Before planning our year-long itinerary, I was thinking about what to pack. During the course of last year we had gradually substituted single-use, paraben laden and plastic products for reusable and naturally derived ones. Whilst our goal was to ensure that we travel minimally with carry-on luggage, what we actually took with us needed to be good for the planet too. As a result, I’ve compiled a list of the ethical products for travel that we use.
We figured! Who better to test well-made clothing, accessories and skincare products than a couple of minimalists who can only take what they can carry?
What’s really great is that a few of the Australian (and ethical) brands mentioned below have actually supported us on our adventure around the world. Seriously, I wouldn’t be recommending them if I didn’t absolutely love them, so do check them out!
We’d like to say a HUGE thank you to the mentioned and linked brands below who have supported us, you guys are the absolute best. We love you all.
Ethical products for travel: Accessories
What: Water Bottle by Frank Green
- Australian company
- eco friendly product
- plastic alternative
- we’ve been supported by Frank Green and can’t get enough of them. As a result, they’ve kept us well hydrated along the way, without harming the planet. (pictured above)
What: Day Pack by Crumpler
- Australian company
- five year warranty
- free repairs
What: Main Bag (suitable for hiking) by One Planet
- Australian company
- made in Melbourne
- transparent supply chain
- carbon neutral factory, reuses and recycles, read more about OP here.
What: Bamboo Cutlery by Big Bite Eco
- Australian company
- eco friendly product
- plastic alternative
- biodegradable
- 100% vegan
- made from bamboo fibre & PLA (PolyLactic Acid made from fermented corn starch).
- free from BPA, melamine, heavy metals and other harmful substances
What: Stainless Steel Straw by Ever Eco
- Australian company
- eco friendly product
- plastic alternative
- (pictured above)
What: Passport Holder by Sticky Lemon
- Netherlands company
- made from recycled PET bottles
- eco friendly product
Ethical products for travel: Toiletries
What: Sanitary Pads by Hannah Pad
- Australian company (part of a global vision)
- eco friendly
- natural fibers
- plastic alternative
- I’ve been supported by Hannah Pad and they’ve come in handy a few times already. As a result, they’ve saved me when in desperate need open the road! (pictured above)
What: Period/Leak Proof Undies by Modibodi
- Australian company
- eco friendly
- natural fibers such as bamboo & merino wool
- plastic alternative
- I’ve been supported by Modibodi and I’m not even kidding these are the best damn undies. Every woman needs a pair (or five).
- You can read more about my experience with them here.
What: Menstrual Cup by JuJu
- Australian company
- made in Australia
- eco friendly
- plastic alternative
- free from latex, fragrances, harmful chemicals, sulphates, parabens, mineral oils and artificial colours.
What: Natural Deodorant by Noosa Basics
- Australian company
- made in Noosa
- eco friendly by using organic and raw ingredients, also fairtrade
- free from fillers, synthetic additives or palm oil free.
- downside is, the glass is heavy so we are pleased ours has now finished.
What: Natural Makeup by Inika
- Australian company
- certified organic ingredients
- 100% vegan & cruelty free
- (pictured below)
What: Travel Bags by Original Source and Supply
- Sri Lankan company
- sustainable and transparent
- eco friendly
- made using excess fabric waste from the fashion industry. Sourced directly from printers, high street retailers or excess stock markets
- sourced and made in Sri Lanka
- (one of three pictured above)
What: Bamboo Toothbrush by Go Bamboo
- New Zealand company
- biodegradable and recyclable
- plastic alternative
- eco friendly
What: Shampoo & Conditioner Bars by Sun Well Being
- Australian company
- made in Australia
- plastic alternative
- eco friendly
- hand made with all natural ingredients
Ethical products for travel: Clothing & Footwear
What: Organic Cotton & Hemp T-Shirts by Good Studios
- Australian company
- made in Adelaide
- natural fibers such as: luxurious hemp linens, hemp organic blends of jersey and twill and Australian merino.
- uses Oeko-Tex certified dyes, recycles zippers, and biodegradable buttons, running alongside core trans-seasonal staples.
- I’ve been supported by Good Studios, I love how well these tee’s wear, the hemp makes them look textured, the breathe well and they feel amazing.
- Moo wears GOTS Organic Cotton T-Shirts by Original Weekend
What: Organic Cotton Sweater by Kowtow
- New Zealand company
- made from GOTS fair trade cotton fabric
- free from chlorine bleach, toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde and aromatic solvents
- entirely recyclable packaging
- transparent supply chain from fair trade, safe workplaces and ethical treatment of animals
- ‘take back program’ on offer for pre-loved items no longer in need
What: Swimwear by Indigo Luna
- Australian company
- ethically made
- packaging without plastic, using Cassava starch
- uses natural dyes from plant sources
- workers are paid above living wage in safe working conditions
- swimwear made from Econyl (reusing old carpets to discarded fishing nets)
What: Bralettes and Undies by Bimby & Roy
- Australian company
- environmentally friendly printing process
- child care centre attached to the manufacturing facility, as arranged by Bimby and Roy.
- can be used as swimwear (pictured above)
What: Waterproof Jacket by Patagonia
- 1% for the planet member
- Patagonia accept all Patagonia products for recycling
- transparent supply chain
What: Sandals by Melissa
- cruelty-free
- 100% recyclable made from Melflex®
What: Slides by Indosole
- Australian company
- vegan, made from used tyres, waterproof
- B-Corp
I’m often asked by friends, what sustainable fashion brands are best? The few mentioned above should be a great start for basics and more. I truly believe if more of us made a more conscious effort to be less wasteful in our consumption, the world would be a better place. It all starts with your necessity. Thankfully, living a more minimalist life, your needs a much less – give it a go!
What ethical products for travel do you use?
Until then xo
Pingback: Sustainable Essentials Packing List – The Green Series Part 9 – AVAYCAY