What to Include in Your Zero Waste Travel Kit
It all started with a tiny tube of toothpaste. Looking at it, I wondered if there was any way I could travel and pack light, without buying and throwing away one of these travel-sized toothpaste tubes before each tris. I started to search: Are there reusable toothpaste containers? Toothpaste alternatives? Toothpastes with recyclable or compostable packaging?
From there, the question grew. “From single use toiletries to take out containers, we rely on disposable items at many points in our travels,” I wrote in a recent article for Tortuga Backpacks on how to travel zero waste. Yes, toothpaste was a consideration, but there were other things I was throwing away too.
While I don’t travel completely zero waste, I have made an effort to reduce the waste I produce while I travel by packing a zero waste travel kit, or a set of reusable items that help you avoid relying disposable ones while on the road. Added bonus: some of these items can save you money over time, since travel-sized toothpaste isn’t very cost effective, and sometimes they’re better than their disposable counterpart (looking at you, paper coffee cups on an airplane). Whether you want to go totally zero waste, or simply reduce your use of single-use products when you travel, here’s what to include in your zero waste travel kit.
Short on time? A quick zero waste travel kit checklist
To make your packing list more eco-friendly, focus on swapping in zero waste toiletries, as well as gear that will help you reduce waste when you eat out or go shopping. Often, you can make use of items you already own, though there may be a new item or two you buy to supplement. Most of us will use a mix of both to create this zero waste travel kit:
In your dopp kit…
Reusable toiletry containers: Like GoToob’s silicone travel bottles, the small Cadence Capsules, or any free containers you get from beauty samples, etc.
Package free toothpaste: Humankind’s toothpaste tablets are my go-to.
Compostable / recyclable toothbrush: Like the electric toothbrush by SURI, or any bamboo toothbrush.
Bar soap and soap case: Matador makes a good soap case. Whole Foods sells package-free soap.
Low waste deodorant: I like Piperwai’s activated charcoal deodorant.
Reusable razor: Like those by Jungle Culture (they have options for men and women).
In your day bag…
Spork or chopsticks: Snow Peak is great for either, but you can also just raid your kitchen.
Water bottle and/or thermos: I use Snow Peak’s milk bottle and the Zojiroshi thermos, but the best water bottle for you is likely the one you already own.
Reusable grocery bag: A mini Baggu or any of the many tote bags you likely own is perfect.
Reusable snack bag or Tupperware: They’re not just hype, Stasher is a great brand for this.
Reusable toiletry containers
I’ve been using GoToob’s silicone travel bottles ($20 for 3) to decant lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and any other liquid, gel, or cream for my travels. They’re easy to use, refill, and clean — just pop them in the dishwasher between uses. So far, the one’s I purchased 7 years ago are still in great shape and in my toiletry kit for every trip.
More recently, I’ve started to also use the 0.56 ounce Cadence Capsule for beauty products that I need a smaller amount of (i.e. eye cream). They’re easy to clean and the perfect size for, say, a week’s worth of face wash. I also love how the click together satisfyingly and keep the insides of my toiletry bag a bit more organized. Unfortunately, I don’t like the larger versions nearly as much, since they’re a bit heavy.
I’ll also re-use the free sample containers from my favorite beauty store, Credo. They may charge $1 for each container, but they’re so lightweight, tiny, and perfect for quick trips and I’m happy to pay it.
Package Free Toothpaste ($10-12)
Even though toothpaste tubes made of plastic, you can’t recycle them.
However, there are two good alternatives to buying tiny toothpaste tubes that go into the landfill. First is a toothpaste tablet, like those by Humankind ($12) which come in a compostable packet. I found them a bit weird at first (you have to chew them a bit to turn them into “paste” in your mouth), but after a week or so I got the hang of it. Also, yes: they have fluoride.
If you can’t part with your usual toothpaste, you can still avoid buying tiny toothpastes by filling up one of Matador’s Refillable Toothpaste Tube ($10). There’s a slight learning curve in getting it to open and close, but it’s one of the few reusable containers designed for toothpaste out there.
Compostable or recyclable toothbrush
You have to toss your toothbrush at some point, so why not make it a compostable one, like this set of 10 bamboo toothbrushes? The only downside is that you’ll need to live in an area like San Francisco that allows you to place all compostables, not just yard waste, in your compost bin, or have a home compost.
Another option, especially if you prefer an electric toothbrush, are those by SURI. I finally made the switch (I was previously using Quip, but it broke frequently) and love it. It’s sturdy, reliable, and comes in fun colors. But most importantly for this use case: you can send the old brush heads back to the company for recycling and it’s USB-rechargeable (meaning: no batteries).
Bar of soap and case
An easy and cheap eco-friendly replacement to body wash in plastic bottles is just a simple, good, old-fashioned bar of soap. You can buy one without any packaging at your local Whole Foods, and cut it in half or quarters to make it travel size. Another eco-move? “Rescue” the soap you use at your hotel—most are thrown out otherwise, no matter how much is left over.
Need a soap case? My friends over at PackHacker (who I did an interview with awhile back — check it out!) had good things to say about the Matador Flatpack Soap Bar case, which keeps soap safe while taking up less room in your pack than a hard case. Since originally writing this article, I’ve also had a chance to test many of Matador’s products and it’s one of my favorite travel brands. They’re well-made and thoughtfully designed.
