Zero Waste Travel: The Ultimate Plastic-Free Packing List

Travel comes at a cost and it isn’t just fiscal. Every flight leaves a footprint — a carbon footprint. Many people are aware of the carbon footprint created by air travel but you might not be aware of another travel consequence: plastic use and waste. Every year, millions of single-use travel-sized bottles, disposable utensils, plastic-wrapped snacks and shrink-wrapped souvenirs end up in landfills or oceans. 

There’s no exact figure detailing plastic use during travel but travelers contribute significantly to plastic consumption, especially through bottled water and other single-use items. According to Adventure.com, 139 million metric tons of single-use plastic were produced in 2021, an increase of 6 million metric tons, or almost 5%, from 2019. The widespread use of disposable products, particularly plastic bottles, plays a major role in the amount of waste created during travel. 

This story is part of CNET Zero, a series that chronicles the impact of climate change and explores what’s being done about the problem.

For sustainability-minded travelers, one of the easiest and most impactful changes starts before the trip even begins and that’s during the packing process. 

Traveling with zero waste, whether by airplane or on a road trip, requires forethought and planning but it’s possible to significantly reduce your environmental impact. This guide breaks down practical, low-waste strategies to help minimize plastic use without sacrificing convenience while exploring the world and knocking out your bucket list. 

For more travel tips, learn about the best way to pack a carry-on and the best time to book flights for the cheapest tickets.

BYO containers

Traveling with your own food and drink essentials is a simple yet impactful way to reduce waste while staying prepared. A collapsible, BPA-free water bottle from brands like HydraPak or Que Bottle offers a space-saving solution for staying hydrated without relying on single-use plastic. Bringing a compact travel utensil kit made from bamboo or stainless steel means you’ll always have cutlery on hand, making it easy to skip disposable forks and knives when dining on the move. 

For snacks and leftovers, reusable silicone bags or beeswax wraps provide a washable, eco-friendly alternative to plastic baggies. And whether you’re grabbing coffee from a café or brewing tea in your hotel room, a compact travel mug or tumbler lets you enjoy your beverage without the waste that typically comes with takeout cups. 

You might read these suggestions and think it’s just too inconvenient to be worth it. I totally get it — it’s so easy to justify grabbing a plastic bottle or cutlery at the airport when you’re tired, rushing or just forgot to pack your reusable items. But if you travel often, those little decisions really add up. A collapsible or lightweight bottle or small dinnerware set that lives in your luggage can make it way easier to stick with the habit. 

Go solid, not single-use

When packing toiletries, choosing solid alternatives over single-use plastics can make a meaningful difference. Instead of relying on travel-sized bottles, consider shampoo and conditioner bars from eco-conscious brands like Ethique or HiBAR. These compact, spill-proof bars eliminate the need for liquid soap and come free of plastic packaging. If you need to bring liquids, choose refillable silicone travel bottles that can be used again and again. 

Mrsdry

For oral care, toothpaste from companies like Bite and Hello offer a fresh, TSA-compliant option that comes in recyclable or compostable containers. For dental floss, seek out compostable options like those from Dental Lace, which are packaged in refillable glass containers designed with function and the environment in mind.

Shaving also can be made more sustainable by switching to a stainless steel safety razor or a refillable razor system, reducing waste and long-term costs. 

Conserve water and reduce plastic by packing smarter 

Choosing the right clothing and laundry essentials can significantly reduce your environmental footprint while keeping your travel routine simple and efficient. Fabrics like merino wool and other high-performance materials are naturally odor-resistant and quick-drying, meaning they stay fresh longer and require less frequent washing. This not only lightens your laundry load but also conserves water and minimizes detergent runoff into local ecosystems. 

When it’s time to do laundry, skip the bulky plastic detergent bottles and pack lightweight, plastic-free alternatives such as laundry sheets or natural soap nuts, which can be stored in a small reusable pouch. 

Instead of relying on disposable hotel laundry bags, bring a reusable cloth bag for your worn clothes. This is an easy swap that keeps single-use plastic out of the waste stream.

Tech and accessories for a lighter footprint

BLAVOR

Traveling sustainably extends beyond toiletries and clothing — it includes the tech and accessories we rely on every day. Investing in a durable solar charger or a reliable power bank not only keeps your devices powered but also eliminates the need to purchase low-quality chargers or disposable batteries on the fly. 

For your phone, consider switching to a compostable case made from plant-based materials. Brands like Pela offer options that combine protection with environmental responsibility. To keep your cords and cables organized, skip the plastic zip bags and choose cloth organizers made from canvas or felt, which offer a more sustainable solution.

Eco-conscious packing from the inside out

Your choice of luggage and packing gear can make a big impact on traveling more sustainably. Choose suitcases or backpacks crafted from recycled plastics or organic materials, with brands like Paravel and Patagonia leading the way in durable options that prioritize the planet. 

To keep your belongings organized, packing cubes made from recycled fabrics offer an efficient, plastic-free way to maximize space in your suitcase. And, instead of a traditional vinyl zip pouch for your toiletries, consider a clear-paneled bag made from washable materials like PEVA or silicone. 

These small choices, taken together, help ensure your packing is as thoughtful as the journey itself.

Pure Sage

Bonus tip: Offset your carbon footprint

Carbon offsetting is the process of compensating for the CO2 or other greenhouse gas emissions you produce in your daily life like when you drive, fly or use electricity. You can do so by participating in activities that reduce or remove an equivalent amount of emissions, including tree planting, conservation or contributing to other renewable energy projects. 

Some airlines offer carbon offset programs or you can use third-party platforms like Cool Effect, Carbonfund.org and MyClimate to offset your travel emissions. If you’re road-tripping, calculate your fuel use and offset accordingly. Look for reputable organizations that are certified Gold Standard, Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) or Climate Action Reserve when researching offset providers. 

It’s also best practice to look for hotels or Airbnb hosts that prioritize sustainability. Specifically, reusable toiletry dispensers, energy-efficient appliances and composting or recycling programs are all good signs.

You don’t have to overhaul your packing routine overnight but each plastic-free swap is a small, tangible and impactful step toward traveling more consciously. With just a few simple adjustments, your suitcase can become a tool for sustainability, not just convenience, and your trip can become an eco-friendly tour. 

Read more: Can AI Help Me Travel More Sustainably? I Put It to the Test