In celebration of Plastic Free July, I thought I would write about zero wasting while on a road trip. I am about to venture on a road trip up Northland in Nw Zealand with my sister, so what better time to talk about this. As most of this week I have been thinking of ways to do this, generating as less waste as possible.

What is Plastic Free July?

First, I feel like I am being rather presumptuous, maybe you have not heard about Plastic Free July.

Plastic Free July is a global initiative that challenges people to reduce or completely scrap plastic during the month of July, and hopefully beyond.

Zero Waste Road Trip Tips

This will be my first road trip since I have embraced a zero waste lifestyle. It should be interesting. I am excited, but also a bit apprehensive. My past road trips, did involve a fair amount of plastic. Mostly from my food shopping. So, I have put my research hat on the last week and gathered some items that I think may come in use during this zero waste - (hopefully) adventure!

Reusable Cup and Water Bottle

I am a coffee fiend and drink way too much of it. Especially while on the road, which is properly not that wise, with all the pit stops we end up taking because of my weak bladder. But, coffee is the nectar of the gods and I can not resist.

Reusable cups are great to have. When you stop off at a local cafe, you can just bring this bad boy in and get it filled with coffee. Or, you can bring a plunger or Aeropress, and make your own coffee on the road. The Aeropress is great, as they are so compact, so can easily pack it away on your next road trip.

Brining your own water bottle is also a great idea - it will save you from purchasing tons of plastic bottles from the supermarket. Yay! Also, some cafes will allow you to refill your water bottle there, or some public spaces have water refill stations.

2. Cloth Bags

Cloth bags are awesome to bring. You can bring them to the supermarket and use them for your fruit and vegetables. Or fill them with snacks, such as nuts or fruit, for a hike or walk on your trip. They have heaps of different uses, so be sure to include them in your zero waste road trip kit.

3. Zero Waste Skin Care

If you are staying in hotels or motels along your journey, there will likely be packaged soaps or shampoos provided. But rather than using these, pack your own zero waste hair and skin care items.

I have a face bar and exfoliating bar from Dirty Hippy which are amazing. I love the smell of them - the face bar kicks my pimples in the ass, and the exfoliating bar smells like coffee :D

And for your hair, pack a shampoo bar.

I use this metal bento box to keep my skin and hair things in.

4. Compost.

On the journey, you will likely generate organic food waste. So by bringing a closable container, you can store the food scraps in this. And then compost them when you get back home. Or, if you find a community garden while on your trip, they may have a community compost there which you can use.

While you could also bury your food scraps, it is not recommended as it may attract bugs, a dog may dig it up and eat it, which could be poisonous for them.

5. Bring food in Jars

Visit your local refill station before you leave. Stock up on museli, oats, pasta, rice, nuts, seeds and anything else that tickles your fancy. Store them in your jars or containers, and bring them with you for your trip.

A jar filled with oats - is a great breakfast idea, or a jar of nuts to bring with you on your hike.

6. Journal

I find myself always accumulate brochures, maps, or other knick knacks on my travels, but with a journal I can simply write the information down, rather than collecting another brochure. Which is a good thing as my house is already filled with brochures that I have no idea what to do with.

This will be my first zero waste road trip - so after I will write an update on here to tell you how it goes with my tips.

To learn more about Plastic Free July and get some more handy tips check out:

https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/

https://www.dirtyhippie.co.nz/ - where I got my yummy face bar and shampoo bars from

https://bentoninja.co.nz/ - where I got my mini bento box from

Zero Waste Road Trip