Traveling without Single-Use Plastic

Plastic Free July Edition

At home, here in Boise, I work hard to reduce our plastic foot-print. I’ve cut out most of our single-use plastic; the next challenge is keeping the same habits when traveling.

Road Tripping

A road trip is way easier to ensure we are not succumbing to the siren sound of convenience. For our travels to Bend, Portland and throughout Idaho and beyond I do a bit of prep work ahead of time to make sure we have utensils, snacks, re-usable coffee/tea cups and our Hydro-Flasks for water.

We typically rent a VRBO with a full kitchen so, before hitting the road, I prepare a couple of meals and snacks at home. I also will bring ingredients for a few other meals. I try to make meals that can double for breakfast or lunch. Usual suspects include: butternut squash risotto, chili or soup, muffins and bread for peanut butter/walnut butter sandwiches, fruit, granola, hummus and cut up veggies.

Flying

Flying takes a bit more resolve. It helps that it has become easier to move through security with some food items. I pack my water bottle (empty) you can fill up at the water fountain/bottle re-filling stations in most airports and the flight attendants will give you a partial refill as well. I usually make and bring a walnut/peanut/almond butter sandwich, crunchy snack and an apple. I also pack a cloth napkin, stainless straw and a set of utensils. I am much happier not having to eat the expensive, unhealthy airport food.

It DOES take some planning and effort, but in the end it makes traveling easier and a bit greener. (Yes, I know that traveling has a HUGE carbon footprint but let’s start with the easier to grasp single use plastic issue).

Tips & Resources

Anne-Marie Bonneau, Zero Waste Chef
Bring your re-usable bags when you shop for any and everything.
Think twice about the plastic produce bags. Do your bananas really need to be in a plastic bag????? If your store sells mushrooms in bulk use the paper bags for your mushrooms and other produce as necessary.
Give up that little plastic water bottle!
Use and re-purpose what you have.
Shop thrift stores first.
Shop at your local farmers market.
Buy in bulk when/where you can.
Search Zero Waste on Google
Plastic Free July
How to Start the Journey to Zero Waste Living
Mindful consumption and 5 Mantras for the Journey to Zero Waste
Roots Zero Waste Grocery Store and Cafe opens in Boise in Aug!