10 Amazing Eco-Friendly Travel Gifts

It's no coincidence that people who love to travel are also some of the staunchest defenders of the environment. It’s impossible not to be conscious about your environmental footprint when you’re getting a firsthand look at plastic pollution, deforestation, food waste and other big contributors to climate change. Still, there's no denying that traveling itself can be a bit problematic for the environment. According to Our World in Data, air travel alone accounts for 2.5 percent of global carbon emissions.

Luckily, you can help the thoughtful traveler in your life reduce their individual carbon footprint by giving them eco-friendly travel gifts, be it a bamboo cutlery set or a plastic-free shampoo bar that helps them breeze through airport security. So, if you know someone who loves to travel, consider getting them one of these eco-friendly travel gifts they’re sure to love.

1. Reusable Bamboo Cutlery

Did you know that Americans throw away more than 40 billion plastic utensils annually? That’s a lot of plastic waste we’re throwing away in the name of a good meal. Consider giving your favorite traveler the gift of reusable bamboo cutlery so they can enjoy their on-the-go meals plastic-free, waste-free and — yes — guilt-free.

2. Water Purification Bottle

When the local tap water is questionable, many travelers resort to buying water in wasteful plastic bottles. And for good reason: Nothing spoils a good adventure more quickly than a waterborne illness! To help your favorite traveler drink up sans plastic, consider giving them a water purifier bottle that’s designed to strain out harmful bacteria and viruses. Think of all the money and plastic bottles you’ll save!

3. Shampoo and Conditioner Bars 

A high-quality shampoo and conditioner are must-have essentials for any intrepid traveler, but who says they need to come in a plastic bottle? The minimal traveler in your life will love washing their tresses with plastic-free shampoo and conditioner bars. On top of being good for your hair and the environment, these solid bars are lightweight, easy to carry and TSA-friendly!

4. Face Soap Bars 

If you’re going to give someone a shampoo and conditioner bar, you might as well top their gift off with a face soap bar. Unlike full-sized liquid cleansers, face soap bars offer a gentle cleanse in solid form so your giftee can get through airport security without issue.    

Related: Can You Take a Bar of Soap on a Plane?

5. Solar Charger 

There’s a lot to like about portable solar panel chargers: they’re convenient, eco-friendly and ideal for travelers who frequently go off-the-grid. Plus, they provide you with a power source that isn’t dependent on an electrical grid in the event of a disaster.

6. Reusable Cotton Rounds

Does the traveler in your life use disposable products to remove their makeup and apply their toner? If so, consider nudging them in a more environmentally-friendly direction with a set of reusable cotton rounds. Perfect for applying toner, removing nail polish and much more, these bamboo cotton rounds can be washed and reused time and again to help save money and the planet.

7. Mini Sewing Kit

Whether you're traversing trails or zipping around on an electric scooter, there's no question that movement can be tough on your clothes. With a portable sewing kit, travel-lovers can easily mend their favorite pieces on-the-go and keep them out of a landfill.

8. Cotton Mesh Canvas Bags

Cotton mesh canvas bags are a must-have for the traveler who loves to shop at local grocery stores and farmers markets while they’re on vacation. You can use them as a reusable grocery tote, an impromptu beach bag or storage for thick-skinned produce like apples, oranges and potatoes.

9. Ocean Safe Sunscreen

Did you know that chemicals lurking in some sunscreens can induce coral bleaching, decrease fertility in fish and cause birth defects in mussels and sea urchins? Many people are making the switch to ocean-safe sunscreens that are formulated to block UVA and UVB rays without wreaking havoc on marine environments. To make oceans even happier, choose an ocean-safe sunscreen with sustainable packaging.

10. National Parks Annual Pass

Does the travel-lover in your life already have everything they could possibly need? In that case, skip the physical gifts and go with an experience gift instead, like a National Parks Pass. Along with supporting our beautiful national parks, this gift will grant someone free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites for an entire year. 

Eco-Friendly Travel Gifts for Every Adventurer and Globetrotter 

Travel plans may be a little touch and go right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still spoil your favorite adventurer with eco-friendly travel gifts. Most of these gifts are practical for everyday use, so why wait? Visit The Earthling Co. and give the gift of sustainability today!