As the world becomes increasingly aware of the environmental impact of our actions, sustainable travel is gaining momentum. When we travel, we often overlook the carbon footprint of the products we use and the choices we make. However, adopting eco-friendly travel products is an easy way to reduce our environmental impact. From luggage to personal care items, here's what to look for in sustainable travel products and how you can make better decisions to travel more responsibly.

Luggage: Choose Lightweight, Durable, and Eco-Friendly Options

Your luggage is a key part of your travel essentials, but it's important to choose options that are both durable and environmentally friendly. Look for luggage made from sustainable materials such as recycled fabrics or biodegradable plastics. Many companies are now designing luggage with environmental impact in mind, using durable, long-lasting materials to reduce waste.

Consider purchasing luggage from brands like Samsonite, which has made strides towards using recycled plastics in their suitcases, or Eagle Creek, known for their eco-friendly travel gear made from sustainable materials.

Clothing: Travel Light and Eco-Consciously

When packing clothes for your trips, the key to sustainability is to buy clothing that lasts longer, is multifunctional, and is made from eco-friendly materials. Look for clothing made from organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, or recycled fabrics. Brands like Patagonia and Sisley are making significant strides by incorporating recycled materials into their collections and reducing water usage in manufacturing.

Additionally, travel-friendly clothing should be lightweight and versatile. Consider packing clothing that can serve multiple purposes—like a jacket that doubles as a pillow or a pair of pants that can be converted into shorts. This will not only save space but also reduce the number of items you need, ultimately decreasing the overall environmental footprint of your trip.

Personal Care Products: Eco-Friendly Toiletries and Packaging

Personal care products such as soap, shampoo, creams, and deodorants are essential for your travels, but many of them come in single-use plastic packaging. To reduce your impact, choose travel-sized eco-friendly products that come in biodegradable or reusable packaging. Look for natural ingredients and products that are cruelty-free and free of harmful chemicals.

Some brands to consider are Lush for their packaging-free soaps, Ethique for solid shampoo bars, and Blueland for refillable personal care products. These brands focus on sustainability by eliminating waste and using eco-friendly ingredients.

Shoes: Comfortable, Durable, and Made with Sustainable Materials

Shoes are another essential item, and choosing a sustainable pair can make a significant difference in reducing your travel footprint. Look for brands that use sustainable materials like organic cotton, recycled plastics, or natural rubber. In addition, consider investing in durable shoes that are made to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Brands like Allbirds offer shoes made from renewable resources like merino wool and eucalyptus fibers. Veja is also a great brand, known for using sustainable materials like organic cotton, wild rubber, and recycled plastic bottles to create stylish yet eco-friendly footwear.

Backpacks and Pocketbooks: Carry Your Belongings Sustainably

Your backpack or pocketbook is one of the most important items when traveling, and there are now many eco-friendly options available. Look for backpacks and bags made from recycled materials, such as recycled polyester or repurposed plastic bottles. Many brands also use fair-trade practices to ensure workers' rights are protected.

Consider purchasing products from Terra Thread or Garmentory, which focus on sustainability and ethical practices in their production. These brands ensure their products are durable, sustainable, and made with eco-friendly materials.

How to Make Sustainable Travel Decisions and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

While it’s important to choose sustainable travel products, it's equally important to make conscious decisions about how you travel. Here are some key ways to reduce your carbon footprint when traveling:

• Opt for Public Transportation: Whenever possible, choose trains, buses, or bicycles instead of taxis or rental cars. These options are generally more energy-efficient and produce fewer emissions.
• Stay in Sustainable Accommodations: Look for eco-friendly hotels or resorts that follow sustainable practices. Brands like Six Senses and Soneva have built their reputation around environmental sustainability and offer exceptional service without compromising the planet.
• Choose Sustainable Airlines: Several airlines are working to reduce their carbon emissions by using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and reducing their environmental impact. Look for airlines such as KLM and Delta Air Lines that are taking steps toward more sustainable flying.
• Reduce Plastic Waste: Bring your own reusable water bottles, bags, and utensils to avoid single-use plastics. You can easily pack reusable containers and bags that fit in your luggage.

Conclusion

By making smarter, more sustainable choices when selecting travel products, you can significantly reduce your environmental impact. From eco-friendly luggage and clothing to sustainable toiletries and shoes, every item you pack can make a difference. Moreover, the way you travel—from choosing sustainable airlines to reducing plastic waste—also contributes to a greener planet. Let's all do our part to travel more responsibly and help preserve the beautiful destinations we visit.

When choosing travel gear, it’s essential to consider the environmental impact of the materials used. Below are some of the most sustainable fabrics for travel products like luggage, clothing, backpacks, and accessories. These materials are known for being durable, lightweight, and eco-friendly:

• Recycled Polyester (rPET)

  Recycled polyester is made from post-consumer plastic bottles or waste fabrics. It reduces the amount of plastic in landfills and decreases energy consumption during production. Many eco-friendly brands, including Patagonia, use this fabric in their travel gear and apparel.

• Nylon from Recycled Materials

  Recycled nylon, made from discarded fabrics or plastic waste, is commonly used in backpacks, luggage, and travel accessories. It’s durable and resistant to abrasions. Brands like Eastpak and Osprey incorporate this fabric into their products.

