Whatever your plans are this summer, we encourage you to spoil yourself and not the environment. Here are our plastic-free travel companions to inspire a more sustainable summer.
It’s a notorious time for plastic waste, from single-use water bottles and empty sun cream scattered on beaches to camping equipment and food packaging polluting festival fields. According to WWF, holidaymakers cause a 40% surge in marine litter alone, so how can you enjoy the sun, sand and sea sustainably?
If you’re opting for the humble holiday at home, you’re already well on the way to an eco-friendly summer getaway. The staycation has many benefits, eliminating significant emissions associated with flying and helping you to avoid leaving a footprint (other than the one in the sand!)
Festival season, staycations and picnics
Throughout the year but particularly in the warmer months, the reusable water bottle is a brilliant buy. In fact, the environmentally-friendly FOSH bottle has ‘vital’ in its name for good reason, keeping you hydrated on all your adventures. Ensuring cold drinks remain cool for up to 24 hours, it is equally perfect by your bedside on a warm summer’s night. If you’re heading on a day trip, why not fill your cup with Teapig’s refreshing cold brew tea, blended with apple, white hibiscus, cucumber and natural watermelon for a fresh, fruity infusion.
A bamboo cutlery set is great on-the-go, and a far more zero-waste alternative to disposable cutlery. Made from bamboo that is panda-friendly (not recognised as food by pandas), this Green Island product is perfect for plastic-free picnics, lunch on the beach, camping or refuelling at festivals. If you’re packing light, we thoroughly recommend this bamboo spork from Bambu – a tiny but super trusty travel utensil.
When storing and carrying food, consider ditching the cling film in favour of wax wraps or eco food containers. This two-tier lunchbox from A Slice of Green means you can have a wholesome lunch in an infinitely-recyclable material. While you spend time among the British countryside, why not bring along a flower press kit. Great for all the family, The Den Kit Company inspires you to connect with nature and take a memory away from a special summer’s day.
If you’re headed to one of the UK’s many festivals this summer, you can certainly get into the festival spirit consciously, with a range of eco glitter. Eco Glitter Fun was created by two party lovers who wanted to bring awareness of plastic pollution and provide an eco-friendly solution to plastic glitter. Another festival favourite are toothpaste tablets from Georganics. A no-fuss must-have for festivals and camping, simply chew one tablet in your mouth and brush as usual for sparkling, sustainable tooth care.
These are perfect if you’re travelling further afield too. The world is a beautiful place after all, so here are a few plastic-free finds to consider when heading abroad.
Further afield, flying and new shores
In the UK and abroad, suncream is a necessity in summer. While it’s something we can’t live without, we can change our habits to go greener with sunscreen. From body lotion to facial cream and sunblock to lip protection, there’s a sustainable option for everyone. Free from plastics, animal testing and chemicals, take a look at Amazinc’s vast array of natural, eco-friendly suncream to protect people and planet.
If you’re sunkissed already, try a natural aftersun for soothing nourishment. Odyskin’s after sun milk uses shea butter to provide immediate relief to sun exposure, while Fat & The Moon’s aloe vera lotion is the ultimate natural hydrator, with coconut oil and beeswax to moisturise and protect the skin. Importantly, these eco-friendly aftersun options are plastic-free.
When taking a flight, it’s helpful to pack light. As with toothpaste tablets, shampoo and body wash cubes are perfectly sized for trips away. Beauty Kubes are a go-to soap and shampoo solution for plastic-free travel, and can be taken in your hand luggage since they’re not subject to liquid restrictions. If you prefer a traditional soap bar, we recommend this superior stainless steel travel tin that helps soap dry out between uses.
Once settled on overseas shorelines, a Turkish towel may be your new favourite travel companion. Ebb Flow Cornwall’s quick-dry weave means the towel is lightweight, easy to travel with yet amazingly absorbent. With the ability to fold up nice and small, this is suitable for holidays, backpacking and trips to the beach.
Finally, travel sustainably in style with a seagrass tote bag. Huski Home’s handwoven handbag is ideal for carrying your summer essentials. Not only does this half-circle bag look great, but is sustainably and ethically sourced and designed with care. Fit your favourite book, sunglasses, picnic blanket and all of the above in this lovingly-made bag for a well-equipped eco summer.
Written by Hannah Stark
