Our Zero Waste Travel Kit - aka No Footprint Nomads Kit
We carry our zero waste travel kit everywhere, even when we are not traveling. But trust us, traveling is the ultimate challenge for zero waste.
It’s just a new habit you have to create even before you get or buy anything of this stuff.
You need convince yourself that every time you leave your house, you take your house key, your wallet, mobile phone and your zero waste kit. As simple as that.
The size of your kit may vary, you may not want to start right away with glass food containers like we carry, because you may feel it’s not always convenient.
Fine, start with a starter version, and then you will see it will grow from there.
We will show you what’s part of a starter version and an advanced one, and we’ll give you free alternatives to the paid ones.
We still carry our reusable cutlery we bought in 2010, no reason to get new as it would defeat the purpose. That’s why we recommend free alternatives in case you don’t want (shouldn’t :P) buy new stuff.
Thanks for joining this movement and helping out with a little effort.
How to create a smaller version - The zero waste starter kit
Zero waste starter kit is focused on the main activity you do on the road: eat out.
Although you may go to restaurants where cutlery is reusable, straws and napkins will certainly not be. (unless is a fancy restaurant with cloth napkins)
And if you eat in a mall or a street market chances are the cutlery is going go be disposable too.
Based on this experience the starter kit has cutlery, straw and napkin and can feet neatly on your purse or small backpack pocket.
As an extra we could add the water bottle which is probably the most used zero waste item, but that’s bulkier and not so convenient to everyone.
The starter kit:
– Travel Cutlery
– Reusable straw
– Cloth napkin
As an extra consider the super compact shopping bags for non planned shopping
Cutlery
Free Option
Any metal cutlery you have at home will be a great base for your start. It's not as convenient as sporks but it's free and do the same. Just be careful with knifes if you are traveling by train
Wheat Straw Based
There are many materials for cutlery out there, and bamboo is a popular choice. We have been exploring also the wheat grass based products and their sustainability, so we recommend this model
Straw
Free Option
The cheapest straw you can use is not to use one at all. (you thought I was going to say hay 😛 ) Unless you are drinking from a coconut and other specific situation you just need to remember to refuse straws
Metal straw set
There are also many materials for straws, , bamboo, silicone, plastic, glass but we think metal is the most durable (very important for zero waste) and easier to maintain
Napkin
Free Option
If you don't have at home, you can easily sew som. Get any unused fabric at your home, and google how to sew napkins, you'll find many resources.
Upcycled napkins
Napkins are a very simple product made from fabric, if you have to buy new get these upcycled. They have a rustic look which may decrease the need or washing. 🙂
The cutlery set I referred above also has chopsticks, which or me are very important to eat slowly. 🙂
If you prefere bamboo you can get a full starter set.
The full waste pack
Alright you feel confident with the starter kit, let’s complete it with the more advanced items:
– Water bottle
– Mug
– Food Container
– Glass jar
– Tote bag
– Produce bags
Water bottle
Free Option
Either you reuse endlessly your bought plastic bottles or you get a nice glass bottle with a smart iron lock and you are ready to go
Metal bottle with filter
If you are a traveler and you are going to buy a new bottle consider a model with a filter, your health will thank you. (This does not filter virus)
Mug
Free Option
Taking mugs from home is not a great idea as they can easily break, an alternative can be to use the glass jar we recommend below
Straw and Recyclable Mug
Once again we give preference to reusable material and straw is here too. We also like the foldable mugs of silicone because they are super convenient to travel
Food container
Free Option
Yes, we carry our Tupperware around when we don't have access to glass or metal containers. They are lighter than the others and are better than nothing
Metal Lunch box
A must for take way food or when you get too much food on a restaurant and definitively don't want to throw it away
Glass jar (3in1)
Free Option
Get your free jam jar, wash it and carry with you. This is a multi purpose item, can use in stores, get food or even as a drinking mug. It's a free 3-1
Standard glass jars
You an get this standard glass jars, and if you want to use as 3-1 too you can also get a top that is adapted to straw drinking
Shopping Bag
Free Option
You don't need to knit yours, although it looks awesome. There are plenty o videos to help you to convert old t-shirts in great tote bags
Reusable shopping bags
This are very easy to carry as they are very light. You can use one of them to carry all the zero waste chunk stuff and the others inside
Produce Bag
Free Option
You can buy these tangerines and reuse the bag. 😛 Or just like the napkins, google for videos to do your own 🙂
Cotton produce bags
Different sizes and shapes, the mesh is great for fresh produce and it should be enough for all your purchases
Zero Waste lifestyle
Zero waste is a mindset, one that needs to be always on so you can capture situation you did not think before. It’s part of being a responsible traveler.
Just as you can see from the image above, we were buying popcorn and looked at those big buckets used only for the duration of the movie.
What a waste! And we had a solution with us.
This idea of carrying a kit, and what type of kit is very personal.
Anyone should adjust to their taste and life convenience.
Good luck and happy zero-wasting!
Read more: Go to our Zero Waste Travel hub and check natural products recommendations
