Packing your bags for an eco-friendly trip
Packing your suitcase carefully is one of the key aspects of responsible tourism. Travelling light not only makes getting around easier, but also reduces the environmental footprint of your trip. In air travel in particular, lighter luggage helps to reduce the aircraft’s fuel consumption. A well-planned suitcase also prevents making unnecessary purchases once you arrive at your destination.
Things to bear in mind before you set off
- Pack the essentials, without overpacking
- Cut down on single-use plastics
- Remember to take a water bottle and reusable accessories
- Keep a cloth bag on hand
- Reduce single-use waste
- Opt for solid personal care products
- Pack a reusable travel kit
- Rent or borrow certain items of equipment
- Leave a bit of space in your suitcase
Pack the essentials, without overpacking
Before packing your suitcase, think ahead about the clothes you’ll actually need, based on the weather and your planned activities. Opt for versatile outfits that are easy to mix and match and made from lightweight, quick-drying fabrics. The aim isn’t to plan a different outfit for every day, but to put together a wardrobe that can be adapted to a range of situations.
Cut down on single-use plastics
Avoid unnecessary packaging and swap disposable bags for reusable tote bags. They take up very little space in your luggage. And they can come in very handy for shopping, picnics or souvenirs brought back from your trip.
Remember to take a water bottle and reusable accessories
A reusable water bottle helps you avoid buying lots of plastic bottles during your stay. In places where tap water is safe to drink, it quickly becomes indispensable. Reusable cutlery, a cup or a lightweight food container can also be useful for takeaway meals.
Keep a cloth bag on hand
A foldable fabric bag can be used for shopping at local markets, on day trips or for carrying souvenirs. It is a simple item, but one that is particularly handy in everyday life.
Reduce single-use waste
Single-use wipes, disposable make-up remover pads, mini plastic products… There are now plenty of sustainable alternatives: washable cotton pads, reusable containers, cloth handkerchiefs…
Opt for solid personal care products
Solid soaps, shampoos and deodorants are particularly well suited to travelling. As they are more compact, they take up less space in your toiletries bag than a bottle of shower gel. There is no risk of them leaking in your luggage, and they often help to reduce plastic packaging. They are also very handy for air travel as they are not subject to restrictions on liquids.
Pack a reusable travel kit
Instead of buying single-use mini-sized products, consider transferring your usual products into small, reusable containers. This is often more economical and produces less waste.
Rent or borrow certain items of equipment
You may need specific equipment for your holiday: skis, diving gear, camping equipment or walking poles, for example. Find out about rental options at your destination. This avoids having to buy equipment you’ll only use occasionally and helps keep your luggage to a minimum.
Leave a bit of space in your suitcase
A suitcase packed to the brim from the outset often leads to buying a second bag on the return journey. Leaving some free space allows you to bring back a few souvenirs or local products without adding extra packaging or making additional purchases.
Packing your suitcase responsibly doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. It’s mainly about travelling with what you really need, prioritising items that are durable, reusable and suited to your trip.
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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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