Hey Guys,
So this is where I will have a handy-dandy list of all the things you can have on you that help eliminate unnecessary waste! Many of these may seem too obvious or too simple, but you have no idea how many travelers don't think to bring along easy and light materials that can be used DAILY to avoid having trash!
#1: Cloth Napkin
Bet you totally thought I was going to say water bottle. Don't worry... it's coming. I wanted to make this number 1 because it is something ALMOST NO ONE DOES! I don't know why! It takes up 0-no space in your bag, and it is SO multifunctional! Not only can it be used to clean yourself or a surface, but it can also replace packaging for certain foods. Can't pass up that $1 empanada being sold from a cart at the bus station? Give them your napkin and ask them to wrap it in that instead of a bag. Dry foods from bakeries, street carts, and takeout places can easily can wrapped in a cloth napkin instead of plastic or paper bag or parchment paper.
#2: Bubble Bag
Guys, there is seriously no excuse not to have one of these folded up, magical inventions. It weighs nothing and fits anywhere. Unfold it and receive a bunch of free room! This can be used at grocery stores, markets, or even to carry the extra clothes you didn't have the patients to roll up and strategically fit in your backpack earlier that morning. It can also be used to separate your dirty clothes from the rest of the clothes in your pack (but only if you plan to wash it before putting food in there, lets not get too hippy here). There are millions of different colors, sizes, and brands sold not only online, but in markets in every country I have visited so far. They are cheap, easy to squeeze into a tight bag, and eliminate any possible need for a plastic bag. I would absolutely recommend having more than one.
#3: Liquid Container with Wide Mouth
When on the go, it is essential to make everything you squeeze into that backpack multi-functional. Find a bottle that can function for water, buying nuts/fruit at markets, and also for getting liquid/hot foods from street carts and ftake out restaurants! Raman Noodles and Pad Thai definitely cannot be wrapped in a cloth napkin, but with the right bottle, you can be resourceful:) Make sure the container is heat proof too so you can enjoy some coffee and tea!!
***SPECIAL TIP FOR WATER***
Always bring a water bottle with you whether the tap water is safe or not. If it is safe, you will not only avoid many, many plastic water bottles by drinking from the tap, but you will also safe some cash money. If the tap water is not clean, it is always cheaper and less plastic to buy one of those big water jugs when you first arrive and keep it in your hostel. You can refill your water bottle and stay hydrated without having to continuously purchase 1000 ml bottles.
#4: (FOR THE LADIES OUT THERE) The beautiful thing called the Diva Cup
Seriously. Do not knock it till you've tried it. So far not only has this been the easiest, lightest, and smallest thing to carry with me, but it has also been the biggest money saver. Imagine a world where you never have to spend another small fortune for tampons and/or pads. That shit adds up, fast. Ya, ya, I know you think it's gross, but get over it-- it's not. It saves a tooooon of plastic (think about the wrapping and applicator), saves you a lot of room in your bag, and is a one-time purchase. Also, one of my favorite part about it is I am never asking to borrow a tampon because once I start my period, it is always with me (or I guess inside of me... lol) so I don't ever have to remember to stock my bag with tampons before going out exploring for the day. Seriously, try it. For real. I promise you will have #noragrets
#5: Silverware
Another very small and light obvious thing that almost no one carries with them. Seriously. Those plastic forks and knives add up quicker than those $1 tequila shots. I'm going to end it there because no one can argue with that.
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