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As many of you know, Kate and I absolutely love traveling. However, traveling can often lead to increased waste. Included in this post are many of my favorite sustainable travel products, tons of which are also great for everyday use!

-solid shampoo/conditioners

I really enjoy using Lush solid shampoos and conditioners. Every time I wash my hair, regardless of if I’m traveling or not, I use the Jason And The Argan Oil shampoo bar, and the Jungle conditioner bar. Both of these work great, and I highly recommend them.

For traveling, you can also buy metal carrying tins from Lush, so that your bars stay clean and safe.

These carrying tins also work great for solid face washes, as well as bar soap. With these carrying tins and bar cleanings products, you won’t need to purchase single use/travel size shower products!

-face wash bars

Lush has a wide variety of face wash bars. Some of my friends use the Tea Totaler and like it. However, this face wash bar does not remove makeup, so you will need to use a makeup remover prior to washing your face.

Kate prefers the Pacifica Kale and Charcoal face wash bar, that you can order on Amazon. It does an amazing job removing makeup and leaving her face feeling super clean! It can be a little drying so be sure to apply a nighttime moisturizer after use. This bar is also super reasonably priced, which makes us love it even more!

-reusable cotton rounds

These are fantastic for replacing single use cotton rounds. This pack comes with 18 bamboo pads, a small laundry bag, and a travel/storage case. Simply use the cotton rounds with your favorite makeup remover or toner, pop the small bag into the the washer with your other laundry, and you’re good to go! This pack of 18 is especially great for traveling (you won’t run out!) – and the travel case is definitely an added bonus.

biodegradable makeup wipes

Although I use reusable cotton rounds to apply toner to my face, I prefer to use makeup wipes instead of remover for the convenience and ease. Luckily, there are so many biodegradable options in-store and online so it is easy to find the perfect fit.

I personally use Alba Botanica Anti-Pollution Volcanic Clay Hawaiian Detox Towelettes because they effectively remove a full face of makeup. Additionally, I love the scent and they are available at the T.J. Maxx I shop at in Ann Arbor. Amazon has many other great options as well – look at reviews and product details to find the best option for your skin.

-plastic-free sunscreen

Raw Elements is a sustainable and natural producer of sunscreen products. All products from this brand are reef-safe, Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, non-GMO, and biodegradable. Additionally they are allergy-friendly and contain no gluten, nuts, soy, or artificial chemicals. Although this sunscreen has a higher price tag than other, non-sustainable options, this particular product comes in a reusable and plastic-free tin. When planning your packing list for your next sunny getaway, definitely consider Raw Elements Face and Body Certified Natural Sunscreen.

reusable TSA liquid bag

This bag is TSA compliant, and is the perfect reusable option for packing liquids. Alternatively, I recommend looking into a transparent makeup bag that can be used for all toiletry needs for multiple years!

-bamboo toothbrush

These toothbrushes are biodegradable! Click here for a bamboo toothbrush + travel case option. I switched over to a bamboo toothbrushes a few years ago and I have always seen it as a great investment.

bamboo hair brush

This hairbrush is made from bamboo and natural rubber. As it is completely plastic free, it is a more sustainable option. Just like the bamboo toothbrush, this is the perfect hairbrush to buy for everyday and travel use!

-reusable cutlery pack

For extended trips I always find it useful too bring a reusable cutlery pack. When I spent two weeks in Barcelona in 2016 I often ordered delivery and was upset with the amount of plastic utensils I was using. Since that trip, I almost always bring reusable utensils with me. Additionally, these are great to throw into a bag with a lunch or to have in a purse for the coffee shop – and a straw is included!

-waterbottle

I always, always bring my Hydro Flask with me while traveling. Not only do I save money on buying bottled water at the airport, but I am also producing less plastic waste. Hydro Flasks are so great because they come in several shapes and sizes as well as being produced through sustainable practices.

reusable snack bags

These are great for replacing Zip Lock bags. These bags are ideal for bringing snacks on a plane, for road trips, or to activities such as amusement parks! For a reusable snack on-the-go or lunchbox option I highly recommend trying bee’s wrap. There are hundreds of bee’s wrap products on Amazon and other platforms – they are eco-friendly, plastic-free, and reusable.

-tree free journal

I love journaling during my travels and lately I have been seeking out tree-free alternatives. There are many cute options on Amazon, but I also have been able to find more affordable alternatives at stores like T.J. Maxx. These notebooks are perfect for traveling as well as note taking at school or at work.


If I missed your favorite travel product let me know in the comments! I always love to add sustainable practices to my traveling and everyday life and I can’t wait to hear your recommendations. Stay tuned for a college spring break post in the coming week!

♡Maggie

14 Comments

  1. Love these recommendations! I can’t go anywhere without my water bottle and I like the idea of a reusable cotton rounds! Not just for travelling but also for daily use.

  2. This is a great list for sustainable travel products and I will definitely look into packing some of these for our next vacation. I’ve been using those face bars you mentioned and love them. Hadn’t known about bamboo toothbrushes until now – how cool!

  3. This is something I’m really trying to be more cognizant of. I hadn’t thought about a reusable TSA bag, although I do tend to reuse my ziplock bags many times. I think I’ll have to make that change! Thx!

  4. I have been meaning to try to bar Shampoo! And those reuseable cotton rounds! I need those. Would to stop buying so ma y cotton rounds throughout the year and packing so many with me!

  5. I don’t go anywhere without a reusable water bottle and I’m always surprised when I see people with plastic water bottles in this day and age! Also I REALLY need to get myself some of those reusable snack bags. I love having sealable bags like that, I’m just the crazy person that washes out the “disposable” ones to use over and over again. Might as well upgrade haha!

  6. Fab post Maggie!

    We have been trying to go zero waste this year, so we also moved to using similar products. i haven’t tried the lush “Jason And The Argan Oil”, but what a good name! I’m slowly trying each of their shampoos to see which one I like best. So far, I like the “honey I washed my hair” one.

    Can I give you one more tip!? It is life changing! We bought alum crystals to replace deodorant. It works so, sooo well! It doesn’t stop you sweating, but it does stop your sweat from smelling. You just wet the crystal and rub it under your arms (or wherever you sweat.) It has even been better for my clothes as i no longer get white marks on them. Plus, there is no liquid, so you can travel with it more easily than normal deodorant/ antiperspirant. 😀

  7. Love these tips! I’ve used some Alba products in the past and they’re great. I have the bamboo utensils already and can’t wait to try those reusable makeup pads! Every little bit helps.

  8. Great post! I’m trying to switch over to solid shampoos/conditioners but am in the process of using up everything I own first. I’m all for reusable cotton rounds, water bottles + cutlery too! :]

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