So with everything going on in the world, going back to Van Life seems more and more appealing. Social distancing yourself on the open road, driving by mountains you’ve never seen before, unexplored rivers and lakes, greeting the wildlife.
So, as I consider returning to Van Life for the summer I’m also looking at returning to it a little bit more consciously. It’s easy to create a lot of waste while on the road. You might want to stop at fast food joints or gas stations for snacks and all of that garbage can really accumulate fast. So here are a few basic tips for starting off towards a Zero Waste Van Life
Tip 1. Reuse and Reduce
Carry reusable Tupperware, sandwich bags, beeswax wraps, etc. And instead of shopping at a gas station for snacks, stop at a grocery store! You can fill your reusable containers with trail mix and goodies from the bulk section!
Tip 2. Un-Paper Your Life
Get paper products out of your life by switching to un-paper products. Yes, this includes wet wipes! While wet wipes seem like a staple for Van life, they also generate a lot of unnecessary waste. You can find a reusable option! Other examples include linen napkins, un-paper towels, even reusable toilet paper! (Just be careful when storing it.)
Tip 3. Zero Waste Coffee
Okay so if you are a coffee freak like me you might start to see that you have a lot of disposable coffee cups around. Constant coffee stops really add up. Have your reusable coffee mug ready to fill at all times. Or, if you make coffee “at home”, switch to reusable coffee filters or use a french press!
So let’s take a look at a few products from our lovely Etsy sellers that will make a Zero Waste Van Life a whole lot easier. #StandWithSmall!
Zero Waste Van Life Must-Haves for Your Next Roadtrip
This post contains affiliate links; no extra cost to you or the seller.
Disclaimer; images below belong to their rightful Etsy artist.
Thank you for supporting my coffee fund!
Bee Greener Shop
Here are those food storage containers we were talking about! Bring these into the grocery store with you and fill them up at the deli, the bakery, and the bulk section. Make sure you get them weighed first so that the weight of the container isn’t included in the price. Then fill them up with your road trip food favorites! Also, an important item to have on hand when eating out at a restaurant. Take your leftovers to go without the wasteful packaging.
GraphicGearStore
The perfect travel mug doesn’t exi- … Just check out that radical hippy van! Similar to your own? A travel mug is oh so important when working on a minimal waste/zero waste Van Life lifestyle. Not only for coffee but if you ever stop in for a fresh-squeezed juice or hot chocolate you will have your mug ready to go!
WanderLightly
Here’s an item you probably didn’t think had a zero-waste alternative. Bug spray! Or… In this case, bug balm! Mosquitos might be the Van Life explorer’s worst nemesis. But buying that toxic bug spray encased in plastic garbage doesn’t have to be your defence mechanism. This wonderful Etsy shop provides you with a zero-waste option that is also vegan and toxin-free!
FrescProducts
How cool is this? I absolutely love this zero waste toothpaste solution. So pretty much how it works is, you pop a tablet into your mouth, chew, brush, and smile! They are great for your hygiene and great for the environment. These tablets are non-Flouride, vegan, and don’t contain any harsh chemicals. When you have used them all you can recycle the packaging. You’ve got to try them!
The Traveling Bee Shop
Okay, we have talked about beeswax wraps a lot on andthebee. So, if you are still using that flimsy plastic wrap, enough is enough! When you are out on the road, making snacks, and trying to keep your van clean, beeswax wraps will be your best friend. It’s just a quick way to wrap up everything and not lose any food. You will love them, even more, when you DIY them!
CoffeeSockCo
If you prefer to make your coffee in the van then to stop and purchase your coffee on the way, then think of switching to a reusable coffee filter. If you throw out a coffee filter every day, that can really add up to a lot of garbage! These filters are made from organic cotton and you can simply rinse them and hang them up to dry for the next use.
Want more Zero Waste goodies?
Products! Make-Up! Bathroom Stuff!
Happy Travels & Stay Safe!
Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest.
