Road trips are a convenient way to explore both near and far since you always have your car, but knowing what to bring can still be iffy. Luckily though, packing can not only be made easy, but also environmentally-forward. So the next time you’re thinking about reaching for your suitcase, grabbing your keys and hitting the road, take a look at our curated list of sustainable road trip essentials below.
Photo courtesy of Chris Henry on Unpslash.
For Hygiene
Not only is this brand cruelty free, non-toxic and vegan but they are verified 100% plastic-free and climate neutral. This certified B-Corp company also donates 20% of their profits and 2% of their yearly revenue. Also check out their shampoo bars, face wash and body wash bars, all compact enough to throw in your toiletries bag without taking up extra space.
Keep your skin hydrated while on the road with this sustainable lotion option. This all natural and plastic free moisturizer is great quality and great for the planet; most of the time when we think lotion we think cream, however, many sustainably focused skin care companies are changing our minds with bars just like this one.
This soap is made with organic oils and ingredients to ensure a squeaky clean natural clean for all skin types. Not planning to stop at hotels during your road trip and aiming for a more rustic journey? Use this soap for everything from washing hands or as a body wash at a shower stop along the way.
For Comfort
This portable pillow is the collective brainchild of the Kanke family, who have been running a family business focused on sleep for 30 years. Each pillow comes with its own carrying case and the stuffing is designed to be tweaked to your satisfaction. The unique curve and shoulder cutout reduces strain on your upper body and is designed to support a side sleeper’s spinal alignment and to reduce strain on your upper body. It even has a copper-infused foam fill that has naturally antibacterial properties and keeps pillows fresh and cool night after night. If you’re road tripping with a friend or partner, use it to get some rest when it’s their turn to drive.
This handmade, breathable cotton eye mask with a “nose wing” design can effectively block light from all angles. Made with 95% organic cotton and 5% spandex, it offers a soft touch on the face, which can help release facial tension and prompt a restful night’s sleep. It’s flexible, foldable and washable — perfect for travel and for getting sleep when on the road (but not actually driving, of course).
Everyone knows traveling and driving all day can be exhausting, so this all-natural, four-spray combo will help keep you relaxed and get a good night’s rest regardless. The set includes Cani-Boost (for focus and energy), Cani-Mend (for post-party recovery), Cani-Fresh (for relaxation) and Cani-Sleep (for rest). Take Cani-Boost in the morning to supplement or replace your morning coffee. Take Cani-Mend during or after a late night. Keep Cani-Fresh with you while you’re on the go and leave Cani-Sleep on your bedside table.
For Food and Drink
This biodegradable cooler is reusable, lightweight, big enough to hold plenty of drinks and snacks and, best yet, is made from biodegradable materials. Composed of recycled paper and AKD (a biodegradable organic compound) and priced at $9.99 per 16 QT container is the perfect environmentally friendly travel essential without taking up too much space in your vehicle.
Not only a travel essential, but a life essential, a reusable mug holds your drinks (hot or cold) and eliminates the need for single use cups. bioGo’s products are non-toxic, BPA free are made from rice husks and fit into the circular economy. Even more, 10% of proceeds are donated to beach cleanups. Coffee or tea drinkers will appreciate being able to caffeinate, and not worry about spilling, while getting an early start on their drive.
This reusable water bottle not only is sleek, stylish, a great replacement for single use water bottles, but for those of us slight germaphobes out there, the blue light self cleaning feature neutralizes bacteria and viruses to ensure fresh safe drinking water 100% of the time. A single charge lasts up to one month, perfect for a road trip when you’re uncertain of the cleaning tools you’ll have access to.
If you’re planning to bring some snacks along for the ride, use reusable beeswax food wrap such as this one. This sustainable packaging solution can preserve all kinds of food, eliminate the need for single use plastics, save money and be used again and again. An added bonus for better quality and environmental friendliness.
Roadtrips often mean stopping along the way to eat before hitting the road again, meaning this four-person picnic kit might come in handy. Take your roadside meals to the next level with this compact backpack that comes with an insulated wine cooler, blanket, four-person dining set, wine glasses and more leaves nothing else to worry about when setting up the perfect outdoors outing. A plus, aside from the sleek appearance and color choice variety, is no extra plastic.
For the Beach
Road tripping in California means there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself on the coast, so it’s good to be prepared with lightweight, easy to pack beachgoing essentials such as this Lane Linen’s Sand Free Beach Towel that offers a hassle-free beach experience with its lightweight and oversized design. Crafted from 100% cotton, it dries quickly and has a compact design, making it easy to pack up before and after your outing. With easy care instructions, this towel ensures quality and convenience for all your summer adventures.
dippin daisys is an LA based brand super focused on sustainability. Their latest collections are made from recycled nylon, lead-free non-toxic metal, recycled foam, and organic and natural rubber. Instead of using dyes their small batch products use digital printing and are shipped in biodegradable packaging and they just joined TerraCycle to recycle their bikinis and work towards closing the loop on their products. Throw one of their suits in your car if you think you might be stopping for a swim, or if you expect that you might be using outdoor or indoor public showers along the way.
This simple canvas tote bag is the perfect eco-friendly beach companion. Crafted from 100% organic cotton, this bag is both durable and versatile, ideal for carrying essentials like towels, sunscreen and snacks. It is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, which means it was produced with fair labor practices and is free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. The durability and spaciousness of this bag also makes it great for not just carrying your beach things, but also for packing your clothes and toiletries without taking up a lot of room.
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