Altering your lifestyle to be more eco-friendly is a process aided by routine and predictability. Living zero waste requires planning and preparedness, which is why I created a plan for my upcoming trip to Ireland. I rely on lists to keep myself organized and feel ready for anything, so this was my way of planning my trip. I hope that others may find it useful as well. Although these tips were generated with travel in mind, many of them are things you can incorporate into your everyday routine, whenever you leave the house.
What to bring:
- Reusable bags and containers – pack a few reusable bags that you can fold up and bring with you instead of accepting plastic bags from shops. You can also find collapsible containers that would be good for leftovers (from restaurants) and to bring snacks on the road. Reusable produce bags are also a good alternative to those that are often available in grocery stores
- Hygiene products – the little soaps, shampoos, and other products offered by hotels may seem convenient, but they are consumed quickly and then sent to the landfill. Bringing your own shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, etc., can prevent dozens of plastic containers from being sent to the landfill. One can find bars or soap & shampoo to eliminate the need for a plastic bottle. Local bulk food stores may offer hygiene products in bulk that enables you to refill your bottle. Alternatively, hotel products could be collected and donated to a local shelter
- Menstrual Products – pack your reusable menstrual products if you know you will need them on your trip. This may include cloth pads, a menstrual cup, etc.
- Reusable
water bottle/travel mug – again, plastic water bottles are cheap and
convenient, but are not a sustainable option. Most reusable bottles are great
at keeping your beverage hot or cold, and can be washed and refilled hundreds
of times. The same goes for a travel mug. These can be used on the plane as
well for your morning coffee
- Bottles must be empty to go through airport security, but can be filled afterwards
- Reusable utensils & a straw – these will likely come in handy on the flight, throughout the trip, and can be repurposed after the trip. Remember to say no to plastic straws in restaurants – make this part of your order!
- Handkerchief – to eliminate the need for disposable napkins
How to Shop:
- Things to consider: what the item is made out of? Where it came from? How it is packaged? Who you are buying it from?
- Chose items that are sourced locally and made from sustainable materials. Avoid synthetic materials such as polyester, and unsustainable ingredients such as palm oil
- Always remember your reusable bags and containers
Extra Tips
- Decline daily hotel cleaning service
- Download apps on your phone ahead of time. This will minimize the need for paper maps, guides, etc. If offered a pamphlet when on a tour, kindly decline, or return it once you have examined it.
- Research your destinations policies on recycling and waste management (e.g. some recycling plants accept coffee cup lids, others do not). https://www.mywaste.ie/
- Try to use products that are recyclable if you can’t find a waste free option.
- Websites like CoolEffect offer ways to offset the emissions created from taking a flight
More Sources
- https://www.goingzerowaste.com/blog/zero-waste-traveling-tips-flying-and-airports
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQlpePtRejg&app=desktop
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZFYXkvPJdk&app=desktop
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxvnnPdLrKY&app=desktop
- http://www.askaboutireland.ie/enfo/irelands-environment/waste-management/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recycling_in_the_Republic_of_Ireland#Plastic_Bag_Levy
The Long Defeat 