The Zero-Waste Road Trip Checklist
I recently went on a five-day road trip through Arizona with some girlfriends. Now, I’m not going to sit here and pretend it was a perfectly zero-waste trip—mainly because I wasn’t in charge of the snacks. If I had been, not only would it have been a waste-free trip, but it also would have been a whole lot healthier (no shade, but once you hit your 30’s, gas station snacks are not the move).
That said, this trip made me realize just how many small, easy swaps can make any road trip low waste at the very least. And honestly, most of these tricks don’t just apply to road trips—they’re useful for travel in general.
Whether you're flying, taking a train, or just heading out for a weekend getaway, one of the easiest ways to cut down on waste while traveling starts before you even leave—by packing smarter.
Toiletries
Say no to single-use hotel toiletries – If you packed your own, there’s no need to use the tiny plastic shampoo bottles.
Bamboo or metal toothbrush – No need for plastic when there are better, more sustainable options that last longer.
Toothpaste tabs – Seriously, stop buying those tiny travel-size toothpaste tubes. Not only are they not recyclable, but they also run out fast. With tabs, you can bring exactly as many as you need and avoid the waste altogether.
Refillable travel bottles – Instead of buying those travel-size toiletries for every trip, refill reusable bottles with your favorite shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, sunscreen, or body wash.
Shampoo & conditioner bars – These are completely package-free and won’t count as a liquid in your carry-on.
Bar soap – If you’re not refilling a body wash bottle, just bring a good old-fashioned bar of soap. No plastic, no spills.
Multi-use soap – If you really want to keep it minimal, Dr. Bronner’s can work as both shampoo and body wash.
Zero-waste deodorant – Find one that works for you. I personally swear by Lush’s Aromaco, but there are tons of great options in compostable or refillable packaging.
Pre-packed medicine – Don’t wait until you need something and have to buy a whole new pack at a gas station or pharmacy. Bring what you might need—pain relievers, allergy meds, motion sickness pills, etc.—so you don’t end up with extra packaging you didn’t want in the first place.
Laundry detergent sheets – If you need to wash clothes, a dissolvable detergent sheet takes up almost no space.
Food
This is honestly the hardest part of traveling when it comes to keeping waste low, especially if you aren’t prepared. And I’ll be real—this is where we definitely failed on our trip. But sometimes, the convenience is worth it. For example, electrolyte packets? Absolutely not mad about those. Hydration was key, and I’d rather deal with a little waste than feel like a dried-up raisin in Arizona.
That said, with a little planning, food waste can be kept to a minimum—whether you’re on the road or flying. Here’s how:
Bring your own snacks in reusable containers – Skip the gas station junk and pre-pack things like nuts, dried fruit, homemade granola bars, or fresh-cut veggies in Stasher bags or reusable containers.
Refillable water bottle – This is a must have and you can find spots to refill it any nearly any gas station or restaurant. You can also buy those multi-gallon water bottles at a grocery store and live off that.
Travel coffee cup – If you’re stopping for coffee, having your own cup saves a ton of disposable lids, cups, and sleeves.
Reusable utensil set – A small fork, spoon, and knife (or a spork!) will keep you from using plastic cutlery when grabbing takeout or eating on the road.
Reusable straws – The symbol of zero waste, but also a very useful tool to avoid waste from stacking up.
Coolers – Keeps perishable snacks fresh and lets you avoid packaged food.
Napkins & wet wipes – Keep a small hand towel or cloth napkin in the car instead. If you need a refresher, a little water + Dr. Bronner’s on a cloth does the trick.
Opt for fresh food over packaged snacks – If you do need to grab something at a store, try choose whole foods like bananas, apples, or bulk nuts to avoid excess packaging. But believe me, I know how hard a salty chip hits when you’re stuck in a car for several hours.
Eat in instead of taking out – When possible, dining in at restaurants eliminates the need for plastic takeout containers, utensils, and napkins.
Refuse unnecessary extras – If you’re ordering takeout, let them know you don’t need plastic cutlery, napkins, or extra sauce packets.
On the Road
Dispose of waste responsibly – If you’re on a road trip, keep a designated bag for compostable scraps (like fruit peels) and dispose of them properly if/when you find a compost bin.
Download maps & playlists ahead of time – This reduces the need for printed directions or impulse CD purchases (do people still do this? Am I a boomer for even writing this?).
I ended the road trip at a grocery store with a huge bulk section and stocked up for my own pantry back home. If you’ve read my other articles, you know the beef I have with NYC’s lack of bulk sections and good produce, so I wasn’t about to pass that opportunity up. Naturally, I filled up a quarter of my suitcase with bulk goods to fly home with—because if I have the space, I might as well make it count, right?
It’s little moves like this that make a difference. Even if you don’t hit perfect zero waste, every small swap helps keep trash out of landfills—and out of the backseat. Would you add anything to this list?
