Easy ways to reduce plastic waste while travelling

Posted on: Jul 14, 2022 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Easy ways to reduce plastic waste while travelling

Travelling is always fun and vacation gives you the opportunity to explore a new place. However, as a traveller, you involuntarily leave a very deep carbon footprint which harms the earth in many ways. Thankfully, you can reduce this by simply limiting the use of plastic when you travel. Just like getting travel insurance is important, having a plastic-free vacation is also crucial. Take a look at this article to know how you can achieve this.

1. Carry water bottles

Plastic water bottles, along with their caps, are the largest source of plastic waste in the world today. Millions of these single-use bottles end up in the oceans, creating a huge problem for the environment. Make a change and carry your own bottle when you travel. Refill the bottle as and when possible and stop buying plastic water bottles and you will end up making a big difference.

2. Opt for wooden toothbrushes

Carry your own toothbrush or opt for a wooden toothbrush every day. A lot of hotels provide use-and-throw plastic brushes and shaving razors. Do not use those, as they contribute to plastic waste.

3. Carry your own toiletries

The small shampoo bottles or the small bars of soap look very nice and attractive in the hotel room. However, they lead to a lot of plastic use. Do not use those toiletries; rather carry your own soap, shampoo and moisturiser. This is a small step but makes a huge difference.

4. Carry a shopping bag

Shopping is an integral part of any vacation! While it is absolutely alright to shop for local artefacts while travelling, the plastic bags used to carry them around creates a lot of issues. Therefore, get into the habit of carrying a reusable cloth or jute shopping bag that you can use instead of using those flimsy plastic bags the shopkeepers provide.

5. Carry a reusable cup

It is very common to drink coffee (or any beverage) while you stroll down a new place and explore it. When you buy coffee from a cafe or roadside stall, you get it in a styrofoam cup with a plastic lid. Avoid using them. All you have to do is carry your own coffee mug in your bag. Once you order, hand over the cup and ask them to pour your coffee in it. A quick and easy way to reduce plastic while travelling, isn't it?

6. Don't use plastic straws

Many countries have completely banned the use of plastic straws but you still find them in some places, especially in crowded tourist areas. If you want to have some coconut water or a cold beverage, ensure you are not served a plastic straw with it. Opt for paper straws or simply drink them directly from the bottle or glass.

7. Get your own spoon and fork

This is a small, but significant way in which you can reduce plastic usage. Many roadside food stalls offer plastic cutlery with the food they serve. And since snacking is a big part of travelling, you end up using a lot of these plastic spoons and forks. A quick solution - keep a set of spoons and forks in your bag and use them as and when needed.

8. Reduce smoking

The cellulose acetate fibre present in a cigarette butt is highly dangerous for the planet as it doesn't break down and decompose for decades. So, reduce smoking when you travel and definitely avoid throwing cigarette butts here and there. Also, when you smoke less, your health remains intact and there is a lower risk of using your overseas travel insuranceplan.

9. Use matches, not lighters

Another good tip is for you to use wooden matchsticks and not invest in plastic lighters. Often, you tend to throw away the lighter after the gas is over and buy a new one. This contributes to plastic waste and doesn't help the environment in any way, so switch to matches instead of lighters.

10. Opt for eco-tours

There are many tour operators these days that help you to go on environmentally-friendly holidays. From booking battery-operated vehicles for you to travel in, to booking eco-friendly hotels, they ensure you reduce your carbon footprint significantly when you travel. Thus, if you are seriously looking for plastic-free holidays, opt for such a tour package.

11. Buy snacks in bulk

It is common for tourists to buy snack packets when travelling, and this happens especially when you travel with kids. From chip packets to tetra packs of juice, you end up with a lot of plastic waste. If you can’t stop buying them altogether, at least buy larger packs or buy in bulk so that the number of disposable plastic packing materials is limited.

12. Join a local litter pick

Many local clubs and volunteer groups clean up litter from beaches, public places, etc. You can join any such club and help clean up. You can do this in your own town or when you travel. It's a small step that helps to make a big difference.

13. Don't buy food with plastic wrappers

Whether it is a sandwich on your aeroplane or a piece of chocolate brownie at a local supermarket, you will see a lot of food unnecessarily wrapped in thin plastic films. This is a horrible way in which plastic waste is formed and you must make a conscious effort to stay away from all such things. Do not buy food that is covered in plastic wrap. Rather, buy them in cardboard boxes as that is a far better option.

14. Spread awareness

This is another small, but significant way in which you can reduce plastic wastage around you. If you are travelling to a small town, speak to the local shopkeepers about the need to reduce plastic. They may not be aware of the harmful effects of plastic and also the availability of plastic substitutes. Spread awareness and make a huge difference.

15. Plan your flight travel in advance

And last but not the least, be a conscious traveller and carry a small bag with reusable items in it. Also, use the same transparent plastic bags at the airport that you did the last time. Do not throw them after a single use. These small but significant steps can help to save the world from the big threat known as plastic.

Conclusion

Give these simple, yet very effective, tips a try and you will succeed in reducing plastic usage when you travel. Get a good overseas travel insuranceplan for yourself and make a good plastic-free plan for the planet. Doing so will ensure you have the best of both worlds and enjoy your own holiday while doing your bit for Mother Earth too.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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