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Eco-friendly travel products are one of the simplest ways to reduce your footprint and make a real difference while exploring the world. Small, conscious choices like these matter more than ever as we all try to lessen our impact on the planet. Whether it’s swapping to a reusable water bottle, reef-safe sunscreen, or a sustainable backpack, every change adds up.
Let’s be honest — when you’re travelling, being eco-conscious isn’t always at the forefront of your mind. Especially when there are times when you can’t drink the tap water, so you need to buy bottles of water, or when you go to a local store to get toiletries and everything is plastic (we’ve all done it!). But with a little prep before your trip, you can make your adventures more sustainable without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
If you’re going on any long-haul flights soon, be sure to also check out my long flight essentials guide to get best prepared.
From ditching single-use plastics to investing in long-lasting travel gear, these eco-friendly travel essentials let you see the world guilt-free — and protect it at the same time.
Why Choose Sustainable Travel Products?
As the human population has now reached 8 billion, the effects of human activity on the planet are more visible than ever — from climate change and plastic pollution to coral bleaching and deforestation. The list goes on, and it’s clear that we all have a part to play in protecting the places we love.
That’s where sustainable travel products come in. By making small, conscious swaps — like using reusable bottles, eco-friendly toiletries, or sustainably made backpacks — you can reduce your footprint while still exploring the world. These products are often made from recycled or natural materials, designed to last longer and create less waste.
Now, more than ever, there’s a real need to move towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle — and choosing sustainable travel products is one of the easiest ways to start.
Eco-Friendly Travel Products You’ll Actually Use
Plastic Free Laundry Sheets
These plastic-free laundry sheets are perfect for travellers embarking on longer adventures. When you’re away for weeks at a time — especially if all your belongings are stuffed into one rucksack — it’s almost guaranteed you’ll need to do laundry a few times.
I speak from experience: during my six weeks in Thailand, I found myself washing clothes constantly! Having these laundry sheets on hand would’ve made the process so much easier — all you need is a laundrette.
Plus, they’re better for the environment, containing no plastic and being fully biodegradable. You can even wash your clothes at 20°C, saving energy while keeping your stuff fresh.
Sustainable Bamboo Cutlery
It’s always smart to keep a bamboo cutlery set in your bag — perfect for those moments when you need utensils on the go, whether you’re camping, hiking, or grabbing a takeaway.
Made from 100% natural materials, this set is a far better alternative to single-use plastic cutlery. It even comes with a handy pouch to keep everything together, making it easy to carry wherever your travels take you.
And the best part? It’s fully compostable, so if you ever leave it behind, it won’t harm the environment — giving you one less thing to worry about while travelling sustainably.
Reusable Essentials for Eco-Conscious Travellers
Eco-Friendly Travel Backpacks
You wouldn’t know by looking at this gorgeous Johnny Urban backpack that it’s made from recycled PET bottles — but it is! That means it’s not only sustainable, but also stylish and durable, so you don’t have to compromise on appearance or quality. This bag is built to last for years.
Thanks to its roll-top design, the backpack expands from 18 litres to 22 litres, making it perfect for packing all the extra souvenirs you pick up along the way.
Fun fact: this is the exact bag I use for my carry-on for my travels — and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s high-quality, reliable, and the perfect companion for any eco-conscious traveller.
Recycled Rucksack
If you’re after one of the best rucksacks on the market, the Osprey Atmos AG 65l backpack is hard to beat — and the fact that it’s made from 100% recycled materials is just the icing on the cake!
Yes, it’s an investment, but a high-quality bag like this will last for years, saving you from constantly replacing cheaper plastic backpacks. Plus, its thoughtful design makes even long trips far more comfortable, meaning less strain on your back and more energy to enjoy your adventures.
Recycled Packing Cubes
If you’ve never travelled with packing cubes, trust me — they’ll change the way you travel! They let you organise all your clothes, including dirty laundry, into neat little compartments, making packing and unpacking a breeze.
No more rifling through your rucksack or suitcase to find that one t-shirt — with packing cubes, you can just grab what you need and go.
These EcoHub packing cubes take it a step further by being 100% eco-friendly, made from 36 recycled PET bottles. They’re the perfect combination of organisation, convenience, and sustainability for any traveller.
Reusable Toiletry Containers
These reusable toiletry containers are the perfect size for carry-on luggage, with each bottle holding 100ml — ideal for airport security limits. They’re leak-proof, so you don’t need to worry about spills, and squeezable, making it easy to get every last drop of shampoo, conditioner, or shower gel.
I personally used these containers on a three-week trip to Jordan and Croatia. Beyond being eco-friendly, they saved so much space in my tiny carry-on — no more bulky plastic bottles crowding my bag. Trust me, they’re incredibly handy for travel!
💰 Budget-Friendly Tip: Top these bottles up with the free toiletries available at your accommodation.
Recycled Travel Towel
This gorgeous Dock & Bay beach towel proves that you don’t have to compromise on style when choosing sustainable travel gear.
Not only does it look lovely, but it’s also made from 100% recycled materials and dries three times faster than a standard cotton towel — perfect for quickly packing it back into your rucksack between adventures.
I used this towel on a recent trip and would highly recommend it. My only tip? Be careful when washing it — I accidentally mixed it with the wrong colours, and the white stripes turned a little grey. Aside from that, it’s an eco-friendly travel essential that combines practicality and style effortlessly.
