Zero Waste Travel: The Ultimate Plastic-Free Packing List

5 min read

Published May 29, 2025 by CNET

Travel comes at a cost and it isn’t just fiscal. Every flight leaves a footprint — a carbon footprint. Many people are aware of the carbon footprint created by air travel but you might not be aware of another travel consequence: plastic use and waste. Every year, millions of single-use travel-sized bottles, disposable utensils, plastic-wrapped snacks and shrink-wrapped souvenirs end up in landfills or oceans.

There’s no exact figure detailing plastic use during travel but travelers contribute significantly to plastic consumption, especially through bottled water and other single-use items. According to Adventure.com, 139 million metric tons of single-use plastic were produced in 2021, an increase of 6 million metric tons, or almost 5%, from 2019. The widespread use of disposable products, particularly plastic bottles, plays a major role in the amount of waste created during travel.

This story is part of CNET Zero, a series that chronicles the impact of climate change and explores what’s being done about the problem.

For sustainability-minded travelers, one of the easiest and most impactful changes starts before the trip even begins and that’s during the packing process.

Traveling with zero waste, whether by airplane or on a road trip, requires forethought and planning but it’s possible to significantly reduce your environmental impact. This guide breaks down practical, low-waste strategies to help minimize plastic use without sacrificing convenience while exploring the world and knocking out your bucket list.

For more travel tips, learn about the best way to pack a carry-on and the best time to book flights for the cheapest tickets.