IN THE AIR
If you're a frequent traveller, you probably feel a little guilty about the carbon miles. But did you realise the plastics industry uses more oil than all of the world's airplane flights? So why not cut back on the plastic waste that we create in the sky?
Plastic food trays, crappy headphones, flimsy toothbrushes, paper cups. They all add up to 5.2 million tonnes of waste per year, almost all of it straight to landfill or incineration.
There’s a lot you can do to reduce your impact, and you'll have a better travel experience along the way.
For shorter flights, avoid the dreaded airline stodge and have a chillaxed meal before you fly. Take you own water bottle and fill it with cold water just before boarding - most UK airports have refill stations or taps after security. Bring a few healthy snacks rather than paying a stupid price for the on-board selection. By staying hydrated and avoiding the junk food, you’ll be feeling great when you land.
ABOVE: UPGRADE YOUR ONBOARD SNACKS WITH A SILICONE SNAPLOCK BAG LIKE THIS ONE BY STASHER
Take your own quality headphones, toothbrush, eye mask, socks – why settle for the cheapie plastic-wrapped versions you get on board. Get your drinks served in your own reusable coffee cup.
Avoid the temptation of miniature toiletries - so much plastic waste for so little product. Why not bring your own tried-and-tested products in a smart silicone tube? Or better yet - experiment with solid shampoo bars, deodorants and soaps in Kempii's bathroom shop. No liquids means you’ll be flying through security!
ABOVE: PACK YOUR OWN TOILETRIES IN A SQUEEZABLE SILICONE TUBE
Vacay vibes
Once you've reached your destination, there's more you can do to reduce waste.
Travel light and paperless – download your books and magazines. Avoid the paper tissues and take a sustainable hankybook instead.
ABOVE: A HANKYBOOK, LIKE THIS ONE FROM ETSY, IS A CLEANER ALTERNATIVE TO TISSUES OR HANKIES
Much of the waste we produce abroad is from having to drink bottled water. This is obviously sensible in certain countries - but you could also consider a UV filter pen, that kills 99.9999% of bacteria. We like those odds - you’ll probably end up with fewer tummy bugs than your fellow travellers!
