For many travelers, exploring some of the stunning landscapes in North America is the adventure of a lifetime. But what about doing it in an eco-friendly way? From renowned national parks in the United States to vast expanses of uninhabited nature in Canada, there is plenty to explore on our continent. Let’s take a look at some of the best eco-friendly travel gear you can bring for your North American adventures.
1. Setting Off for a North American Journey: Pack Eco-Friendly Travel Gear
Ready for an unforgettable North American journey? Make sure to pack eco-friendly travel gear to make sure your trip is sustainable! Your sensible packing decisions can help reduce pollution, conserve natural resources, and make the environment a nicer place for everyone.
Clothing
Start by considering what to bring in the clothing category – look for sustainable fabrics. Choose materials made from natural fibers like hemp, cotton, or linen, as synthetic ones wreak havoc in our environment. Look for fast-drying items to avoid having to wash frequently (requiring less water and energy) such as a pair of resistant hiking shoes, shorts, light breathable shirt, and quick dry underwear.
Moreover, bring a warm item for colder climates, like a jacket. A reusable water-resistant one is a great option as it’s more durable and doesn’t leave a footprint on the environment!
Bags
- Bring a backpack with an adjustable frame and shoulder pads for greater comfort and durability;
- Choose a reusable, water-resistant bag for extra gear, like a waterproof boat bag;
- Look for waterproof stuff bags to store electronics and toiletries;
- Reusable shopping bags for souvenirs.
Hygiene and Camping
Single-use products are out of the picture – bring bamboo or stainless steel utensils for meals. Look for reusable bottles to fill them with water and reduce plastic waste, and a water filter to purify the water from lakes, rivers and streams.
Get biodegradable camping soap for washing, and a camping towel for drying. These items will help you cut down on your single-use plastic consumption.
2. Get on the Right Track: Choose Reusable and Sustainable Items
When opting for reusable and sustainable items, you’re choosing to invest in wise and meaningful purchases that can have long-term benefits down the road. And don’t worry, you don’t have to sacrifice style in trade for sustainability – in fact, there are plenty of attractive and modern-looking pieces that are eco-friendly! Here are some great choices for everyday uses:
- Reusable water bottle – There’s no need to buy a new bottle of water everyday. Invest in a reusable water bottle. Opt for a sleek one or jazz it up with a stylish stainless steel bottle.
- Reusable grocery bags – Many stores now stock options for paper and reusable shopping bags, so next time you’re out grocery shopping you can bring your own. There are plenty of cute designs too, so there’s no need to compromise on style.
- Reusable lunch bags – Are you looking to buy a lunch bag? Say goodbye to single-use plastic bags and opt for a reusable option made from fabric with thermal insulation. This one is a winner since you can mark it with a name or personalized design.
- Stainless steel straws – We all know plastic straws contribute to pollution. The solution? Replace them with stainless steel metallic straws that come with a brush for effortless cleaning!
- Reusable produce bags – Opt for mesh bags that you can reuse over and over again. You can find bags made from recycled plastic and organic cotton that are degradable, so this is a great choice for the environment.
Now that you know the products, what about the places for you to shop? You can look for online stores that offer eco-friendly and stylish options, or look at local stores. Oftentimes, local businesses have unique finds that support a good cause. Plus, you can inquire more on the origin of the product and find out ways to make it more sustainable.
When choosing reusable and sustainable products, remember that the items you’re picking are helping the environment. So go ahead – shop knowing that you’re doing your part in reducing the amount of waste!
3. Don’t Break the Bank – Save Money AND the Environment
Get Unconventional
You don’t need to buy a fancy new device to live a more sustainable life. There are plenty of much simpler and cheaper alternatives; all it takes is going down the unconventional path. Whether it’s growing your own food, composting, or buying secondhand, there are plenty of ways to save money and help the environment.
Don’t Join the Hoarders
Don’t spend unnecessary amounts on buying new things you don’t need. This is especially true when it comes to electronics; you don’t want to end up with a bunch of outdated gadgets. Research the products you are interested in and look for deals online. Chances are you can get the item at least a few bucks cheaper by shopping around.
Try Online Resources
Whether you’re looking to donate items or buy something secondhand, online resources can be a great way to save money while being eco-friendly. Craigslist, Etsy, Freecycle, and many other sources offer people the chance to get rid of their unwanted items without having to throw them away.
Go for Secondhand Stores
One of the best ways to save money and help the environment is to go for secondhand items. Thrift stores, yard sales, and consignment stores are great options for finding furniture, home décor items, home appliances, clothes, shoes, and more – all at a fraction of the cost.
Reuse What You Have
Before purchasing a new item, take the time to figure out how you can reuse something you already have. A great way to save money and help the environment is to look for potential uses for old items instead of just throwing away or recycling them. Here are some of the best ideas for reusing old stuff:
- Transform an old mug into a plant pot.
- Turn an old watch into a necklace.
- Repurpose an old t-shirt into a shopping bag.
- Use an old suitcase as a side table.
- Upcycle plastic bottles into a wall planter.
DIY When You Can
Not only is it an eco-friendly alternative to buying new products, but it’s also much cheaper! You can create your own household cleaners, make a planter out of an old furniture piece, Rhinestone the clothing you already have, create curtains and a kitchen table from old wood, and much more. Get creative and the possibilities are endless!
4. Embrace the Adventure: Preserve Nature While Exploring the Great Outdoors
Exploring the great outdoors is an incredible adventure that allows you to immerse yourself in nature’s many sights, sounds and smells. There’s so much adventure to be found out in the wilderness, yet it is essential that those who venture beyond the city limits take responsibility for their actions and strive to protect and preserve the natural environment.
Choose an Informed Adventure-Action: Knowledge is power, and the more you understand about the outdoors, the more safety and respect you will demonstrate. Read up on the areas you plan to explore and understand the natural boundaries and regulations. Educate yourself and practice responsible conduct, keeping in mind principles like ‘leave no trace’ and ‘carry it in, carry it out’.
Safety First: Prior to setting out on a journey, review potential dangers and prepare for the worst. Provide yourself with access to quick communication and essential information, trip checklists or extensive safety instructions and register your destination with a friend or family. Stay alert and be mindful of your surroundings.
Be Kind to Nature: Pick up after yourself and small debris along your path, aim to reduce and reuse waste, splash your trail mixes instead of leaving it behind. Prolong the life of nature by avoiding excessive harvesting of natural resources and minerals, and help to protect fauna and flora by carefully observing them rather than disrupting their habitats.
Consider Animal Protection and Conservation: While it is exciting to observe animals in the wild, do not attempt to approach, feed, or manipulate them. Respect nature and its creatures, and maintain distance to ensure everyone’s safety. Do your part to conserve wildlife by giving threatened species a safer and stronger growing environment! Stop the exploitation of endangered and wild animals and instead spend time and money in support of established conservation organizations.
Make Every Adventure Count: Leave the area better than it was when you arrived. Take a few moments to appreciate the beauty and joy of your surroundings, and set an example to others that preserving nature is an act of respect. Commit to the adventure, but remain conscious of your actions. Get out there, discover, enjoy and embrace the great outdoors!
So, whether you’re planning a road trip through the warmth of the southern states, or a hike through the crisp Rocky Mountains, make sure you take the time to select the right eco-friendly traveling gear for your North American adventure. Have a great trip, and don’t forget to leave your footprints with a smile!
