Every trip we take leaves a mark on the environment, but today we have many tools to make it less impactful.
Sustainability begins with what we choose to pack: simple, reusable and compact items that help us reduce waste and single-use plastic.
Here’s a guide to putting together a practical and responsible eco-friendly travel kit, with concrete solutions for those who want to travel consciously.
Reusable water bottle
The first ally of sustainable travel is the water bottle.
Choose one made of stainless steel or borosilicate glass: it lasts over time, doesn’t alter taste, and avoids constant use of plastic bottles.
In countries where tap water is drinkable, you can easily refill it in hotels, stations, and public fountains.
Alternatively, opt for a bottle with an integrated filter—ideal when traveling in areas where water is not always safe to drink.
You can find refill stations using apps like Refill.
Solid cosmetics
Solid shampoos and body washes not only drastically reduce plastic, but are perfect for travel: they take up little space, won’t spill in your luggage, and last much longer than liquid products.
Many brands also offer solid conditioners, deodorants, toothpastes, and perfumes, often in compostable packaging or reusable metal tins.
Excellent options are available from companies like Lamazuna, Lush, Officina Naturae, Ethical Grace, and other green brands.
Bamboo toothbrush and toothpaste in tablets or solid cream
Oral care can also be more sustainable.
Replace traditional plastic toothbrushes with compostable bamboo ones or those with interchangeable heads.
Toothpaste comes in tablet, solid cream, or powder form—all in reusable or refillable packaging.
They’re lightweight, TSA-friendly, and very practical when traveling.
Recycled microfiber towel: lightweight and quick-drying
A microfiber towel is useful at the beach, when camping, or even just for hostel showers.
Versions made from recycled fabric, like those from Nomadix or Sea to Summit, are lightweight, dry quickly, and fold down to take up minimal space.
They are also more hygienic than traditional towels when used frequently.
Collapsible silicone containers for food and snacks
While traveling, it’s common to eat out or carry snacks.
Collapsible food-grade silicone containers are ideal for storing leftovers, carrying meals, or avoiding single-use packaging.
They’re lightweight, washable, and endlessly reusable.
You can pair them with a multi-use utensil (like a spork) or a small bamboo cutlery set—great for hikes and street food.
Solid Marseille soap: multipurpose and natural
A true sustainability classic, solid Marseille soap—especially if organic and fragrance-free—can be used to wash hands, body, hair, clothes, and even dishes.
It’s economical, solid, and extremely long-lasting.
One product for many uses means less weight and less plastic.
Cotton or mesh bags for shopping or laundry
A fabric bag can serve many purposes during travel: for shopping, laundry, food, or even as a packing organizer.
Choose ones made of organic cotton or breathable mesh.
Some models are so light and compact they fit in the palm of your hand, helping you avoid plastic bags every time.
Eco-friendly travel detergent for hand washing
Those traveling for several days, especially in a more nomadic style, can bring a mini-format eco-friendly concentrated detergent.
Some brands offer refillable bottles with biodegradable formulas (e.g., Greenatural, Sonett, Almacabio).
There are also soluble single-dose sheets or solid soaps made specifically for hand washing clothes.
Solar power bank and universal charger
Even electronics can be more sustainable.
A solar power bank allows you to charge your phone or other devices while camping, hiking, or during outdoor trips.
It’s not always powerful, but can be useful in emergencies.
Pair it with a multi-port USB charger to reduce the number of adapters you need to carry.
Digital guides, books and tickets
Many travel guides—like those from Lonely Planet—and navigation apps such as Maps.me or Komoot are available in digital format and can be accessed offline: a practical way to save battery and data while traveling.
Book lovers can carry an e-reader, perfect for bringing dozens of books and guides without adding bulk.
Travel tickets and documents are increasingly available in digital form. Most airlines, train companies, and museums now allow you to store your tickets directly on your smartphone, through official apps or digital wallets, eliminating the need for printed copies.
Traveling sustainably doesn’t mean giving up comfort—it means choosing carefully what we pack.
An eco-friendly travel kit helps reduce waste, single-use plastics, and luggage weight, improving the experience and showing respect for the places we visit.
Being mindful as we prepare is already the first step toward a more ethical and environmentally conscious way of traveling.