How to reduce plastic waste while traveling | Benefits and practical solutions

Why is reducing plastic waste important?

Plastic waste is becoming a serious global issue. It’s profoundly affecting both the environment and human health.

According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and a report from Our World in Data, global plastic production has more than doubled since the 2000s. The figure has reached 450 million tons per year. This is equal to 500 billion plastic bottles and billions of other plastic products annually worldwide.

One of the main reasons plastic is so dangerous is that it’s produced from oil. This fuel source contributes to the emission of gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2) — one of the most harmful greenhouse gases (GHGs).

Although plastic products are only used for a short period, averaging 12 to 15 minutes, they take up to 500 years to fully decompose.

Yet, less than 10% of plastic is recycled, while more than 20% is improperly handled, including being dumped directly into the ocean. This results in around 14 million tons of plastic waste entering the oceans each year. Plastic waste floating in the Pacific Ocean now covers an area of 1.6 million square kilometers.

This is nearly five times the size of Vietnam.

As a consequence, 1 in 2 sea turtles has swallowed plastic waste. Approximately 90% of seabirds have plastic waste in their stomachs. If this situation continues, by 2050, the oceans could contain more plastic than fish.

How to reduce plastic waste when traveling?

The numbers above show the importance of reducing plastic waste, especially when traveling. Here are effective ways to reduce plastic on your journey:

• Water bottles: Bring a reusable stainless steel or glass bottle instead of single-use plastic bottles
• Bags: Use cloth or reusable bags made from natural materials
• Straws: Carry stainless steel, bamboo, or paper straws
• Cups: Use stainless steel, glass, or recycled paper cups
• Cutlery: Bring reusable stainless steel or wooden cutlery
• Food containers: Use stainless steel, glass, or reusable silicone containers
• Food wrap: Use beeswax wraps or reusable food covers
• Towels: Bring reusable cloths or plastic-free paper towels instead of single-use wet wipes
• Toothbrushes: Choose a bamboo toothbrush instead of a plastic one
• Combs: Replace plastic combs with wooden or metal ones
• Razors: Opt for a razor with replaceable blades instead of a disposable plastic razor
• Gloves: Use reusable rubber gloves instead of single-use plastic ones
• Clothespins: Replace plastic clothespins with wooden or stainless steel ones
• Packaging: Instead of using shampoo or body wash in plastic packaging, opt for larger reusable bottles

Still, you don’t have to eliminate all plastic products. Only try to reduce single-use plastic. Using a plastic water bottle or toothbrush for several months is acceptable. The goal is to minimize single-use plastic waste to protect the environment and reduce pollution.

Benefits of reducing plastic waste while traveling

Reducing plastic waste while traveling benefits both individuals and travel companies. Here are some examples:

Benefits for travelers

• Safe and healthy travel experiences: Reducing plastic waste helps protect the natural environment, including air and water sources. This improves the quality of the trip, offering a healthier travel experience
• Protecting favorite destinations: By minimizing plastic waste, you help preserve the natural beauty and ecosystems of tourist spots. This helps maintain the appeal of these places so you can revisit them later in the future
• Responsible travel experiences: Reducing single-use plastics reflects your sense of responsibility towards the environment. This not only makes you feel proud but also contributes to a more sustainable travel community
• Cost savings: Using reusable products can help save costs compared to purchasing single-use plastic items. This reduces waste and provides financial benefits throughout your trip

Benefits for travel companies

• Building a positive image: A commitment to reducing plastic waste helps companies build a positive reputation. This makes the company stand out in the tourism industry. It also attracts attention from the media and environmentally-conscious individuals
• Attracting more customers: Eco-friendly tourism companies can attract more customers who care about protecting the environment. This expands the customer base and enhances competitiveness in the tourism market
• Reducing operational costs: Limiting the use of single-use plastics can help companies reduce the cost of purchasing equipment. This not only saves money but also reduces the amount of plastic waste that needs to be managed
• Creating collaboration opportunities: A tourism company with a commitment to environmental protection can partner with other organizations and businesses that share the same goals. This creates opportunities to support sustainable and environmental projects

Why choose “zero-plastic-waste” tours?

Many travel companies and accommodations are transitioning to become more environmentally friendly. This is done by eliminating single-use plastics and adopting sustainable alternatives. This not only benefits the environment but also you, the customers of sustainable tourism.

Eco-friendly travel companies often implement specific measures to reduce plastic use. For example, instead of providing single-use plastic water bottles, they offer reusable glass or stainless steel bottles to customers.

They also replace items such as toothbrushes and cups with non-plastic materials, such as bamboo, wood, or glass.

In addition to replacing plastic products, these companies focus on proper waste sorting and disposal. They implement standardized waste sorting systems to ensure that waste is processed correctly. This reduces the amount of waste that ends up in nature.

Choosing “zero-plastic-waste” tours not only helps protect the environment. It also ensures that you have a healthy and sustainable travel experience. This choice supports businesses in continuing their environmental and social responsibilities.

How does Oxalis reduce plastic waste?

Oxalis is committed to reducing plastic waste through specific and innovative actions. To protect the environment and ensure sustainability, we’ve done the following:

• Reusable water bottles: Guests on Oxalis tours are provided with high-quality, reusable 1L water bottles. These bottles are refilled using portable water filters carried by the guides. After each tour, the bottles are cleaned and prepared for the next trip. This solution is estimated to reduce up to 450,000 single-use plastic bottles annually
• Reusable food containers: We use high-quality reusable food containers for our tours. All food storage items are taken out after the tour and reused
• Glass bottles at accommodation: At Chày Lập Farmstay, Tú Làn Lodge, and Blue Diamond Camp, Oxalis has replaced plastic water bottles with glass bottles. We also minimize products with plastic packaging and use glass cups instead of plastic ones
• Biodegradable bags: Oxalis provides biodegradable bags made from corn starch for guests who need to store wet clothes after each tour. These biodegradable bags decompose naturally in the environment within 6 to 12 months without leaving microplastics behind
• Waste management: All Oxalis tourism facilities and offices are equipped with sorting bins to properly collect and dispose of plastic waste. This ensures effective recycling and proper disposal of plastic waste

Join Oxalis in protecting the environment on every trip you take. Choose eco-friendly tours, reduce plastic waste, and contribute to a cleaner, greener planet. Act now to make a difference!

The Oxalis Experience.