more responsible packing tips, check out this conscious travel guide from the founder of One For the Road.

8. Offset your carbon

Opting for these options reduces emissions from a flight, but there’s still a huge amount of CO2 emitted. An imperfect solution to this is carbon offsets. Carbon offsetting programs allow you to donate money to environmental charities and programs that are working to absorb carbon from our atmosphere through tree planting and other projects.

A few airlines offer programs, including United Airlines, Delta Airlines, Jet Blue, KLM Airlines and Lufthanasa. There are also separate programs offering carbon offsets—just be sure to do your research first.

There is truly no way to fully take back the damages from our emissions though, and there is controversy over the true impact of carbon offsetting and whether it’s all just a big greenwashing scam. Some informative reads on this debate can be found here and here.

9. Don’t forget the details

A few more things to consider:

• Check if there’s a way to get to the airport by public transit before reserving or driving a car
• Bring an empty reusable water bottle to fill up at the water fountains in the airport
• Charge your devices beforehand—charging on the plane requires extra energy
• Use an e-ticket on your phone instead of printing it out
• Bring your own snacks in reusable containers to avoid buying packaged products

While consumer awareness and decision-making is absolutely necessary, there is a large responsibility on airlines to do their part. As air travel—and carbon emissions—continue to grow exponentially, airlines must increase their sustainability efforts.

Recently, there has been more urgency from the UN to reduce air travel pollution and there have been some interesting technological advances in green travel, but much more can be done before we can ever call flying “sustainable”.

The post Can Air Travel Ever Be More Green? Here’s What You Need to Know appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.