Wednesday, January 28, 2009

How to Pack For A Trip the Green Way

Going on a trip is exciting to-do. Months and days may have been spent in its preparation. You've saved each month from your spendings, taken off time from work, got a neighbour to look after the pet, and and now you are all set. All you have to do is pack your belongings. But how to pack them in an eco-friendly way? Here are some tips.

Remove all packaging waste from any packaged items before you travel. The countries you are travelling to may not be able to treat your package waste in a responsible manner. It's for you to see that it is disposed of properly.

Travel light, as lighter your baggage, the less energy your mode of transportation is going to consume. That includes yourself if you plan to do a lot of walking and cycling. Walking, cycling and public transport are the main forms of green travel. Shortening and combining car trips, tuning up your car, or driving a car that runs on cleaner fuel than conventional petrol or diesel, are also green alternatives.Take along only the essentials.

Travel-sized toiletries almost seem necessary. There are a few ways around this. If you are visiting friends and family, why bring anything more than a toothbrush? Use what they use. Try new toothpastes, soaps and shampoos, etc. For some allergenic people, buy travel-sized shampoo once, save the bottle and refill from your shampoo at home? Same can be done for almost every other toiletry.

One bag is all you need. Take along only the essentials. Make sure it is lightweight and wieldy. I've travelled across the globe and never needed more than a one duffle bag. The benefit of the one-bag system is that you don't have to wait at the conveyor belt for your bag, and there is no chance of airlines losing your luggage if you're holding onto it. If I have to carry around the bag, then prefer it to be as comfortable and as light as possible. You tend to buy less junk as you wont carry it around.