SMALL THINGS, LIGHTER FOOTPRINTS: 7 ITEMS FOR MORE SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL (AND DAILY-LIFE) CHOICES

Travelling has taught me many things, but one of the most uncomfortable lessons has been this: loving the world also means being honest about how we move through it. If you've been wondering how to travel more sustainably, then, this blog post is for you.

Getting to roam this earth is a huge privilege, and with it comes the responsibility of holding ourselves accountable for the impact we leave wherever we set foot. Movement leaves a footprint. Photography, too. This feels especially important when travelling through countries with fewer resources for waste management. Often, these are the same places that bear the heaviest burden of pollution—not because of individual choices alone, but because infrastructure, policy, and global inequality leave them with fewer tools to deal with the waste we generate.

Sustainability isn’t about acting perfectly. It’s about choosing consciously.

I’m a firm believer in the power of intention: in paying attention to our habits, questioning convenience, and choosing better whenever we possibly can.

And sometimes, that doesn’t look like enormous decisions or dramatic lifestyle changes. Sometimes, small, simple swaps can instantly transform the impact we leave on the earth.

Below is a list of a few small items that have helped me reduce waste while living at home and on the road, while also making my travels more convenient, and often more affordable in the long run. They currently make up my low-waste travel kit and my sustainable living essentials.

All of these have earned a permanent place in my bag, because they’re practical, durable, and help me move through the world a little more gently.

1. Solid cosmetics

One of the easiest switches for me was choosing solid cosmetics over bottled ones. Often packaged in biodegradable materials, they’re a smart choice for travelling, both for their durability and their lifespan.

Solid shampoos, conditioners, soaps and deodorants last significantly longer than liquid alternatives. While the upfront cost can be slightly higher, a single bar can replace several bottles, making them better value for money over time. If stored correctly, shampoo bars can last for months! (and crystal deodorants up to a year!). They’re also perfect for carry-on travel (no liquid restrictions and no spillages) and ideal for remote places where waste management is limited.

They take up less space, eliminate plastic bottles almost entirely, and simplify packing. A small change with a surprisingly large impact.

2. Mesh produce bags

Lightweight mesh bags have completely replaced disposable plastic for markets and grocery runs. They fold down to almost nothing and are endlessly useful, especially when travelling slowly and cooking occasionally.

I also use them for hiking snacks, beach days, or carrying loose items...One of those things that quickly proves its versatility.

3. Reusable water bottle

This one feels obvious, but I’m still surprised by how often I see single-use plastic bottles being used while travelling.

A reusable water bottle is essential for camping, hiking, long boat days, and outdoor adventures—especially in warmer climates. In many places, businesses are happy to refill bottles for free, or for a small fee. Refilling whenever possible has drastically reduced how much single-use plastic I consume, particularly on travel days. Like solid toiletries, the initial investment is higher, but it quickly pays for itself—both financially and environmentally. Over time, it’s far cheaper than constantly buying bottled water, and the environmental cost is significantly lower.

4. Keep cup

Coffee culture follows me everywhere. Having a reusable cup means I don’t have to choose between a small daily pleasure and unnecessary waste.

Coffee is a ritual and a moment for me, so I usually prefer to sit down and enjoy it slowly. Even then, I’ve lost count of how many cafés around the world serve coffee in single-use cups even for sit-ins. A keep cup also gives me flexibility: grabbing a coffee to take to the beach, on a road trip, or a hike without creating waste.

It’s one of the slightly less convenient items to carry, but the impact it creates makes the slight extra effort worthwhile.

5. Menstrual cup (or other reusable period products)

Switching to a menstrual cup has genuinely been life-changing for me.

I understand there may be health or personal reasons why this option doesn’t work for everyone, but for those who can make the switch, I couldn’t recommend it enough. Period products aren’t always easily accessible around the world, and single-use options generate an enormous amount of waste.

A menstrual cup reduces period waste to zero, takes up very little space, and pays for itself almost immediately (within the first few months). Compared to the ongoing cost of tampons or pads, it’s one of the most impactful changes I’ve made: less waste, more autonomy, and far more practicality while travelling long-term.

6. Reusable cutlery

Simple, compact, and surprisingly useful, especially for takeaway meals, street food, and long travel days. I’ve carried the same bento-style cutlery set for over six years (a gift from my Chinese teacher) and it has eliminated the need for disposable cutlery almost entirely. It takes minimal space and proves, again, how small items can quietly make a big difference.

7. Mineral sunscreen

When travelling near the ocean, sunscreen choices matter.

Certain chemical filters commonly found in sunscreens have been linked to harm to marine ecosystems, including coral reefs. Choosing mineral sunscreens (and reducing overall sunscreen use by covering up with rash guards or clothing) is a meaningful way to minimise that impact.

I opt for mineral sunscreens that are gentler on marine life whenever possible. It’s a small act of care for the environments that give me so much (especially the ocean, which has shaped both my work and my life in profound ways).

Conclusion

This list is proof that sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated. To me, sustainability is about awareness: about asking “What impact does this have?”—and choosing better when better is available. While not all sustainable choices are obvious or accessible, waste management is one area where we often have immediate control over. And as you can see, reducing waste can be surprisingly simple with eco-friendly travel items like these.

Small actions compound. Over time, they shape our individual footprint, and collectively, they add up to something much larger. Carrying these items is a small way of saying thank you to this earth that has shown me endless beauty on my travels. It's my way of acknowledging that being a guest in the world comes with responsibility.