Menstrual cup or other sustainable period product
I’ve been using DivaCup’s reusable, silicone menstrual cup instead of single-use tampons or pads for over a decade now and (as many friends know), I’m obsessed. Not only do they reduce waste, but they’re also more convenient and travel-friendly compared to more standard period options, since I only have to pack one compact thing vs. a whole box of tampons.
Since switching, I’ve never run out of tampons mid-cycle or get caught without one while out and about. They’re also less prone to leaks (in my experience) and can last up to 12 hours, which is especially nice on long flights where I don’t want to worry about it. Not to mention, they’re very cost effective. Instead of spending $477 over the course of three years on my period (women spend an average of $13.25 per month on their periods) I only spend $35.
Note: Diva Cup recommends you replace it every year, but OBYNs say that with proper care, it can last for longer.
Low or zero waste deodorant
For travel, I recently switched from Humankind’s reusable deodorants (which I still use day-to-day) for a more compact and fun deodorant by a brand called Meow Meow Tweet ($14), which specializes in clean and eco-friendly body products. The scents are all delightful and while it may not be enough protection for some, I’ve found them effective for my needs. It comes in a cardboard container (not plastic) so you can recycle or compost when done with it. They also have deodorant creams and options for sensitive skin.
Reusable razor
If you haven’t already made the switch in your daily life, consider moving from disposable plastic razors to reusable ones. Or, at the very least, a razor where you only have to replace the head, not the full thing. I personally use one from Whole Foods because I know I won’t use it if I can’t buy replacement heads during my usual errand runs, though I’ve heard good things about the EcoRoots safety razor ($39). Some reusable razors can be quite expensive and heavy but this one is a decently affordable razor that has good reviews and isn’t too bulky.
Spork or chopsticks
Whether you’re at an airport or at your destination, there’s a good chance you might purchase a meal to go—which can create a lot of trash. But, takeout doesn’t have to create a lot of garbage. On the road, this means keeping a few items in your zero waste travel kit for ordering food to go.
According to The Climate Lab, a great collaboration between the University of California and Vox that any eco-conscious consumer should read or watch, consumers can reduce a lot of waste by asking restaurants to leave out extras like plastic utensils and unnecessary condiment packets. It’s now an option you can select when ordering food via an app.
Instead of relying on restaurants to give you throw-away forks and spoons, pack your own utensils. I usually travel with a titanium spork ($11) or chopsticks ($44) by Snow Peak. Both are incredibly durable, easy to clean, and way more enjoyable to use than a set of throw-away plastic cutlery. They even come in a little pouch so you can keep it separate from the rest of your stuff.
Water bottle
Adding a reusable water bottle to your packing list is one of the simplest and most impactful changes you can make. Not only does it prevent plastic water bottle waste from ending up in landfills and oceans (only 12% are ever recycled), but it also saves you money in the long run.
If you’re traveling somewhere where the tap water isn’t safe to drink, use a purifying water bottle like Grayl (I use this for hiking and camping). For all other destinations, take advantage of airport water fountains and restaurant water stations with an insulated, stainless steel Klean Kanteen or, honestly, whichever one of the many water bottles you likely already own.
Coffee or tea thermos
Get that coffee to go—and possibly even snag a small discount at check out—in a reusable coffee thermos. After testing many different thermoses during my days as a train commuter, I now swear by Zojirushi’s stainless steel thermos ($28). It keeps beverages hot for a ridiculously long time and locks shut to prevent spilling or leaking, even if carelessly tossed into my carry-on. I also love that they have a 12 ounce version, since I struggle to drink much more than that.
Added bonus? This bad boy can stand up to turbulence way better than those impossible-to-recycle paper coffee cups when you’re on an airplane.
Reusable grocery bag
Whether you’re actually using these for groceries or just shopping for souveniers, a reusable bag is a must in your zero waste travel kit. It will help you avoid single-use bags that' you’ll just toss when you get back to your hotel or Airbnb. For something cute and compact, Baggu has a great line of reusable bags. I particularly like the mini Baggu since it’s super tiny, and it doesn’t hit the ground when my 5’3” self carries it around.
However, the odds are good that you already have a tote bag (or twenty) and any small, lightweight bag will do the trick. When I pack a tote instead of my Baggu, I like to roll it up and use the handles to tie it into a neat little bundle so I can tuck it away nicely in my purse.
Reusable Snack Bag or Reusable Tupperware ($15)
I generally only pack Tupperware if I’ve made my own airplane snacks or meal, but almost always end up using them again during my trip. For an easy to pack option, try STOJO’s collapsible silicone containers, since you can collapse them flat when not-in use.
For snacks or sandwhiches, I’d honestly just been washing and re-using disposable ziplocks that people give me for years. Recently, though, I caved and bought a Stasher and absolutely love it. The seal works well, they have a lot of options for sizes, and it’s easy to clean. I especially love their bowl line of bags that stand up-right and are easy to eat out of if you want to bring, say, a pasta salad for your in-flight lunch.
What’s in Your Zero Waste Travel Kit?
Is there anything you include in your zero waste travel kit that I missed? Reach out on Instagram and let me know :)
↠ Read Next: How to Pack Light for Any Trip
This article was originally written in 2019. It was most recently updated to include current information on April 16, 2024.
