Say No to Plastic for your next travel (11 ways)

 

What amount of plastic has been used in your life up to now? Can you imagine the number of plastic water bottles you used in your entire life? Do you ever think, about the impact you made to destroy this planet? Can you even imagine zero plastic wasting life? 

We are addicted to using plastics in our life. Because it is easy. We don't need to carry another bag to do our shopping. We always accept easy ways ignoring any difficulties that can occur.  People are always aware of the bad impacts of using plastic but we don't try to stop it. Sometimes we don't know the first step to do it. We still use plastic straws to taste our delicious smoothies. why can't live as a zero-wasting person?

The answer to the above question is not as easy as we think. As I mentioned earlier, We are addicted to plastic items.  This is the time to stop it. We don't need to be a part of environmental pollution furthermore. 

on other hand, It reduces our expenditures and allows us to live a happier, healthier, and more sustainable life. Don't wait for someone else to save your environment. 

While I started to travel, I see the pollution that human-made to this earth. The whole story is disgusting and I was really disappointed. Sri Lanka is facing the biggest environmental pollution like many other south Asian countries, especially in tourist places. 

That makes me feel, I am also part of this worst-case scenario which facing this entire world. Having that emotional discussion with my mind, I came up to the point, before changing the world why can't I stop these polythene-addicted human behaviors. In order to I had a curiosity to know, is it possible while traveling? I changed my normal travel habits and it works. I only need to change simple things but it'll create a huge impact on the environment. So, I decided to share my experience with you. Those are the things that I added to my life. Here we go......

1. Bring my own  water bottle

This is a very easy method to stop buying plastic water bottles. we can carry a glass or metal water bottle. There are so many places to refill it. Especially, I am on travel, I can refill it from the hotel I stay in or restaurants I eat. As well, it is very good for my safety during this pandemic situation. 

Buy reusable bottles ...

2. Buy unpacked foods and vegetables

When I buy foods from a supermarket they always use polythene wrapping for packaging, especially for vegetables and fruits. I can avoid those things, buying foods from local's markets. Those are fresh and cheap, also can support to the locals. It saves our money and the environment. We can carry reusable bags or containers to pack that item. 

 3. Carry my own bag  

This is the best way to reduce the use of shopping bags. We take a big amount of polythene bags during one-time shopping. We can carry a clothing bag or backpack to do our shopping. It is easy, comfortable, and has no harm to the earth.

Buy reusable bags

 4. Carry my own toiletries

When you are on long term travel, you normally stay a different kind of hotels, air-BnB, homestays, etc. Those places always give new toiletries to their customers to enhance the quality of their service.  A lot of those things are covered by plastic packages or plastic bottles. Some Eco-friendly hotels use environmentally friendly packaging for their toiletries. Even though, all of the items are end with waste. 

Warning- Don't touch them

If I try to use our own toiletries, I can stop those waste without any effect. If we are on a lorn term journey, we stay in a lot of new places. So, we don't need to increase more waste to the environment. Try to use your own toiletries at the new all places. Another point is you can refill your bottles and keep using the same package as possible.

Buy Reusable Toiletries and Makeup Pouch

5. Avoid Facewashes with plastic microbead in Scrubbing

Are you excited to know, what is this? Those are the little plastic balls in your face wash or any other beauty product.  Those toxic microbeads go into the water supply, ocean even in an animal and human body.  Some countries are banned that microbead products like the UK. 

Then how do you scrub your face without those products? Don't worry, There are a lot of natural things you can use as a scrub(coffee grounds, sugar).

6) Carry my own Container

Traveling is always unpredictable. we can't avoid long riding and we need to feed ourselves. Soo, we have to buy some snacks for those rides. In that kind of circumstance, I used my own containers filled with some snacks or ask from vendors to fill that little thing to it without using any packaging given by them. 

    

                              Buy reusable food containers

7) Cook my foods as possible

I always try to cook my own food while traveling. It is the easiest way to avoid soo many other wrappings of the foods and being healthy as possible. I am trying to make local recipes to It also add an extra pinch of fun to your adventure.

8) Bring my own coffee mug

It is super easy to avoid having unnecessary plastic coffee cups bringing your own mug. Reducing plastic consumption is not that hard, you only need to keep your first step.

                                    Buy Coffee mugs

9) Dine-In

If I get a feeling of tasting local meals at their own home, Instead of bringing food, I use dine-in. It automatically cut the plastic and adds a cool experience. I know, when we are in a hurry it is hard, but try your best.

10) I don't buy souvenirs

personally, I don't buy souvenirs while traveling. In order to buy those materials things, I spend money to grab new experiences like flying in a zipline, boat riding, or any other adventure. That choice is totally up to you.

11) Say No - to straws

Actually, we don't need to straw to drinks a smoothie or any other drinks. We can still drink it without having a straw. If you can't use that method, can bring your metal straw. It is soo cool and no need for single-use plastic anymore. I love to drink king coconut at any time in hot weather. I always say no to straw and enjoy it avoiding pollution. Now it is your time, If I can why can't you?

I know it is really hard to convince some sellers who don't have feelings about this disaster to say no to plastic. But It is worth trying hard to make a little change. 

12) Carefully plan my trips 

Before going to new destinations I planned my day. What I need to bring, what am I going to it, is there any place to refill and so many other things. That helps me to avoid buying unnecessary items while traveling. I also research the place that offers eco-friendly service and the actions they took to be environment friendly. 

I am also at the beginning of my sustainable lifestyle and more to go. The most important thing is the first step I kept. Before I felt that It is really difficult and got anxious at some points. After I put my feet on the right path, I understood it is not hard as I assumed. The way of more sustainable life can be more expensive at some points. But we can do little things under our budget. I actually feel proud of myself for my little change and I encourage you to keep your first step. Always, other people can laugh at you or discourage you at any point. It is normal and people don't accept change at once. One day they will understand, at that day this world may be rest in peace.

What are your plans to save this mother earth? Let's talk in the comment section.....

Do it today, not tomorrow, Trust me you'll cherish it one day!!