Reusable Water Bottle
A reusable water bottle with a built-in filter is an absolute travel essential, especially for adventurous destinations.
The LifeStraw water bottle features a two-stage filtration system that removes 99.9% of bacteria, parasites, and microplastics — meaning you can safely drink tap water in countries where clean water isn’t guaranteed. No more having to buy multiple plastic water bottles each day!
The membrane microfilter lasts up to five years with daily use, while the carbon filter lasts around two months. Plus, both the bottle and filters are made with 50% recycled plastic, making this an eco-friendly choice as well as a practical one.
Reusable Coffee Cup
Calling all coffee (or tea) lovers! Say goodbye to disposable plastic cups and switch to this reusable coffee cup instead.
Made from premium-grade materials, it’s built to last for years — not just during your travels, but in everyday life too. Stylish, durable, and eco-friendly, it’s a small swap that makes a big difference for the planet.
💰 Budget-Friendly Tip: Visit coffee shops that offer a discount to people who bring a reusable coffee cup with them.
Solar Powered Battery Charger
Heading off-grid for a few days? This solar power battery charger is the ultimate travel companion. It’s the smallest and lightest portable charger on the market, packed with features like a super-bright flashlight, and it’s waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof — perfect for outdoor adventures.
You can charge it ahead of time with a cable, or harness the sun with solar power (though this takes a little longer). Once powered, it can recharge your devices via USB and USB-C, or even Qi Certified Wireless Charging if your gadgets support it. Compact, versatile, and eco-friendly, it’s a must-have for off-grid travel.
Eco-Friendly Toiletries and Skincare for Travel
Eco Soap
Faith In Nature eco soap is crafted from 99% natural ingredients, packed with antioxidants and minerals to nourish your skin.
It’s paraben- and SLS-free, so you can avoid harsh chemicals while protecting the environment. Even better, it comes in fully recycled and recyclable cardboard packaging, making it a truly sustainable choice for eco-conscious travellers.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect your skin from the sun without harming the environment with this highly-rated SPF30 reef-safe sunscreen. Gentle enough for sensitive, acne-prone, or eczema-prone skin, it’s perfect for all types of travellers.
Now you can swim, snorkel, or relax by the sea knowing you’re keeping marine life safe. Even better, it comes in a recyclable sugarcane tube, making it a truly eco-conscious choice for your holiday adventures.
Non-Toxic Anti-Bug Balm
Badger Anti-Bug Balm is made from 95% organic ingredients and contains no toxic chemicals, including DEET. Its gentle, natural formula makes it safe for the whole family, so everyone can enjoy the outdoors.
A single tin lasts about a year and, unlike many other bug repellents, it has a pleasant, natural fragrance — no more harsh chemical smells! Perfect for camping, hiking, or any adventure where bugs might be a nuisance.
Reusable Microfibre Cleansing Cloth
If you rely on single-use wipes or cotton pads to remove makeup or cleanse your face, it’s time to make the switch to the reusable Magnitone Cleansing Cloth.
I bought mine a couple of years ago, and I still use it every day! It removes makeup effortlessly with just hot water, cutting down on waste while keeping your skincare routine simple and eco-friendly.
Biodegradable Bamboo Cotton Buds
Small but mighty, these eco-friendly bamboo cotton buds are a must-have for conscious travellers. Made from a sustainable bamboo source, they’re completely plastic-free, helping you reduce your environmental footprint.
Even better, they’re biodegradable, so they naturally break down in compost or soil — making them a simple, effective swap for a greener travel routine.
Recyclable Toothbrush
Another eco-friendly travel essential is the Suri Toothbrush, boasting an impressive 40-day battery life. It comes with a self-cleaning travel case that not only charges the toothbrush but also kills 99.9% of bacteria.
To make it even more sustainable, the toothbrush heads and bristles are made from recyclable plant materials. When they’re ready to be replaced, you can simply send them back by post for free, helping reduce unnecessary waste wherever you travel.
Recycled Shower Loofahs
Loofahs are a must-have for adventurous trips, helping you scrub off the mud from a hike, the sand from a day of quad-biking, or the saltwater after scuba diving!
These eco-friendly shower loofahs are made from layers of fully recycled mesh material and come in sustainable packaging, making them a guilt-free addition to your travel bag.
How to Travel More Sustainably Beyond Your Products
Travelling sustainably goes far beyond what’s in your suitcase — it’s about the choices you make along the way.
Start by choosing eco-conscious transport options whenever possible. Trains and buses produce far fewer emissions than flying, and if you do need to fly, try to book direct flights to reduce your carbon footprint. Once you arrive, explore on foot, rent a bike, or use public transport instead of taxis.
Next, try to avoid single-use plastics. Even small acts, like bringing a reusable shopping bag or saying no to plastic straws, make a difference.
Lastly, travel slowly. Spend more time in each destination rather than hopping quickly between places. You’ll reduce your travel footprint and get a deeper, more authentic experience in return.
Sustainable travel isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress. Every thoughtful choice, big or small, helps protect the planet for future travellers to enjoy.
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This post is all about Eco-Friendly Travel Products.
Thanks so much for reading – it means the world!
Kirsty x
