Eco-Friendly Travel: Plastic-Free July Road Trip

Environmental awareness has grown and more people are eager to adopt greener habits. Fortunately, you can take your newfound sustainability on vacation during a Plastic-Free July road trip. Here’s everything you need to know about the movement, plus how to plan for waste-free travel this summer.

What Is Plastic-Free July?

Australian, Rebecca Prince-Ruiz, started the Plastic Free Foundation in 2011 after visiting a recycling sorting facility, declaring July a plastic-free month. 

Its popularity has reached 89 million people across 190 countries, all who have committed to eliminating plastic consumption each year. Since 2019, participants have reduced over 1.5 million metric tons of plastic waste, enough to fill 80,000 garbage trucks.

Why Is Plastic-Free July Important?

Plastic-Free July is similar to other movements, like Dry January. However, its advantages for environmental stewardship are tremendous. 

The world’s plastic problem has reached new heights. For instance, only 33 of 353 million metric tons of plastic were recycled in 2019 and 22 million metric tons of mismanaged waste entered the environment. Of this, 6.1 million metric tons seeped into waterways and the ocean, harming ecosystems and wildlife. 

To put this in perspective, even though 70% of Earth’s surface is made of water, a mere 1% is fit for consumption and unpolluted. Plastics do not break down quickly — some decompose for hundreds of years, raising the risk of water contamination. Currently, one in three people endures water scarcity worldwide due to this contamination.

Planning a Plastic-Free July Road Trip

A summer road trip is the perfect way to participate in Plastic-Free July. Whether heading a few hours away from home or traveling cross-country, here are a few tips for planning the ideal, sustainable getaway. 

Choose Sustainable Destinations

Spontaneous adventurers may like closing their eyes and pointing somewhere on a map. However, a Plastic-Free July requires more careful consideration — research destinations with a reputation for environmental friendliness.

For example, San Diego, California, isn’t taking plastic waste lightly. The city has successfully redirected 75% of landfill waste to recycling plants and collected food scraps for composting. 

Several cities and states have also imposed plastic bag bans. Determine whether you’ll cross these pit stops during your travels and plan to visit for a while.  

Bring Reusable Utensils and Dinnerware

You’re bound to stop to eat somewhere during your road trip. You should bring your own from home, rather than rely on single-use plastic utensils from the drive-thru. Grab a few plates from the kitchen cabinet and remember to pack forks, knives and spoons. 

Melamine dishes are a much better alternative to ceramic and are less likely to break, if you hit a bump in the road. 

Pack Reusable Bags and Containers

Bring reusable options from home to reduce your use of plastic containers and water bottles. Stainless steel or glass food containers are great for storing leftovers during travels, while a stainless steel, reusable water bottle will keep your beverages insulated.

Mesh fabric bags are also affordable alternatives to single-use plastic bags for shopping. Many come with drawstrings to prevent items from falling out, whether you stop for groceries or other goods.  

Bring Zero-Waste Snacks From Home

Packing zero-waste snacks helps you save money, stay healthy and use less plastic. These could include homemade granola bars and trail mixes with low-carbon seeds and nuts. According to one study, walnuts and sunflower seeds are among the most sustainable nuts you can eat.

You should also bring fruits and vegetables in biodegradable packaging, glass jars or stainless steel containers. Apples, carrot sticks and celery are tasty options, especially with a bit of peanut butter.

Read Personal Care Product Ingredients

Check ingredients before packing shampoo, toothpaste and other personal care items. According to a study by the Plastic Soup Foundation, nine out of 10 popular brands include microplastics or microbeads in their products. 

This shouldn’t be a surprise, though — the report also states cosmetics companies use 8,700 metric tons of microplastics annually, of which 3,800 metric tons enter the environment. 

3 Ways to Travel More Sustainably

Sustainable travel is more than participating in a Plastic-Free July road trip — you should also consider other ways to enjoy an eco-friendly vacation. Here are three additional tips for a green getaway: 

1. Support Green Businesses

Shop at green businesses, eat at eco-friendly restaurants and stay at eco-lodges and hotels with sustainability initiatives. These places prioritize the environment and limit their impact by reducing waste.

Nowadays, green businesses are much easier to find, as many companies have changed their operations and supply chains to meet consumer demand. According to a McKinsey study, 60%-70% of people are willing to pay more for products with green packaging. 

2. Choose Experiences Over Things

Rather than fill your suitcase with souvenirs from the places you visit, opt for participating in memorable experiences. These activities could include hiking trips through national parks, zip-lining and other adventurous excursions. Some may even rent a bike to ride around locally. 

3. Minimize Waste While Traveling

Do your part to minimize waste wherever you go. Avoid purchasing snacks in plastic wrappings or beverages in plastic bottles and cups when you stop for gas. 

Also, recycle whenever possible. If there isn’t a recycling bin nearby, hold onto the waste until you get home to dispose of it properly. 

Enjoy a Plastic-Free Summer Vacation This July and Beyond

Choosing to go on a plastic-free summer road trip will have its challenges. Most people don’t realize how much single-use waste they create daily. However, committing to reducing your plastic consumption this July and beyond will allow you to travel more sustainably and do your part for the planet.