What if your next holiday left nothing behind, not even a plastic wrapper?
Welcome to the zero-waste travel challenge, where we try to take a one-week trip with zero waste overflowing bins, no plastic cutlery, and no guilt. Just conscious, calm, sustainable travel that’s kinder to the planet and surprisingly fun.
This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about trying. And in this blog, I’ll walk you through the challenge from start to finish, booking your trip, packing smart, and making zero-waste choices at every stop. I’ve also included a super-easy checklist and some go-to eco-friendly travel products that help.
Ready? Let’s go zero-waste!
Why Zero-Waste Travel?
Travel is wonderful. But let’s be honest, most trips come with a lot of waste.
Think plastic bottles, takeout boxes, mini hotel shampoos, and airport snacks in layers of plastic. It adds up. But with a little prep and a shift in mindset, you can still enjoy all the things you love about travel, just without the unnecessary trash.
Plus, choosing zero-waste travel options isn’t just good for the environment; it also saves you money and helps support small, local, and ethical businesses.
Step 1: Book With Purpose
Your journey starts even before you leave home. Booking responsibly is part of the sustainable travel puzzle.
Here’s what I did:
- Skipped flights where possible: Trains are more scenic and have a much lower carbon footprint. (Tip: Use the National Rail Journey Planner for UK trips.)
- Chose eco stays: I booked eco-conscious accommodation, an off-grid cottage through a platform that supports green properties.
- I avoided paper by going fully digital using e-tickets, boarding passes, hotel confirmations, and maps on my phone. No need to print anything!
Challenge Tip: Search for stays that mention “eco certified”, “green business”, or “plastic-free” in their listings.
Step 2: Pack Your Zero-Waste Kit
Packing is where your success begins. The goal: reduce disposables, pack reusables, and avoid waste before it starts.
Here’s what went into my bag:
Toiletries (solid + sustainable)
- Shampoo bar
- Conditioner bar
- Bar soap
- Toothpaste tablets
- Deodorant stick (plastic-free)
No liquids, no leaks, and no little plastic bottles. These eco-friendly travel products come in eco-friendly packaging or tins and last way longer than regular travel-sized stuff.
Reusables
- Stainless steel water bottle
- Collapsible coffee cup
- Bamboo cutlery set + metal straw
- Cloth napkin
- Tiffin/snack box
- Reusable shopping bag
These items helped me avoid so much single-use plastic, especially when eating out or grabbing takeaway.
Extra swaps
- Bamboo toothbrush
- Menstrual cup/reusable pads
- Fabric laundry bag
- Refillable perfume atomiser
- Solar power bank
Packing these eco-friendly travel products meant I had almost no waste to throw away during the trip.
Step 3: Getting There (Greener!)
Transportation is a big part of your travel footprint.
For this challenge, I chose the train. It was a beautiful, slow ride and a much lower-emission option than flying. I brought my snacks in eco-friendly packaging (cloth wraps and stainless tins) and a book.
Other sustainable options:
- Buses/coaches over short flights
- Carpooling or renting EVs
- Bike or e-bike rentals at your destination
If you do have to fly, try to:
- Choose direct flights (less fuel waste)
- Offset your carbon
- Avoid plastic-heavy airport food
Step 4: Eating Without the Trash
Eating out is one of the best parts of travel, but it can be wasteful. Here’s how I kept it low-impact:
Reusables to the rescue
- I carried my bamboo cutlery, napkin, and tiffin box.
- I refused plastic straws (or used my metal one).
- I filled up my bottle everywhere possible (many restaurants will happily refill).
Farmers’ markets and local shops
Buying fresh produce or local snacks often means less packaging. Bonus: you're supporting the local economy.
Eat in when possible
Dining in (instead of takeaway) usually means reusable plates, cutlery, and cups. I always asked cafes if they could serve in-house, even if I was ordering something quick.
Challenge Tip: If you get takeaway, bring your own box. Many vendors don’t mind, and some even appreciate it!
Step 5: Low-Waste Living While Away
When you’re settled into your destination, whether it’s a beach house, countryside cottage, or city flat, keep your habits simple and clean.
Here’s how I made it work:
- Used my solid toiletries and cloth towel (no hotel minis needed)
- Did laundry with a soap bar or an eco detergent sheet
- Collected my dry waste in a small pouch and took it home, or composted it locally if possible
- Asked the accommodation if they recycle or compost food waste
Some things can’t be avoided, but zero-waste travel is about awareness. Once I saw how much I was not throwing away, it motivated me even more.
Day by Day: How It Felt
Each day was a small win:
- Day 1: Ate all meals plastic-free using my reusables.
- Day 2: Bought local fruits wrapped in leaves, not clingfilm.
- Day 3: Borrowed a bike instead of taking a cab.
- Day 4: Spent time outdoors, created no waste at all.
- Day 5: Had my morning coffee in a café using my cup.
- Day 6: Picked up beach litter and felt amazing.
- Day 7: Packed up, left nothing behind, not even a bin bag.
Was it perfect? No. I still ended up with a paper ticket stub and one plastic food wrapper I couldn’t avoid. But compared to a “normal” trip, the waste was tiny. I DID MY BEST
The Ultimate Zero-Waste Travel Checklist
Essentials:
- Water bottle
- Coffee cup
- Bamboo cutlery
- Cloth napkin
- Reusable shopping bag
- Tiffin/snack box
- Metal straw
Toiletries:
- Shampoo + conditioner bar
- Toothpaste tablets
- Bamboo toothbrush
- Bar soap
- Reusable razor
- Natural deodorant
- Menstrual cup or reusable pads
Extras:
- Solar charger
- Fabric laundry bag
- Book/Kindle
- Travel towel
- Compostable wipes
With just this kit, I avoided dozens of single-use items and created almost zero trash over the week.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not About Being Perfect
Sustainable travel and zero-waste travel are journeys, not strict rules. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress. The truth is, every eco-swap helps.
You don’t have to do everything. But imagine if every traveller made just a few of these changes? The collective impact would be huge.
This challenge changed how I travel for good. It made me more mindful, more present, and honestly, more joyful.
Pro Tips
- Keep your eco-friendly travel products in one pouch so it’s easy to grab what you need.
- Talk to vendors; many love it when customers bring their containers.
- Research eco-friendly packaging swaps in local markets before you go.
- Share your challenge on social media to inspire others!
- Reward yourself with an experience, not stuff like a beach picnic or guided hike.
Ready to Try the Challenge?
Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or planning a longer trip, this zero-waste travel challenge is for you.
Start small. Choose one area to focus on, maybe just your toiletries or meals, and build from there.
Not only will you reduce your footprint, but you’ll also feel lighter, freer, and more connected to your journey. And isn’t that what travel is all about?
So go ahead book that trip, pack that bottle, and leave only footprints.
Happy (waste-free) travels!