Best Eco-Friendly Travel Essentials (Zero Waste Packing Guide)
I love train travel. It’s my perfect office, a living room, and a community centre.
Last November, I spent almost three days on the VIA Rail Canadian travelling Toronto–Edmonton–Toronto, and it reminded me how enjoyable slow travel can be.
I also regularly travel by train between Toronto and Ottawa or Montreal, so this has become a bit of a routine for me.
It’s relaxing. You watch the landscape change, learn about the places you’re passing through, and end up talking to strangers - often taking a small piece of them with you.
During my journey, I found myself doing puzzles with people who quickly became friends, and I even learned two new card games: crib and Quiddler.
I love the dining car experience - real plates, amazing food, and genuinely warm service. In between meals, there’s always coffee and tea available, and if you bring your own bottle or mug, it’s an easy way to reduce waste without changing your routine.
That’s exactly why I’ve started travelling with a few simple, reusable essentials. Nothing complicated - just small things that make travel easier while reducing waste along the way.
Best Eco-Friendly Travel Essentials
Reusable Water Bottles
AÂ reusable water bottle is one of the easiest and most impactful items to bring.
On trains like VIA Rail, there are often places to refill, and having your own bottle means you’re not relying on disposable cups.
I also like having a second option like a collapsible bottle when space is tight or when I head out for longer walks or hikes.
👉Chances are you already have a water bottle that works well. If you’re ever looking for another option, you can explore our reusable bottle selection here.
Reusable Coffee/Tea Mug
Coffee and tea are almost always available when you travel - but they’re often served in disposable cups.
Bringing your own cup is such an easy thing to do - and once you start, it just becomes part of how you travel.
Sitting down with a real mug is still my favourite way to drink coffee, but that’s not always possible when you’re on the go. Having a cup that feels like mine makes travel feel just a little more grounded.
Reusable Cutlery
I always have either a spork or a To-Go Ware bamboo cutlery set in my backpack or car.
It’s lightweight and surprisingly useful - whether I’m eating on the train, in a park, or in a hotel room.
You might already have something that works well - bring it along. If you’re looking for a reusable option, you can explore our selection here.
And if you want something ultra lightweight, the Light My Fire Titanium Spork is a great option.
Reusable Food Storage & Bags
I use reusable bags for all kinds of things - bringing some homemade granola for my destination (I usually pick up yogurt along the way), packing snacks like nuts or dried bean snacks, or simply organizing travel essentials like my toothbrush and a few compact toiletries.
👉 You might already have something that works well. If not, you can explore our travel bag options here.
Compact Travel Pack
A compact, packable bag is something I always bring along.
It’s perfect for day trips, biking, kayaking, walking around a new city, and those spontaneous adventures that always seem to happen when you travel.
It takes up almost no space, but once you unpack it, it easily fits everything you need for the day. I especially like the two side pockets for water bottles and the small carabiner inside - I always clip my keys so I don’t have to think about them.
👉 I usually bring the ChicoBag Travel Pack - it’s been a really reliable option for me.
A Simpler Way to Travel
Eco-friendly travel isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about making a few simple choices that make your trip easier - and reduce waste along the way.
Start small. Bring one or two items. The rest tends to follow naturally.
If you’re looking to make your next trip a little simpler, you can explore our eco-friendly travel essentials here.
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most useful eco-friendly travel items to bring?
A reusable water bottle, a mug, and basic cutlery are a great place to start.
They don’t take up much space, and you’ll end up using them more often than you think - especially on longer trips.
Do I need to buy new products to travel more sustainably?
Not at all.
Chances are you already have things at home that work well - like a water bottle or a mug. Start with what you have, and add to it only if you need to.
How can I reduce waste while travelling?
A bit of planning goes a long way. Bringing your own bottle, cup, and something for food makes it much easier to avoid single-use items along the way.
Is zero waste travel realistic?
Not completely - and it doesn’t need to be.
The goal isn’t perfection, but making a few simple choices that reduce waste where it’s easy to do so.
What should I pack for a zero waste trip?
A simple starting point:
- reusable water bottle
- travel mug
- cutlery (like a spork or bamboo utensil set)
- reusable bags or containers
- a compact day bag
From there, you can adjust depending on how and where you travel.
Are reusable travel products worth it?
In my experience, yes - but not just because they reduce waste.
They also make travel easier and more economical, especially when you’re bringing your own food or drinks.