Next month, I'll reach my 50th country, and by summer's end, I'll have visited 51. Over the past decade of travel, I've had unforgettable experiences but also witnessed much pollution that I wish I could erase.
Whenever I see a plastic bag, I recall the field near Uyuni, Bolivia, swathed in plastic debris, fluttering like tattered flags. While I can't tackle this issue alone, this post aims to raise awareness. Inspired by my recent trip to the Galapagos and a National Geographic article from June 2018 on plastic pollution, I'm sharing these thoughts.
On Point, an NPR program, recently interviewed the writer behind that National Geographic feature, which you can listen to here.
Ha Long Bay in Vietnam is breathtaking. According to National Geographic, five Asian nations contribute to half of the world's mismanaged plastic waste.
Understanding the Issue
While plastics serve essential purposes, single-use plastics are the main contributors to the pollution crisis affecting oceans and wildlife. Plastic bags are particularly harmful. Many animals, including turtles, often mistake them for jellyfish, a primary food source. Recently, a pilot whale died after ingesting 17 pounds of plastic, which included 80 shopping bags.
Here are some key points from the National Geographic article:
- Between 5.3 and 14 million tons of unrecycled plastic enter the ocean annually.
- Plastic can take up to 450 years to biodegrade, with some items never breaking down.
- 40% of annual plastic production is for disposable items.
- Only 10% of plastic in the U.S. is recycled.
- Globally, less than one-fifth of plastic is recycled.
- Five Asian countries are responsible for half of global mismanaged plastic waste: China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, and Sri Lanka.
- Greenpeace highlights that littering and corporations like Unilever and Nestle, which promote single-use plastics, are major contributors.
- Public demand is prompting companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Amcor, and Unilever to adopt eco-friendly practices.
Khardung La in India has banned plastic bags.
Plastic Bag Bans Worldwide
Many nations have implemented plastic bag bans, including Italy, Bangladesh, China, and various African countries. In the U.S., certain states (like North Carolina and Hawaii) and cities (like San Francisco and Austin) have enacted similar measures. Some areas in rural India and Australia are also joining this movement.
Changing habits and urging companies to produce eco-friendly products can help keep oceans pristine like Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon in Iceland.
14 Actions You Can Take
Here's a list of easy ways to contribute positively to the environment at home and during your travels. Making these changes can inspire others, and many of these tips will save you money too! Plus, the products mentioned are all under $20!
Bare Republic natural sunscreen is available at Target and Amazon. I use both the liquid and stick versions.
1. Natural Sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens are major contributors to coral reef bleaching and will be banned in Waikiki Beach by 2021. Oxybenzone, an FDA-approved chemical, is linked to breast cancer and birth defects. Choose natural sunscreens with zinc and titanium dioxide, which are safer for both your body and the ocean. I've been using Bare Republic's sunscreen for years, and it smells great.
2. Biodegradable Soap
I love Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Soap. It's biodegradable, effective, and made from organic oils. It's concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Available in both liquid and bar forms, it's perfect for travel and can be used for dishes or laundry.
The Sawyer MINI water filter has saved me money and is easy to carry.
When visiting areas where tap water isn't safe to drink, filter your own water instead of buying plastic bottles. Many developing regions lack recycling facilities for plastic water bottles. For five years, I've relied on the Sawyer MINI water filter in places like Mexico and Tanzania, saving me hundreds of dollars and reducing plastic waste. It costs around $20.
4. Avoid Plastic Straws
Single-use plastics cause significant pollution, with 50% produced in the U.S. Skip straws at restaurants. For medical needs or kids, opt for eco-friendly paper or metal alternatives. Many restaurants now offer straws only upon request!
Klean Kanteen is my top choice for insulated water bottles. (No offense to YETI, but their bottles are bulky.)
5. Reusable Water Bottle
On my Galapagos boat trip, we were given reusable stainless steel water bottles. I love my insulated Klean Kanteen, which I've used for years. It costs $20. Stainless steel bottles are easier to clean than plastic, especially for longer trips.
6. Cut Down on Paper Use
Instead of collecting brochures or guidebooks, opt for digital versions or take photos of important info. Most tourist materials can be found online. Use offline maps via Google Maps or Maps.me. If you must take paper, recycle it responsibly.
I adore this reusable llama bag from BAGGU. I got mine on sale for $8!
In Austin, Texas, plastic bags are banned. You must bring your own or buy a reusable bag at checkout. I always carry a Baggu in my purse. It's lightweight and holds up to 50 pounds. I also keep extra bags in my car for larger shopping trips.
What if you forget your reusable bags?
If you forget them, just return to your car to grab them. It will become a habit! If I forget mine, I take my items back to the cart and bag them in my car.
8. Choose Paper Q-Tips
There's a shocking image of a seahorse tangled with a plastic cotton swab in National Geographic. Good news: Johnson & Johnson plans to switch back to all paper stems for their Q-tips. I choose store brands that use paper instead of plastic, and it's worth the extra cost!
I use lightweight dry sacks for my camera gear in case it rains. They're perfect for everyday use.
Ziploc bags can be hard to give up. They're handy for food and wet items. Instead, try dry sacks as an eco-friendly option. I also use reusable plastic-lined toiletry bags I found at home. My 13-liter Sea to Summit dry sack cost $20 and has been a great investment.
These reusable toiletry bottles are affordable at Target. Just refill them with your regular shampoo or conditioner.
10. Avoid Single-Use Plastic Packaging
Buy in bulk to minimize plastic waste. Carry bar soap instead of liquid, and use reusable toiletry bottles for travel. Avoid plastic plates and cups. Consider camping plates or BPA-free sporks for your adventures. Support brands that prioritize recycled or eco-friendly packaging.
11. Use Pyrex or BPA-Free Containers
I traveled to Boston with a sandwich in a BPA-free Rubbermaid container. I strive to avoid plastic bags and Ziplocs. For lunch or road trips, I use glass Pyrex containers or BPA-free plastic ones, which are both affordable and easy to find.
Supporting local farmers' markets, like this one at Granville Island in Vancouver, is a fantastic way to reduce transportation emissions.
12. Eat Locally
When traveling, skip chain restaurants. Eating local reduces transportation costs and supports communities. Plus, local food is fresher and less processed.
13. Recycle and Conserve
Look for recycling services or bins wherever you go. During a month-long stay in Buenos Aires, I collected my recyclables and took them to street bins. Bring your own eco-friendly toiletries instead of using tiny hotel supplies. Remember to reuse towels and turn off lights/air conditioning when leaving your room.
14. Utilize Public Transport
If public transport is available and safe, use it! This reduces your carbon footprint and eases highway congestion.
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None of the brands mentioned above are sponsoring me. I've personally used all of them and found them effective. Some links are Amazon and REI affiliates. If you click a link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I hope you find this post useful. Please reach out if you have questions.
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COMING UP NEXT
Photo Guide to the Galapagos
My next post will continue the eco-friendly theme, showcasing the Galapagos Islands, one of the world's most pristine environments, with a focus on wildlife and highlights from these ancient islands!
