How I’m Adding Sustainability Into My Travels.
Small simple changes. I’m sure we’ve all heard the saying one person can’t change the world, but we can all change the world by doing one thing, or something along those lines. Such a mindset inspired me to explore a more eco-friendly way of travelling. The purpose of this post is to highlight the tiny swaps which, undeniably, make a big impact in the long-term. Sustainability can be such a daunting concept, but it doesn’t need to be. The moment you start exploring the topic, you’re already ahead.
Ditching Plastic For Coconut Bowls.
The moment I came across organic coconut bowls, I was hooked. As the name suggests, you’re looking at bowls, plates and cutlery made entirely from waste coconut shells. I pack a few with me when I go to street-food markets, and ask for food to be directly added into the bowls. I mean, it’s better than a plastic container. Not only do coconut bowls LOOK nice, they’re easy to maintain. I purchased mine from a market by the sea during a summer of European travels, however ‘Wearth London’ and ‘Etsy’ also sell the product.
Supporting Local Produce.
Next up is the incorporation of more local produce. In the past, I would go to the supermarket, pick up some fruit and head to the checkouts. Sounds familiar, right? Right. However, how many of us actually look at the labels? I’ll be honest, I never did. That’s why I never knew just how far the groceries in my cart had travelled. I felt bad, because I knew I could be supporting local sellers who grow their own fruit/veg. It’s another way to avoid plastic consumption too. Oh, and why does local produce seem so much more flavoursome?
Finding Alternatives To Makeup Removers.
It’s time to put down chemically-infused makeup remover sheets and switch towards reusable cloths. Not any cloth though, a specific type aimed for makeup removal. Need convincing? What if I tell you these cloths remove makeup more efficiently, are gentle on the skin, can be washed/dried in seconds and will end up saving you money. Sold? I thought so.
Practising The Concept Of Slow Travel.
In short, slow travel focuses on sustainability in a way which differs from mainstream tourism. The idea encourages travellers to leave behind a fast-paced mindset, such as intense island-hopping, in favour of giving yourself time to experience connection. The sustainable part comes from the fact there’s a higher chance you’ll purchase from local communities or interact more deeply with the environment. You’re bound to view a place more authentically too. Who doesn’t love recommendations from locals, after all?
Want my personal insight? Previously, I assumed every element of my trip had to be jam-packed with adventure to maximise. The thought of sleeping in late or being at a place for too long gave me fear of missing out. I was always on the move. Yes, I was constantly entertained but something was missing. I lacked connection. I felt like I wasn’t really learning anything, even though I had plenty of things to do. An article on slow travel is what forced me to put together the pieces. Everything suddenly made sense. I was craving emotion with locals, nature, and culture. Things which I wasn’t getting from my usual travel approach. In that moment, I abandoned my travel bucket-list. At least temporarily. Small changes are better than no changes, as they say…
Organic coconut bowls! What a great idea, and honestly, as a guy, hadn’t even thought of the make-up removal thing, but my wife thought your suggestion a great idea! The produce idea’s a lot harder, though when we go to Vermont, almost all their food is from their home state, and if not, clearly labeled. Nice post, Yaz – thank u! 😊
Thank you so much! I’m glad you both liked the ideas, and I totally agree that the produce point is perhaps harder than the other points! Also, because here in the U.K. there isn’t the climate for things like tomatoes 😭 I would love to have a mini greenhouse in my garden in the future ! There is something that looks so therapeutic about growing my own fruit and veg but I know it would take a lot of patience!!
Only our youngest girl’s had the patience to grow some veggies so far, but my oh my are they tasty! Hopefully there’ll be some affordable solution for a little greenhouse there; I imagine the cold spells are very damp!
Loved this post! Small things really can go a long way! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Yes! Thank you so much ☺️
Love this. And written so well x
Thank you! ☺️
Beautiful and so important!
Yes! Thanks so much 🙂
You are very welcome!👌💕
Good thing is that these bowls are more durable than you think!
Yes! So true
Adding sustainability into your travelling is a good idea. Thank you 😊
I agree! 🙂
You are welcome!
I like the idea of your cute coconut bowl! And the more people that use them, the more vendors Will get used to being asked to fill them!
Ooh the coconut bowl sounds fantastic! I’ve never thought of that for street food etc before. Similarly I’ve been meaning to start going to meat/deli counters in supermarkets and getting produce put straight into tupperware etc, but this feels like a further step. I always love finding ideas like this!
They truly are the best and so durable too! I’m glad you found this post useful 🙂