*This post contains affiliate links, so if you click a link and make a purchase you help support this blog! So, thank you!
It warms my heart to see so many people becoming more conscious of the products they buy and the companies they support. More and more companies are beginning to produce products that are made from sustainably sourced resources and have less of an impact on the planet.
Travelers have always been aware of their impact on the environment, from air travel to cruising, the impact we have can be great. Now, more than ever, it’s important to make those small shifts towards a more sustainable future.
Having said that, these are my recommendations for eco-friendly gifts for the sustainability-minded traveler.
Shampoo and conditioner bars
I switched to shampoo and conditioner bars this summer and wonder why I didn’t do it sooner. It took me a while to find ones I like but these are my two top picks.
The Yellow Bird
Even on their description, The Yellow Bird states that this is a great product for travelers. It’s an all-in-one bar, meaning you can use it on your hair, as a body soap, face soap and shave soap. It comes in a recycled box and is made from all-natural ingredients, is vegan and cruelty free. It also smells really nice.
Ethique Eco-friendly hair sampler
At the same time I bought The Yellow Bird, I also bought Ethique’s Eco-friendly hair sampler. This comes as a box of 5, including 3 shampoo and 2 conditioner bars. Each one is a special formulation based on your hair type.
This sustainable, plastic-free, plant based, 100% compostable and zero waste product ticks all the eco-friendly boxes and actually works. It lathers nicely and makes your hair feel clean and healthy.
Most of the shampoo and conditioner bars I have found are made as a one-size fits all for hair types. I really like that this brand goes that extra mile to create products that are not only sustainable but suited to the different hair needs.
Bamboo toothbrush
Bamboo grows like crazy, has become an invasive in places like the US, and can be sustainably grown. If you think about your current toothbrush, its made entirely of plastic and it is recommended that you replace your toothbrush (for oral health reasons) every six months.
I don’t know about you, but that’s a lot of plastic toothbrushes being thrown out. And I’m not one to disagree with the dentist, so, instead, we need an alternative that’s less of a negative impact on the environment.
There are lots of options out there these days, Vegols Natural Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrush is just one of those options. It comes in recycled packaging. The handle is made from natural bamboo and biodegradable charcoal (which is well known to be good for your teeth).
It also comes in a 10 pack with letters on each so there is no confusion between family members.
Comfy plane clothes
Being on a plane, train, or whatever method of transport your eco-conscious traveler chooses being comfortable on the long hauls is a necessity.
My top choice is Tentree. I have said it before and I will say it again, I love their clothes. Most of my wardrobe is made up of Tentree products. I am wearing a Tentree sweater and pair of their jogging pants right now as I write this.
Their clothes are super soft and comfortable, durable and sustainably sourced. On top of that, they also plant 10 trees (hence the name) for every item you purchase (let’s just say I have planted a lot of trees….).
In my opinion, Tentree is really leading the way in sustainable clothing.
Reusable Water Bottles
When traveling it is important to stay hydrated to help combat jet leg and buying bottled water is one of the least sustainable things you can do. And sometimes you need to protect yourself from unclean water sources.
The solution is a reusable water bottle. Preferably one that also does good. Like LifeStraw Water Filter Bottle. I love my LifeStraw, it has a built-in filter to remove bacteria, parasites, viruses, microplastics and even takes out the nasty taste of chlorine.
I have taken my LifeStraw on multi-day hikes and filled it with water right out of streams and even small puddles and never had an issue.
It has a carabiner so you can hook it to your backpack and comes in different colors with fun sayings. It’s the perfect travel companion.
Backpack made from plastic bottles
When you travel, you will need something to carry all these wonderful eco-friendly products in. Again, I look to Tentree bags and packs. They recently came out with a backpack (not a hiking pack, just a regular old backpack) made entirely out of recycled plastic bottles.
Other companies are also doing similar things, but like I said, Tentree is my favorite company. And they continue to strive to be better. You can even offset the carbon footprint created in the shipping process by paying an extra $5. Worth it? I say yes.
Compostable phone case
We all have a phone these days and as a traveler it’s important to keep that phone safe in case of emergency and to protect those oh so important travel photo memories. Pela is leading the way with their line of compostable phone cases.
Pela phone cases come in cute colors and designs and are completely plant based. You can also purchase their liquid glass protector, also plant based. Every one of their products is completely compostable and is sent in compostable packaging as well.
Reusable food storage bags
No one likes airplane food and if you are planning a day hike in another country, having good snacks with you is of the utmost importance. But storing them can be a problem.
In the past I reused Ziplock bags until they fell apart, which is more sustainable than some alternatives but it’s not the answer. I recommend these reusable food storage bags as they are free of lead, BPA, and chlorides and are made from recycled material.
It also comes with freezer bags, which to me is just an added bonus for those times when you are not traveling and want to continue on a zero-waste journey.
Reusable cutlery
The amount of single use items we add to the landfill on a daily basis is one of the biggest reasons we are in the environmental crisis we are in. Travelling can be a challenge because everywhere you buy take-out or food for the trip comes with a set of plastic utensils.
Well now you can say no to cutlery. These organic, reusable bamboo utensils are eco-friendly gifts and completely biodegradable. They come in a well-thought out carrying case specific to travelers and for camping. It even comes with chopsticks and a bamboo straw.
Is there a more complete set out there? I say no.
Metal Straw
If you are not into bamboo straws check out the latest in reusable drink items with a reusable stainless metal straw. You can buy these almost anywhere now and being stainless steel will not rust and will last forever.
Help keep single use straws out of the landfill and our oceans by getting your conscious traveler (and yourself) one of these metal straws.
Donate to a cause of their choice – the best eco-friendly gifts of all
The best eco-friendly gifts of all are no gifts. Really! I mean it! There is still a gift but it’s not a physical item. It’s a donation to a charity or NGO of their choice, in their name.
I have gotten this gift from family many times and it’s the best gift one can give in my opinion. My favorite organization to donate to is the World Wildlife Fund but it can be to any organization that your conscious travel connects to like FLYTE, Doctors without Borders or EcoHealth Alliance.
Whatever you choose is the right choice and I am sure your eco-friendly traveler will appreciate the gesture.
Concluding thoughts
Whatever eco-friendly gifts you decide to get that conscious traveler in your family, make sure to wrap it in a sustainable way. Reuse gift bags or use recycled paper or wrap in packing paper you saved from previous online orders. Not only will your ecofriendly traveler appreciate the extra effort, the planet will too.
Looking for gifts for the Adventure Traveler in your life this year? Check out my recommendations for Top Gifts for the Adventure Traveler in 2020.
