5 Items I Take With Me to Live Low Waste

My goal every day is to live as low waste as possible, but when I’m on the go, that can be challenging, so I use lots of reusables, not disposables. Here are 5 things I take with me to live low waste.

1. Reusable Cutlery

When I’m eating on the go, rather than take a restaurant’s plastic cutlery — or even their compostable cutlery — I use my own reusable bamboo cutlery from To-Go Ware. Bamboo is a renewable resource — it grows back quickly after being cut down — and the carrying case is made of recycled plastic bottles and comes with a carabiner so that you can clip it for easy carrying.

2. Reusable Travel Mug

If I’m going to a place where I’ll be drinking coffee or tea, I always bring my reusable travel mug with me so that I can avoid the disposable cup. And for spur of the moment trips, I keep a separate travel mug in my car. Recently, I purchased a S’well Tumbler which keeps my hot beverages really hot for a really long time (up to 8 hours on one occasion!) because it is triple insulated. It is made with stainless steel and is BPA-free. Some travel mugs are plastic inside, and you don’t want hot water flowing over plastic. It also comes with a lid, but that is sold separately.

3. Reusable Water Bottle

My S’well water bottle comes with me everywhere I go because I will not buy bottled water. Period. Everywhere I’ve been, the tap is safe or filtered water is available, so this is what I use. When attending Washington Nationals baseball games, my family can avoid bottled water since the Nats let fans bring in their own reusable water bottles. I wish more stadiums permitted this. Thank you, Nats!

4. Handkerchief or Bandana

I avoid using facial tissue or paper towels by using a handkerchief or bandana instead. Vintage clothing stores are a great source for handkerchiefs — as are dads and grandpas — while thrift stores tend to have a supply of bandanas that can be purchased inexpensively.

5. Reusable Bag

I always carry a ChicoBag with me because they are small and compact and are great for unexpected purchases or leftovers when eating out or picking up takeout. If I have a wet bathings suit or clothes, I throw ’em in a Chico and when I’m picking up trash, instead of using a plastic bag, I put it it a Chico bag and then toss it into a larger bag. Chicos are easy to wash in sudsy water and they air dry quickly.

So remember, whenever you are on the go, #ReusablesNotDisposables!

What do you carry with you when you are on the go? Share with me in the comments section below!

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Lori Hill

Lori Hill is a plant eater, trash picker upper, climate activist, wife, and mom to 2 human boys, 2 cat boys, and 1 dog boy. On a mission to do all she can to take better care of the planet, Lori created Sister Eden Media, a green lifestyle company, to inspire others to give a damn and live more gently on Earth. She shares tips on her YouTube channel, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and also frequently appears on television.