Pack | Essentials for Rubbish Free Travelling

As much as possible, we must be prepared. We consume so much single-use plastic out of convenience — but with a little planning, you can travel (and live!) without constantly creating waste.

The hard truth is this: without tourism, many places are actually much cleaner. When I returned to Indonesia after the travel bans were lifted, I noticed something striking. The waterways were clearer. There was no trash along the roads. It was quiet, yes — but clean. That’s when it hit me: the surge in tourism means a surge in consumption. It’s a numbers game, sure — but also a responsibility check.

So, if you’re going to travel, especially in places that are doing their best to manage influxes of people, let’s not be the problem.

Here’s what I pack — and recommend — to reduce waste wherever I go.

The Non-Negotiables:

1. Water filter bottle
   My go-to is the Grayl. It filters water incredibly fast, and I can fill up to 3 litres in under a minute. Combine that with a collapsible bottle or thermal bottle to keep drinks the temperature you want, and you’re set.
   
   (Side note: PET bottles aren’t truly recyclable or reusable — they’re a shortcut we can’t afford to keep taking.)

2. Tote bags, always
   Use what you already have. We all have tote bags lying around — and they’re gold when you travel. Use them to separate clean vs. dirty clothes, food, gear, etc. And when you don’t need one, fold it up flat and it takes up no space.

3. Collapsible bowl
   A large, foldable bowl is endlessly useful. For takeaways, washing, prepping snacks, or even scooping water to rinse sandy feet. I’ve used mine in the strangest places, and I’ll never travel without it.

4. Solid toiletries

   Switch to solid shampoo, conditioner, and body wash — no leaky bottles, no mini plastic hotel bottles, no extra liquids to worry about when flying. Bonus: they last longer and save space.

5. Electrolytes

   Always helpful when you’re sweating all day or skipping proper meals. Bring them in paper or compostable pouches, or reuse a small container. It helps me to avoid drinking fizzy drinks and other sugary bottled/canned drinks as well.

Beyond the Basics:

1. Say no to straws
   And no to plastic cutlery, plastic bags, plastic cups… you get the idea. Politely refuse or bring your own.

2. Eat local, eat real
   Coconut water in a coconut beats plastic bottled drinks every time. Choose fresh fruits, nuts, and snacks over processed potato chips and plastic-wrapped cookies.

3. Shop consciously

   One of the most rewarding ways to bring home a souvenir is to leave space in your bag for it. Support local designers, many of whom work with single mothers, survivors, or people with disabilities. You’ll find beautiful, functional, wearable keepsakes — not mass-produced junk.

4. Give & replace
   Some people like to travel with older clothes they’re ready to let go of. If you’re donating, please make sure they’re clean, appropriate, and useful — not trash disguised as charity. And when it’s time to replace items, do it intentionally: choose things that last, from people and brands that care.

Final Thought:

You don’t have to buy anything before you travel. Use what you already have. Most of what makes you feel “ready” to go is marketing. But the planet can’t afford that kind of impulse anymore.

We can still have joy, colour, flavour, and ease — without plastic. We just have to be prepared.