Saving the world – one reusable item at a time.
Beach Full of Plastic
One of the sad truths of traveling SE Asia is the amount of litter polluting the ocean and beaches. Any beach without a fancy resort to pick up the trash is left in ruin by countless pieces of rubbish washed ashore daily.
As I went to my favorite beach on Koh Lanta, Thailand to catch sunset, I ran into some locals with bins picking up trash. I asked if they needed help and they gladly obliged. They told me they come here every night to pick up piles and piles of trash. They don’t see any money for their efforts, yet they work hard just the same.
As I was helping, I found this dead puffer fish next to a pile of plastic. I have no idea if it died due to pollution, but it made me think of the many creatures that do each day. As of 2015, it was estimated that over 1 million seabirds and 100,000 sea mammals die each year due to pollution.
Why Should I Care?
Besides the general lecture of “you should care about the whole world, regardless of where you live”, the truth is Americans are contributing to this issue from home. Did you know that last year the US exported over 157,000 shipping containers of waste to countries like Thailand? Many other countries do the same, with the Thai government importing 481,381 tons of trash in 2018. Though that number may seem staggering, Thailand was the 3rd largest importer in SE Asia, behind Vietnam and Malaysia. With inadequate waste management solutions in place, much of the trash from these countries ends up in the ocean.
For those living in the States, cutting down on the plastic use can make a big difference for Southeast Asian countries. I’ve started to become a lot more conscious about the amount of single use plastics in my life. Things like water bottles and grocery bags and coffee lids. I found countless of these on the beach. They’ve become so integrated to our lifestyles, it’s easy to look past them. Think about all of the times you’ve gotten a coffee to go, or put your fruits and vegetables into one of the plastic bags at the store. There are such easy alternatives to cut down these plastics and can even be taken with you on your travels! Check below for a list of easy products for your next vacation.
6 Travel Products to Help Reduce Plastic Use
This is my go-to travel accessory. It’s convenient, doesn’t take up a lot of space, and cleans easily. Many countries with unsafe drinking water have places you can refill easily. Plus, you can buy 2 for <$16 USD! Share with your travel partner, or gift to a friend!
#2 – Packable Reusable Grocery Bag
These are great for your weekly shopping trip, trips to the Thai market, or to hold your beach things in! They pack up nice and tight and easily slide into your bag. Be sure to skip the plastic bags (including those pesky little produce ones!) next time you head out to the store!
#3 – Reusable Toiletry Tubes
Ditch the tiny plastic bottles found in hotels or the Walmart travel section. This way you can bring your favorite large soaps and shampoos with you wherever you go, packed into your carry on! You can even try making your own shampoo to really cut down on plastics 🙂
#4 – Bamboo Cutlery Sets
When you’re constantly eating street food and takeaways (the best way to eat in SE Asia), it’s easy to be leave laden with plastics. Pop your food in one of your reusable bags, and bring these handy cutlery sets with you. They’re super easy to keep clean, and come with a handy pouch.
#5 – Bamboo Toothbrushes
Did you know that approximately 1 BILLION tooth brushes are thrown away every year in the US? These sturdy toothbrushes will make you forget plastic ones ever existed. They even have charcoal brushes for a deep clean! They’ll last you quite a long time, and come in an 8 pack for when you need more.
#5 – Portable Water Filter
If you’re traveling somewhere with questionable tap water, consider bringing along one of these bad boys! This combines a water bottle with your filter, so you’re all good to go.
Please, consider all of the plastic in your life and find ways to cut down on it! All it takes is change of habit, and the above products make it easy and affordable to do so. The sea and the world will thank you!
*I am not receiving any funds for these recommendations! Simply products I’ve used in the past or found good reviews on Amazon for :)*
