Plan With Purpose: How Zero-Waste Travel Starts Before You Pack

Travel starts long before the plane ride — it begins the moment you open your browser to book. And guess what? Waste reduction starts there too. You can use Ecosia as your browser for starters.

Now back to travel planning.

Every travel decision — from where you stay to how you move — shapes your impact. Planning with intention makes all the difference.

The Pre-Trip Pitfall

Most travelers don’t plan to create waste — it just happens. Quick bookings, overpacking, impulse buys, and poor research lead to landfill-bound leftovers. In cities like Bahir Dar and Gondar, tourist waste spikes during holidays — often due to poor coordination between visitors and local waste systems.”

But when you plan smart, you waste less — and travel better. Unfortunately, our current economic systems aren’t designed for zero waste — or for the needs of the Earth. So we need to do some of the heavy lifting to signal the direction we want to move in, and also create meaningful action.

Steps to Zero-Waste Travel Planning and Packing: The Smart Start

1. Choose Your Destination Wisely

-       Go where green matters. Look for regions and cities promoting eco-tourism and waste reduction.

-       Avoid over-populated tourist hotspots during peak seasons. Over-tourism = over-stretched infrastructure = more waste.

2. Book Like an Eco-Warrior

-       Pick accommodations that walk the talk: compost systems, refill stations, recycling bins, local food, and no plastic in sight.

-       Use platforms that filter for sustainable stays — like EcoBnB or BookDifferent. Unfortunately, both websites have no listings in Ethiopia, and few in Africa.  

3. Plot Out Waste-Free Moves

-       Plan your transport with the planet in mind. Choose trains or buses when possible. If you fly, book direct — fewer takeoffs = fewer emissions.

-       Map out refill stations, bulk stores, and eco-markets near your stay. That way, you’re ready when you land.

4. Go Digital, Stay Light

-       Skip the printing. Store tickets, hotel info, and itineraries on your phone.

-       Download offline maps to reduce the need for printed guides and paper brochures.

5. Build a Conscious Itinerary

-       Make room for low-impact experiences — nature hikes, local volunteering, farmers markets.

-       Skip the plastic-heavy tourist traps and mass-produced souvenirs. Opt for handmade goods or memory-based mementos (photos, postcards, stories).

6. Respect Local Waste Systems

-       Learn about recycling and composting rules at your destination

-       Be prepared to carry your waste until you find proper disposal options

Plan Less Waste, More Meaning

Zero-waste travel is about intention — not perfection. When you plan with purpose, you turn a vacation, work trip, or spiritual trip into a small act of environmental resistance.

-       Planning Checklist

-       Eco-certified stays? Check.

-       Public or shared transport? Check.

-       Digital docs ready? Check.

-       Refill spots researched? Check.

-       Local, low-waste food options noted? Check.

-       Flexible, minimalist itinerary? Big check.

-       Learn about the waste management system of your destination? Check

When you plan right, the planet smiles. And so does your suitcase.

Planning also leads to better packing, since you have a good idea of what you are going to do and where you are going to be you can avoid unnecessary purchases at your destination and overpacking.

Thoughtful planning leads to smarter packing. When you know what you'll do and where you’ll go, you avoid overpacking and unnecessary purchases at your destination —saving space, money, and waste.

Here is a handy checklist for packing

1.     Is it possible you will be on your period pack your cup, disc, or period pants. It doesn’t take much space so pack it anyway.

2.     You will most likely take showers and wash your hair, so pack your bar soaps, shampoo, conditioner, and body butter to moisturize your skin.

3.     Will you swim? Ditch your sunscreen and pack your full cover swim suit, your skin the fish will thank you, and maybe a stick sunscreen for your face.

4.     Are you camping pack your nature friendly hand and laundry soap

5.     Do you like your coffee on the go, then pack your reusable potable coffee cup

6.     Obviously, you need to hydrate yourself so pack your water bottle, and refill as much as you need. Hint most TSA will let you pass with your full bottle if it is in a reusable container.  

7.     Do you like to sip from a straw? Eat with a chop stick? Then pack your own.  

8.     Do you usually finish your meals in a restaurant? Or do you need a doggie bag if so, pack a lunch box with you, also great for on-the-go meals. There are good collapsible options made from silicone, also pack your small forks and spoons.

9.     Pack enough clothes for the days you are staying and if you have access to washing you can even pack less but carry your detergent in a small container, or laundry detergent sheets.  

10.  And finally pack your small zero waste kit - Tote bag or foldable shopping bag, Produce bag or mesh bag, Reusable zip bags or beeswax wraps, Travel towel or bandana.

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References

1. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2020). Sustainable Travel Choices and Waste Reduction Strategies. Retrieved from https://www.unep.org

2. Getachew, M., & Abebe, H. (2023). Tourism-Linked Waste Patterns in Ethiopian Heritage Cities. Journal of Sustainable Tourism Development, 11(2), 88–101.

3. Zero Waste Europe. (2021). Zero Waste Travel Guide: Planning and Preparation Tips. Retrieved from https://zerowasteeurope.eu