If you travel often, you know that it can be quite a mission to find good, effective, sustainable and eco-responsible products. In addition, in most less developed countries, access to drinking water, energy and products that we can easily find in Canada is not nearly as accessible. So, I advise you to gear up before departure to make your job easier and also to inspire those around you to do the same.
After investing time and money trying products for the past few years, I am finally able to reveal a list of 5 categories of products that I have been using for 6 months and others for 6 years. I now feel comfortable sharing them with you since they meet my needs:
- Lightweight (if you hike a lot in your spare time and are active, your back will thank you.
- Ecological (without plastic packaging, ethical products, responsible and transparent companies in their procedures)
- Durability (quality products that we use a lot without replacing)
1. Mme L’Ovary menstrual panties + Cup
There is a stigma and discomfort when it comes to menstruation and camping or menstruation at all. It is true that it can be uncomfortable to have to find a toilet and change your underwear outside the comfort of your home. Worse, removing your cup in a questionable environment or on a campsite without clean drinking water.
On the other hand, with Mme L’Ovary menstrual panties, the process becomes much simpler! After having tried several models where you have to “clip” the pad to a panty or one that is already integrated, the L’Ovary design consists of a method of insertion into the panty itself (yes the panty also contains an integrated absorption, but with the system, there is no need to change the entire panty every 2-3 hours.
When the time comes to change the reusable patch, you simply have to remove it to replace it with a new one (each package contain 3). And you are ready for action!
I tested the panties while I was in Norway, Madeira, and even high in the air during my flight… These countries where I was outdoors put the underwear to the test and I am confident to say that these are the best I have tried so far. Obviously, on the first day, the flow is more intense so I like to use the cup simultaneously with the Mme L’Ovary panty.
If you want to get your panty kit, you can use this link for a $12 CAD off with code: BEAVENTURES12. Mme L’Ovary’s girls have been kind enough to support me in this adventure and it will also help me to produce more similar content.
2. Bar soap
I have used bar shampoos for a long time because they are super light and have a lifespan of 200 hair washes (I’m not kidding you, I can keep a bar for at least 4 months and I wash my hair 2-3 times a week $20 for 4 months is a good investment!
For 14 years now I have tried several brands and I was surprised to find that it is a Quebec company where my favourite solid shampoo is made. So, if you can, I recommend the one from BKIND!
Plus, the products come in biodegradable packaging so that’s a big bonus for me!
3. Bag that dries your soap
This bar soap bag is eco-friendly and made from a special fabric that wicks moisture away from your bar soap while it’s still wet. Thus, it keeps the bread longer by reducing waste and it will be dry for your next use.
With that, end the plastic carrier bags that make your soaps buttery.
The one I’ve been using for 3 years now is the Flatpak soap case.
4. Reusable Everyday Utilities
Reusable utensils to become a greener traveller. In Canada it’s easy, businesses are starting to make more conscious decisions, but in places like Asia or Latin America it’s different and it’s up to us (the tourists) to show the example and change the request.
Having a small kit that can also be used when camping is really useful!
- Ustensils (fun fact, remove from my carry-on for danger…)
- Water bottle (Hydroflask loyal for 6 years)
- Take-out container (faithful for 4 years)
5. Solid Detergent
And yes, I am still talking about soap! But one of my main worries when I travel is actually finding a laundry place that won’t mess up my clothes.
Solid detergent is now a functional product that replaces the usual liquid detergent, with a better formula without chemicals, which means that even when camping, you can use it. I don’t have a brand in mind, but I know there are some available in bulk stores. I bought mine in the mountains of Torres Del Paines in Chile which still lasts.
Be sure to select one that is not harmful for your skin and the environment.
Conclusion
We are all responsible for the waste we produce and our choices. Even if it is a simple plastic bag or a water bottle (imagine 1 million people who decide tomorrow to bring a reusable bottle!).
Our natural resources are not infinite and our activities have an impact on the environment. But we can make a difference by making small daily gestures that become natural over time.
It’s not always easy to be green. Especially when you’re on the road. Believe me, it’s not as accessible as at Avril (store) by us where there are so many options. So I tell you: make an effort to bring your reusable products from home!
Bea 🙂
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