• Hemp

  Hemp is an incredibly durable, natural fabric that requires little water or pesticides to grow. It’s breathable, lightweight, and resistant to mildew, making it an ideal material for travel bags, backpacks, and clothing. RARA manufactures hemp based backpacks and other products for travel. Other brands producing hemp based products are:

  • Rawganique Hemp Travel Bags

    Rawganique offers a range of organic hemp travel bags, including backpacks, duffel bags, and totes. These bags are handmade in Europe and the United States with organic material grown and sourced from Europe and the United States, chemical-free, and designed for sustainable lifestyles. They address their open letter to Dear chemically-sensitive and chemically-averse customer. They take pride in what they're doing and what they're doing is good for all.

  • Hempmania Hemp Duffel Bags

    Hempmania provides hemp duffel bags made from 100% hemp plain weave fabric. Their products are crafted in Guatemala by indigenous artisans, focusing on fair-trade practices.

  • Indohemp Hemp Bags & Travel Accessories

    Indohemp offers hemp bags, purses, and travel accessories handcrafted in Nepal. These products are made from hemp grown in the Himalayan mountains, emphasizing eco-friendliness and sustainability.

• Tencel (Lyocell)

  Tencel is an eco-friendly fabric made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, usually from eucalyptus trees. It’s biodegradable, soft, and moisture-wicking, making it a great material for clothing and travel accessories. It’s often used in activewear and travel clothing by brands like Patagonia.

• Recycled Polyurethane (PU)

  Recycled PU is used to create synthetic leather-like materials for bags, backpacks, and accessories. It’s an eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather, as it requires fewer resources and avoids animal products.

• Organic Cotton

  Organic cotton is grown without the use of harmful pesticides or fertilizers. It’s a more sustainable option compared to conventional cotton. While it’s not as durable for heavy-duty luggage, it’s commonly used in travel accessories like clothing, backpacks, and travel towels. Here are a few travel products companies using organic cotton in their products:

  • Terra Thread Sustainable Bags

    Terra Thread offers a range of travel bags and backpacks made from organic cotton. Their products include makeup pouches, toiletry bags, and fanny packs, all crafted in Fair Trade Certified factories. Each purchase contributes to combating hunger in the U.S.

  • Northern Olive Organic Cotton Travel Packing Cubes

    These packing cubes are made from 100% organic cotton and come in a set of four sizes. They are ideal for organizing clothing and intimates during travel.

  • Emigré 100% Organic Cotton One Pocket Travel Tee

    Crafted with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton, this travel tee features natural stretch, engineered side seams, and a cotton patch pocket with zipper closure to keep small items secure while on the move.

• Waxed Canvas

  Waxed canvas is a durable, water-resistant fabric made from cotton and wax coating. It’s a great option for backpacks and travel bags, offering durability and ruggedness. Peak Design often uses this material in its travel bags.

  A few other brands offering waxed canvas products suitable for the responsible traveler are:

  • Moop Shop

    An American-made brand offering everyday canvas bags and gifts. They emphasize sustainable practices by producing small batches in Seattle, WA, using quality, water-resistant materials. Their products are designed for durability and daily adventure.

  • Meanwhile Back on the Farm

    This company offers quality, hand-sewn wax canvas bags made in the USA. They pride themselves on using the finest materials and producing their bags in Lynchburg, Virginia.

  • Filson

    Known for their iconic Tin Cloth, Filson offers a range of waxed canvas bags, including duffles, briefcases, and totes. Their products are designed for durability and functionality, ideal for travelers seeking rugged gear.

  • Barebones Living

    Offers the Neelum waxed canvas bags, which are minimal in design and timeless in style. They are made with zero plastic and feature thick canvas protected by a layer of re-waxable beeswax, developing a soft, beautiful patina over time.

  • Sassy Sparrow

    Utilizes waxed canvas made by Martin Dyeing and Finishing Co., a New Jersey company that has been making waxed canvas and other dyed fabrics since 1838. Their bags are sturdy and waterproof, crafted with a focus on quality and durability.

• Why Choose Sustainable Fabrics for Travel?
  • Longer Lifespan:

    Sustainable fabrics are often more durable, meaning you won’t need to replace your travel items as frequently. This reduces waste in landfills.

  • Lower Environmental Impact:

    Sustainable fabrics often require less water, energy, and chemicals to produce compared to conventional materials like polyester or cotton.

  • Support for Ethical Brands:

    By choosing products made from sustainable fabrics, you support brands that are committed to eco-friendly and ethical practices, such as Patagonia, Nomatic, and Osprey.

• How You Can Make Sustainable Travel Choices
  • Choose Eco-Friendly Brands:

    Select travel products from brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical production practices. Swiss based Bluesign®, has developed a system for textile manufacturers and certification that ensures products are made with sustainable practices, minimizing harmful chemicals and focusing on responsible resource use, water consumption, and worker safety. Another certification to look for is the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) developed by Bangladesh based GSCS International Ltd., dedicated to verifying sustainability practices. Several travel product companies incorporate Bluesign® certified materials into their products.Look for the Bluesign® and GRS certification to be assured of sustainability claims.

  • Opt for High-Quality, Durable Items:

    Invest in items made from sustainable materials that will last longer, reducing the need for replacements and minimizing waste.

  • Pack Light:

    The lighter your luggage, the less fuel your transportation requires. Less weight also means fewer resources used in production and transportation.

  • Recycle and Repurpose:

    If possible, recycle your old luggage and travel gear, or repurpose them for other uses, rather than sending them to the landfill.