Leave No Footprints - the waste free backpacker
Often times, the more environmentally friendly choices take more effort. But taking the more convenient options in life because it’s easier than doing the right thing, is what perpetuates the world of waste we’re currently living in.
I try my best, but traveling is one area where I tend to make more excuses for myself. And as I’m generally in a transient state, I’m working to change that. I took an honest look at what I consume and some alternative options. I’ll share them here with you here.
These are ideas I’ve thought of specifically for being a little greener while on the road, but they can certainly be applied to everyday life as well.
Stop buying bottled water.
I think bottle water is my biggest source of plastic consumption abroad. While tricky to avoid in countries that do not have clean drinking water, it is possible. Invest some money in a water filter. This will also save you a chunk of money in the long run.
I’ve done some of my own research on different filters available. The GRAYL or the LifeSaver seem to be good picks. The LifeStraw is also a cheap and lightweight choice. But a quick google search will provide you with all your options and all of the pros and cons surrounding each one. Different water filters are good for different travellers, depending where you’ll be, for how long, and if you can afford extra weight.
Here’s a link to MECs’ water filtration options. You can order online through MEC (better than using Amazon…): https://www.mec.ca/en/products/camping-and-hiking/health-and-safety/water-filters-treatment-and-tablets/c/1236
If you’re already on the road and don’t yet have a filter, make sure you have a reusable water bottle and fill it with drinking water wherever you can. Where tap water isn’t available, there are usually water purification centres where people can buy a 5L jug of water. Buy a whole jug and split it between yourself and other travellers, then return the container. Sometimes the purification centres will even fill your small bottle, free of charge. I've come across restaurants that have filtration systems of their own. If you find one of these, get your bottle filled while you’re there.
AirPort and Airplane Plastic Trap
Airplane food comes in an array of plastic containers. The food itself may even be plastic. As a budget backpacker, I understand the inconvenience of turning down free food, but bringing your own food, in a reusable container of course, will help reduce waste, and probably make you feel better by the time you land. The less you consume while flying the better, as everything tends to come heavily packaged. This also applies to bus and train rides, where snacks and quick meals generally come with waste.
Waste Free Care Products
There are so many options for waste free tooth pastes and soaps. First of all, use barred soap. There are powdered tooth pastes and shampoo bars. You can also get some little containers and make your own products on the road.
Baking soda, coconut oil and sea salt can do wonders. And these things can be bought in bulk of larger quantities. There are many recipes online for deodorants, and hair products using these ingredients. And if making your own products isn’t an option for you, there are many already made, waste free options available. It’s a matter of finding a solution that fits you, that you will actually continue to use in everyday life.
When making your own products, it’s also important to be aware of the amount of plant matter consumed by essential oils. While essential oils are lovely, and seem like a wonderful natural answer, they are actually quite wasteful. Try making infusions instead with whole plants in olive oil or almond oil. If you do choose to use essential oils, use them consciously.
Get on a Bicycle.
It’s the bicycle rebellion after all. Challenge yourself. Why rent a motorbike or use taxi services when you could bike around a city.
Diva cups
Less stress as well, diva cups are great and easier to travel with than a box of tampons.
Say no to bags.
This one is easy, carry a backpack. Or carry one plastic bag that you continue to reuse.
No straws
Also, easy. Anytime you order a drink, ask for no straw. I personally don’t like straws in the first place, but if you’re someone who enjoys them, buy yourself one of those reusable straws… they’re in style right now anyways.
The hardest part about no straws in remembering to tell people you don’t want one. People try to give me straws for things that I wasn’t even expecting a straw to be in.
To Go Containers and Reusable Cutlery/ Chop sticks, and a To Go Mug
If space is an issue, there are even collapsible versions of this. A great option for taking food you can’t finish, or ordering take out before hopping on a long bus ride.
Consume Less
It’s really as simple as that. Buy less stuff. Does everyone at home need a cheap little gift from the market? Just because stuff in another country may be cheap, it doesn’t mean that you now need to buy everything. Keep it simple.
And on that note, I see this all the time: people buy a reusable coffee cup for example, to save waste and then a year later, a new to go mug comes into style. People ditch their old mugs and buy new ones. Same happens with water bottles and reusable straws. Don’t continue to be sucked up into consumer culture of the next new thing.
I remember reading a while ago, that in order for a reusable coffee mug to be worth it, in terms of the amount of energy used to make a stronger container, it must be used every day for a year. So, any reusable, “waste- free” products you buy, hold onto them with your life. If you don’t keep it for as long as possible, it wasn’t worth it.
Here’s a good article in reusable vs. disposable.
https://terngoods.com/blogs/learn/cups-single-use-disposable-vs-reusable-an-honest-comparison
