As discussed in a previous blog 5 Sustainable Traveling Tips, packing light is a great way to travel in a more sustainably. This blog discusses how to create a sustainable packing list for any trip. Follow these four easy steps to create your own sustainable packing list. This will help you pack lighter on your trips which will help you travel sustainably.
First Step to Create a Sustainable Packing List:
When preparing for a trip and beginning the packing process, a good first step is to figure out what you are going to do. When going through your itinerary, make a list of every day and list the activities you are going to do. Then start to plan your outfits based on those activities. This will help you narrow down what you actually need for your trip.
Second Step to Create a Sustainable Packing List:
The next step to create your sustainable packing list is after going through your itinerary, find clothes that are versatile. If you have clothes that can be worn in different ways for different occasions then you will be able to pack lighter.
For example, always pack a black tank top when traveling. A black tank top is so versatile and can be worn during the day or at night. This makes it a good item to include on your sustainable packing list.
Another tip for creating a sustainable packing list is that when you go through your clothes, find clothes that pack down easily. This will allow you room to pack more clothes in a smaller bag. Additionally, if you are traveling somewhere colder, packing down jackets are great because they pack down small.
Third Step to Create a Sustainable Packing List:
The third step to create a sustainable packing list is to start planning your outfits. By doing so, you will know that each article of clothing bought can be worn for an activity that you are doing. This will help you pack lighter because you won’t pack any clothes that aren’t necessary. If you don’t have a clear vision and outfit in mind with an item, then it is unnecessary to pack it.
Since you have already gone through your itinerary, you know the activities you will be doing and you will know what you actually need. Also, by creating ‘outfits’ ahead of time, when you are on your trip, you will know the different ways an item can be worn.
Fourth Step to Create a Sustainable Packing List:
Finally, to help pack lighter, the fourth step in creating a sustainable packing list is by wearing your biggest clothes while traveling. This helps you pack less in your bag which means you will need a smaller bag. If you need a jacket for your trip, carry it on flight, it can also double as a blanket or pillow when traveling. This will allow you more space in your bag for other items of clothing you will need. This is also helpful in terms of shoes. If possible, wear your biggest shoes while traveling.
Additionally, this bag from REI [linked] is a great bag to help you pack light which helps you pack more sustainably.
As a retired ‘over-packer’, I understand how difficult it may be to pack light when traveling. Besides the environmental benefits of packing light, especially when flying, packing light makes traveling easier. Take it from someone who used to lug 50lb bags up steep streets in Lisbon or down rocky steps in Morocco. Another benefit of packing light is the more room left over in your bag, the more souvenirs you can buy. This also helps you support the local economy, and who doesn’t love souvenirs!
