Travel in Eco Style without Spending a Single Dollar (eco on a budget series)
Welcome back to my Zero Waste on a Budget series, which was previously randomized, but I am working on organizing slowly but surely. You can check out the full series here with nearly 500 ways to live zero waste without spending a single dollar. Some are organized into themes, and others are random, so watch which ones you prefer.
Today, let’s dive into zero waste on a budget while traveling and out and about!
Feel free to drop your eco on a budget tips below to help this series continue to grow.
Transportation
Carpool to work or to school...whenever we return to do so. Taking turns by carpooling can save each person a lot of money and can save a lot of gas from being used
Don’t idle your car when possible
Use e-boarding passes instead of having them print one if possible
Keep your car under 2000 rpms to reduce gas burning as fast
If you see a red light, coast to it instead of continuing to accelerate and then slamming on the brakes, again, saving gas
Stay on sidewalks! If you notice corners of sidewalks at school or in parks, even, there is probably a dirt spot in the corner where people cut the corner. This is bad for the land. As we learned in the biodiversity series, plants help absorb water, prevent flooding, and prevent droughts. The lack of grass here will cause a muddy puddle. Sure, this is small, but our small changes have a big impact.
Eating out/entertainment
Simply refuse things you don’t need. Straws, napkins, disposable utensils, brochures, and more
When possible, ask for no receipt to be printed. I know some places will still print them, and you can just not accept it, but the goal is for it not to be printed!
You don’t need to buy brand new bamboo travel utensils, just take a pair of kitchen cutlery with you! If you don’t have extras to spare, hit up the thrift store for an extra set.
Don’t buy a reusable coffee cup when you have plenty of jars. To keep you safe from the heat, make a heat sleeve from rubber bands or fabric.
You also don’t need to buy a reusable water bottle. Upcycle a glass or plastic bottle you already have!
Similar to that is to stay on the trail when you’re hiking. This protects biodiversity for free by not destroying plant life! It also prevents invasive species from being tracked in from your shoes, and it ensures animal habitats are undisturbed. Trails are there for a reason, so respect the wildlife and stick to the trails. If you have to go off-trail, don’t step on plants.
Dine in vs take out to save physical waste
Dine in vs. drive-thru to save fuel burned/emissions wasted
Take only what you need at fast food places (don’t take an abundance of napkins or ketchup)
Change your shipping address when you move
Don’t ask for a refill if you won’t drink it all
Take unused napkins since staff can’t reuse them
Here are some free apps to help you reduce waste while traveling:
Eco Rate app: this app helps you find refill/bulk stores as well as eco-friendly cafes that allow you to use your own cup or use a non-disposable cup when dining in
Too Good to Go app: want food on a budget? This is the way to go! This is food that has slightly damaged packaging or is near expiry that stores want to throw away. But you can buy this perfectly good food on a budget to help prevent food waste!
Refill app: helps you find places to refill your reusable water bottle
Waste
Recycle and compost even while traveling. That may mean holding onto your items until you find a bin.
Don’t litter. I know, it seems simple, but I’ve seen an increase in littering since moving back to the US, so simply don’t throw trash on the ground, dispose of it correctly
But also, pick up litter when you see it! It’s simple to pick up a piece and throw it in the trash bin or even the recycling bin. I know, it’s not your fault, but we all need to be stewards of the earth and do our small part
Don’t throw food scraps out the window or leave them when hiking (esp in the desert)
Save desiccant packets! They can be used to keep things dry, like nori, electronics, and even to deodorize things like your sock drawer or gym bag
Don’t do love locks or tie stuff to trees or stick gum on buildings (litter)
That’s it! I hope you enjoyed. Again, let us know your eco on a budget tips below to help this series continue to grow. And you can check out the full series here with nearly 500 ways to live zero waste without spending a single dollar.
As always, remember that your small actions make a big difference in the long run :)
Emma
