Truly, it is a privilege to travel around the globe and witness the Earth’s natural beauty. Preserving this beauty for years to come should be every traveler’s priority. Thankfully, there are many ways to enjoy the outdoors while reducing our impact on the environment and even saving some money in the process! Here are 10 gift ideas for the responsible traveler that are sure to improve their experience or the health of our planet.
1. Reusable Water Bottle
Photo by Bibake Uppal
There are plenty of stylish and durable reusable water bottles that will keep your drink ice cold in sweltering heat or toasty warm in freezing temperatures. Ditch the plastic bottles before they end up in ditches. Find a color that matches your personality, or customize your reusable bottle with stickers that you collect along your travels. Reduce waste and the extra weight from multiple water bottles cluttering your bags with a reusable bottle.
2. Portable Water Filters
Along those same lines, a portable water filter will make a perfect gift for the avid camper, hiker, or backpacker. There is no need to carry pounds of plastic bottles. You can filter fresh water as you go and have peace of mind that you will not get any dangerous parasites that would put a damper on your trip.
3. Reusable Bags
There are many durable backpacks or bags made from recycled materials or renewable resources. These make the perfect gift for environmental students and are also well-suited for any outdoor adventure. Nothing is more irritating than plastic bags entangled in nature. Take pleasure in knowing that your purchase will last for years and has even helped reduce waste in the world.
4. Maps
Photo by Andrew Stutesman
While GPS on cell phones have made traveling more convenient, in some ways, they have taken the charm away. A traditional map can make traveling more interactive and enjoyable for the right person. You can also consider a national park push pin map that is made from recycled material and eco-friendly natural wood to track your previous travels or to plan your next adventure!
5. Park Pass
Photo by Hendrik Cornelissen
This is a perfect pair to a nice push pin map. Park passes cover entry fees to various national and state parks as well as wildlife reserves. Pay the one-time fee and get access to some of the most beautiful places on Earth. Best of all, you will end up saving money after visiting just a few parks. Get your pass and plan a trip to remember!
6. Eco-Friendly Hygiene Products and Sunscreen
Many personal products contain ingredients that are harmful to you and the environment. Protect your skin and the environment during travels with eco-conscious sunscreen. Certain ingredients in many sunscreens, like oxybenzone, have been proven to be toxic to the environment. Instead, look for sunscreens that do not leach chemicals into the environment and use nontoxic ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium. Alternatively, you can wear protective clothing made from recycled or sustainable resources and avoid chemicals altogether.
Similarly, eco-friendly soaps and body washes are practical gifts for outdoorsmen, allowing them to stay fresh and clean while keeping the nearby bodies of water pure too. Unlike your everyday soaps, plant-based soaps are biodegradable and don’t contain synthetic chemicals that can harm aquatic life.
7. Solar-Powered Charger
You may be traveling to get away from the big cities and enjoy the serenity of nature, but you don’t want to be stranded without a lifeline. A solar-powered charger can help keep your phone charged and ready for any emergency that may arise during your trip. Or, you can use it to keep your phone charged and the music playing as you trek along. Either way, a solar-powered charger makes a great and practical gift for the outdoorsman.
8. Emergency Kit
Photo by Kamaji Ogino
Traveling and the outdoors can be unpredictable, but that is what also makes it so fun. An emergency survival kit is perfect for the adventurer who may find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place. Prepare for the worst, and you will never be caught off guard. This is also a perfect way to give family and friends some peace of mind while you are on your trip.
9. Compostable Eating Utensils
Everyone has to eat. That doesn’t mean it has to be harmful to the environment, though. Compostable food containers are useful while traveling as you’re free to let go of those utensils and containers (in a designated trash can, of course!) the minute you finish your meal. No more cluttered, awkward, or annoying empty containers to carry with you for the rest of the trip.
10. Hammocks
Photo by Zach Betten
If you know a thing or two about spending the night outdoors, it is that sleeping on the ground is not always ideal. That is where eco-friendly hammocks made of natural, biodegradable materials come in. Sleeping bags are either bulky or offer minimal cushion. Just hang your hammock between two sturdy points, and you are ready to sleep in comfort and style at a moment’s notice.
Travel Far. Travel Responsibly. Be an Eco-friendly outdoorsmen
Photo by Toomas Tartes
There are plenty of gifts that will enhance your next trip. Being eco-friendly does not mean being inconvenient. In fact, it is usually the opposite! Save time and money by carefully crafting your travel kit to be eco-friendly, and sleep well after a long adventure knowing that you have helped preserve the natural wonders of the world for generations to come.
