Spring break is right around the corner. Check out these easy tips to have a more sustainable journey from OneGreenThing founder & author Heather White. Remember that your individual climate action inspires culture change for global solutions. You MATTER in creating a greener, more just future.
1. Make a packing list.
This simple list helps you embrace “less is more," and makes sure you don't forget important items like an adapter for charging your phone, your passports, or a rain jacket.
2. Try uniform dressing.
You really don’t need that many clothes. In addition to the essentials, I usually pack one pair of slacks, one dress, three shirts. I layer and pack as light as possible.
3. Pack then take 1/2 out and leave it at home.
This is a great hack to keep my suitcase light. I always pack more than I need at first. After I make my list, I put everything in the suitcase then take it out. This exercise helps me stay disciplined. Packing cubes keep me as organized as possible. The less stuff I bring the less likely I am to leave it behind and it protects my back as I throw my luggage in overhead compartments.
You’ll be surprised how easy it is to rent an EV and charge it. Several companies provide exceptional deals on EV cars. Even in the US, the EV infrastructure is growing rapidly. Many hotels offer complimentary charging stations for you to plug in overnight. If you have time, mass transit is often the best way to get around a city and experience different neighborhoods.
5. Drop the heels, go with sustainable sneakers.
Except for black tie affairs, sneakers are in! My favorites are Cariuma sneakers and the Vans eco-friendly line. Several friends adore Rothy's. Once you start researching, you'll be surprised by all that's out there. Last year, I weighed in with the Wall Street Journal about some more of my favorite eco-friendly products.
6. Use green personal care products & avoid plastic packaging.
Consider a shampoo bar, bamboo comb & toothbrush. I also like Dr. Tung’s dental floss (it’s PFAS free and doesn’t have plastic) then there’s the toothpaste tablets from humble co. & Dr. Bronner's balm. For make up I use Beautycounter, True Botanicals, and Jane Iredale. Here's a fun reel "What's in my Bag?" reel I created before my trip to Silicon Valley Reads.
7. Buy offsets for travel, but buyer beware
I usually buy offsets for my travel, because you know — air travel. Carbon offset companies sell credits or investments in projects that create carbon sinks. Think reforestation (planting trees) or soil conservation projects. As an individual consumer you can buy credits to support carbon sinks that offset your carbon emissions. Companies do this, too. In fact, several international agreements use carbon offsets at a large scale.
The average airplane trip uses about 90 kg of carbon per hour per person. That means that a cross country flight is about 360kg of carbon per person. Air travel is one of the biggest carbon emitters for individuals so being mindful about travel can help you reduce your footprint.
The cost of offsetting a cross country flight per person from New York to Los Angeles is around $7 -10.
Check out this blog about how to avoid greenwashing if you decide to buy offsets for your travel. Quick tip: Use EPA certified carbon offset companies.
Greening your travel is a powerful way to celebrate sustainable living. Learn more in my next book, 60 Days to a Greener Life: Ease Eco-Anxiety Through Joyful Daily Action (Harper Collins). Many of these themes are in Day 51! Publication date is April 9, 2024.
Founder & CEO Heather White is an environmentalist, lawyer, and nonprofit executive with more than 20 years experience in environmental law, policy, and advocacy. She's a frequent spokesperson in the national media on environmental issues and has appeared on Good Morning America, ABC, NBC, MSBNC, and quoted in numerous national media outlets including the New York Times, Washington Post, and the Teen Vogue.