Travel offers a better understanding of the world, but it can also damage it. Here are some gift ideas for those who prefer to tread lightly. Almost all of them come from small businesses.
1. Bottle for water filtration. Drink filtered water on the go instead of buying plastic water bottles Hydros 20 oz water filter bottle $20 or if local water quality is questionable, protect against bacteria, parasites, dirt and sand with a Rescue straw bottle $40.
2. Shampoo/conditioner bars. Avoid plastic shampoo bottles and airline liquid restrictions with shampoo and conditioner bars from Green washes $12, Ethics $15, HiBar $13.95 or good juju $19.95. All brands have discounts on your first purchase.
3. Phone charger/solar lantern. This flat solar phone charger from Luminaid is also a folded lantern that pops up in a cube shape at night. A red light mode ensures that your stargazing is not interrupted when you use it for camping. $60
4. Laundry service. Do less laundry on the go Magic Brush Out, designed as a reusable spot lifter/sponge to remove deodorant, makeup stains, lint, salt stains and more from clothing and fabric surfaces. $14.50.
5. Make-up remover. Use this specially designed washcloth from Makeup Eraser instead of packing and throwing away disposable makeup wipes. $20.
6. Personal lubricant (for vehicles). Vegetable lubricant from Gear Hugger can help keep bicycle parts, strollers or wheelchairs moving so the recipient can “buy less, fix more and play longer”. $13
7. Cozy hat made from sustainably recycled wool and cotton for your winter travels. Designed in Denmark. Comes in recycled packaging. From Trendhim $39
8. Silk travel eye mask to keep an eye on the road. Silk can be biodegraded and uses less water, chemicals and energy than many other fibers. From Saatva. $60
9. Reusable lunch and snack bags Avoid plastic bags and foil wraps on your day trips with colorful reusable, washable, dishwasher safe zippered bags $13.50 from Green city life.
10. Natural insect repellent. Murphy’s Naturals DEET-free, plant-based Mosquito Repellent Balm $9.99 or Bite Relief Soothing Balm Stick $5.99 can be tossed in a purse or backpack.
11. See home in a new way – Gift an experience with a food, coffee or street art tour led by local experts of the Tours By Locals website.
12. Choice of the recipient: Reduce returns and waste by giving the recipient a travel item of their choice Spicy gifts website. Items include a solar cell phone charger and sustainable toiletries organizer.
Note to Readers: I have received product samples for evaluation, but I will pass them along when possible (not the used shampoo bars) and I do not receive/receive payment from the companies listed.
