Basic gear for eco-travel – small must have green extras

The other day we looked at some big green camping gear, but if you travel green anywhere, there are some little items you should have with you to maximize your trip’s green potential.

A refillable water bottle: Plastic water bottles cost the environment dearly, and that cost doesn’t go away just because you go out of town. You have to get a refillable, reusable water bottle. PLUS if you’re hiking or trekking around site-seeing and trying new foods, and not drinking plenty of water you’re setting yourself up to get sick. I love my Klean Kanteen Water Bottle but SIGG Water Bottles are also good. If you’re looking for something that’s not only reusable but highly attractive check out EarthLust water bottles (drool-worthy!). If you need a refillable bottle with a built in filter try this Purifying Water Bottle.

Safe bug spray: Many bug sprays contain DEET, and in major bug areas this may be the only choice for protection (I’m talking swarms of bugs). However, DEET is a poison and it’s not safe for your body, so if you’re not traveling in a crazy bug infested area, a less toxic bug spray will do. Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect Repellent and Bug Bite Relief work great and won’t poison your body or the planet.

Non-toxic sunscreen: Sunscreen is an everyday necessity, but is even more important when traveling because it’s likely (hopeful) that you’ll be outdoors more often. Most sunscreens contain nasty non-eco-friendly chemicals that can harm your body and also harm the environment when washed down the drain into the water supply. Furthermore it’s really hard to find a totally safe, organic sunscreen, that works as it should. The FDA has failed to establish regulations for sunscreens and marketers just make the problem worse. Read: top ten false and misleading claims to be wary of when buying sunscreen. If you want to find a natural, safe, and effective sunscreen your best bet is to check out Skin Deep’s list of best sunscreens and don’t forget non-toxic lip balm with spf.

A reusable shopping bag: At home I like my recycled cotton reusable shopping bags, but on the go, something a little more water proof and compact is better. Flip & Tumble is your best bet for an economical, water proof reusable bag. I don’t like they’re not made with an eco-friendly material (they make them with ripstop nylon) BUT this material has a long life, and cloth is bad for travel because once it’s wet, you’re sunk. Hemp bags are a good more water proof choice, but they cost a lot more than these nylon bags plus aren’t so compact. Flip & Tumble bags are large enough to hold 3 half gallons of milk and then some, plus are strong enough to hold a couple of bowling balls, but fold up into a ball the size of a peach – perfect for travel. There’s a felt patch that keeps the bag on your shoulder as well. The cost is great at $9-12 per bag. Lastly they come in all sorts of nice colors and they also offer some great new designs.