Summer is the basically season of freedom, from beach getaways, to camping in forests, open roads, and spontaneous adventures. But before you zip up your travel bag, you might be wondering how much stuff you really need.
Packing light isn’t just about traveling easier. It’s about simplifying your experience, freeing yourself from unnecessary baggage, and making more sustainable choices along the way. A lighter suitcase means less stress, smoother memories, and fewer single-use items left behind.
Here’s your go-to guide for packing light, minimizing waste, and hitting the road with ease and intention. These tips will make for easier adventures, on your back and the planet.
Why Packing Light Is Good for You (and the Planet)
Packing light has plenty of personal benefits: your bag is easier to carry, you move through airports faster, and there’s less to lose or worry about. But it also has a surprising environmental upside. When you pack less, you’re more likely to:
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Skip wasteful travel sizes by choosing eco-friendly toiletries instead
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Avoid fast fashion that’s “just for the trip” and opt for what’s in your closet
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Avoid checked luggage, which reduces fuel use during flights and saves time and money
In other words, the less you bring, the lighter your footprint, physically and ecologically. Here are five tips for travelling light.
5 Tips for Reducing Your Travel Footprint
1. Choose Versatile, Low-Waste Products
One of the easiest ways to pack light is to bring products that multitask. That’s where our solid shampoo and conditioner bars shine. Unlike bulky bottles that take up space and can leak, our Shampoo Bars and Conditioner Bars are compact, travel-ready, and TSA-approved. Each bar lasts up to 75 washes, replacing two to three plastic bottles with one lightweight product. Bonus: They work just as well for camping, hostel stays, or beach days. You can even use the shampoo bar as a body wash in a pinch.
2. Pack Reusables
A good rule of thumb: If you always pack it and toss it, there’s probably a reusable version that’s better for your bag and the planet. Essentials worth packing include:
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A collapsible or stainless steel water bottle
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A travel cutlery set (especially useful for takeout on the go)
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A reusable bag or backpack for snacks and groceries
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A reusable silicone container for leftovers or beach snacks
These items take up little space but make a big impact in cutting down single-use waste, especially when traveling to places where plastic use is rampant.
3. Plan Outfits Thoughtfully
Overpacking clothes is the #1 travel mistake. When you pack fewer clothes, you make room for better experiences. Plus, you’ll save on laundry, avoid excess weight, and reduce the pressure to buy new clothes while traveling. Here’s how to avoid over-shopping for a trip:
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Choose neutral tones that can mix and match
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Pack 3 tops, 2 bottoms, and 1 outer layer is a great guide
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Choose one or two pair of shoes that go with everything
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Embrace outfit repeats! Truly, no one notices but you.
4. Say No to Hotel Toiletries
Those mini shampoo bottles and wrapped plastic toothbrushes may seem convenient, but they generate a massive amount of plastic waste. Instead, bring your own trusted products in low-waste formats. Our bars are especially travel-friendly because they’re leak-proof and don’t need to be transferred into TSA-sized bottles. Just pop them in a travel tin or dry soap bag, and you're good to go. Bonus points for bringing your own toiletries, such as all-natural deodorant and eco-friendly chapstick.
5. Buy Less, Experience More
It’s tempting to buy cute souvenirs and “just in case” extras while traveling, but most of them end up forgotten or tossed. Instead of filling your bag with tons of random stuff, considering filingl your trip with memories. Take photos, journal, visit local spots, and engage with the culture. If you do buy something, just be intentional! Supporting a local food item, an artisan good, or something useful you truly need is always a great choice.
Travel Light, Travel Well
Packing light isn’t about restriction, it’s about intention. When you bring only what you truly need, you move through the world more freely, with more energy for the things that actually matter.When your choices align with your values, like minimizing waste, you turn every trip into a small step toward a better planet!
Shop The Earthling Co. Travel Favorites
Ready to lighten your load for your next adventure? Our Jet Setter Bundle is made for life on the go. They're TSA-friendly, plastic-free, and multitask like no other.
🌎 Travel light: Replace 2–3 bottles with one powerful bar.
🌎 Waste less: Ditch the disposables without compromising quality.
🌎 Feel fresh: Our bars are crafted with clean, nourishing ingredients that leave your hair and skin feeling amazing wherever you are.
