Simple Zero Waste Travel Carry-On Kit

“To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived – that is to have succeeded.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Traveling shouldn't require you to add to your carbon footprint. Zero-waste travel saves Mama Globe and adds a jingle to our pockets. How can you go wrong? If you've been meaning to dip your toes into the world of zero-waste travel, I've put together a simple zero-waste travel carry-on kit. Remember, we want to use what we have first, then borrow before buying anything.

Reusable Bag(s)

To start your zero-waste travel carry-on kit, you'll need to begin with a bag. There is no need to go and buy one. You may even have one where you haul groceries week in and week out, which is fantastic because then you know it can handle some weight. Just make sure to use one that can fold up easily. If you need to buy one, though, check the bargain bins at stores like Target. You can sometimes find small cotton tote bags for under $5. Or better yet, make one out of an old t-shirt!

Water Bottle

I want to emphasize the importance of having a water bottle with you. For home, work, and travel, it saves money and reduces paper and plastic waste. Don't ever pay for bottled water at the airport (or anywhere) again! I have a Kleen Kanteen Stainless Steel Insulated Wide Mouth 20 oz bottle with a carabiner to clip onto my backpack or cross-body bag while sightseeing. It also doubles as a coffee tumbler as it can also keep things hot. My second water bottle is a BKR Glass Water Bottle with a Silicone Sleeve, 500ml, in Naked.

Cutlery Set

Unless you're comfortable eating with your hands, it's best to bring a cutlery set with you. Have you ever noticed how often you use plastic utensils while traveling? I recall that Norwegian Airlines used to have a biodegradable spoon, which is now used to measure coffee grounds. I used that sucker the entire time I was out in Germany and the Netherlands. It felt great not making more trash than necessary.

There are many options to choose from, simply by conducting a quick search. If I had to do it all over again, I would get a bamboo set. The fancier ones usually come with a set of chopsticks and a metal straw, along with a cleaning brush. Mine is plastic (please don't throw tomatoes); it's part of an old bento box set. I figured it's best to use it until, well, I can't use it anymore. You won't have to splurge on this either, though. Grab a butter knife, fork, and spoon from your kitchen drawer and call it a day!

UPDATE: My last utensil set finally died. I went ahead and purchased a bamboo set. Mine is similar to this one. It comes with a toothbrush, too!

Bandana

Don't worry, we are not going to reenact a scene from West Side Story or Grease! You want to carry one (or two) that can be used as a napkin, a simple scarf, a handkerchief, or a head wrap. Just make sure you don't use one as all four. EW!

Food Vessel/Container

A container for food is a must. If you are more likely to eat sandwiches or wraps, consider using reusable sandwich bags or beeswax wraps. Bandanas can also save the day! I don't want to have to think too hard, so I opt for a container with a lid. That way, I can use it in various ways.  I prefer a stainless steel container with a lid that can hold a sandwich, soup, or salad. The one I use is the New Wave Enviro 26 oz Stainless Steel Food Container. If I want to bring a sandwich, I'll use a Lunchskins Reusable Zippered Sandwich Bag.

Honorable Mentions

Bee's Wraps Reusable Beeswax Wraps – I purchased the ones at Trader Joe's (pictured above), but they're hit or miss to find, so I'm recommending a suitable substitute suggested by a good friend.

IKEA KNALLA Shopping Bag – Look, I'd rather you make one from an old t-shirt, but if you want to buy one, I suggest this one since it folds up easily, which means you can take it with you EVERYWHERE!!

Woot!

It will take some getting used to, but I promise you, it will be worth it! I'm reviewing my packing lists to see if there are any other zero-waste alternatives. I'll make sure to post them for you here as I find them. As always, if you found this helpful, please share it with a friend to help spread the word!

*Hey, this page contains affiliate links. There’s no extra cost to you, but I receive a small commission when you decide to use them. They help me keep this party going.

---

PIN ME!