Eco Promotional Products | Summer Travel 2019
May is just around the corner. Memorial Day, May 27th, marks the unofficial first day of summer. Whether you are traveling by car or plane, you can still make eco-friendly choices while away from home, regardless of the duration of your trip.
One of the easiest ways to be green while on vacation is to bring a reusable water bottle. While you can’t bring liquids through airport security, most airports have filtered water refill stations. Instead of buying high-priced, disposable bottles of water, bring an empty bottle and fill it once you are through security. In addition to airports, it’s commonplace to now find water refill stations in hotels, amusement parks, national parks and locations throughout many major cities, like New York City and Washington, D.C. In our nation’s capital, residents and visitors can download the TapIt Metro DC app to find locations offering free tap water. Over 750 businesses, city government locations, federal government locations and even the Smithsonian museums are on the list, making it easy to visit the city and never have to buy a single-use bottle.
Reusable bags are another must-have for vacations. Foldaway bags are compact and light weight, making them perfect for traveling. Once you get to your destination, you can use these bags for trips to the pool or beach as well as for shopping. Reusable foldaway bags are especially important when traveling to big cities that have plastic bag bans or taxes. In Chicago, for example, shoppers needing a bag for purchases will pay a 7 cents-per-bag tax. Save money and reduce waste by bringing a reusable bag or two when traveling.
In addition to plastic bag bans, many cities, aquariums and airlines have now banned plastic disposable straws. Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and American Airlines have all committed to eliminating single use plastic stir sticks on flights and in their lounges. Always have your own reusable straw. It can easily be carried in a purse, backpack or briefcase. You can even use it on an airplane.
Hawaii is the first state in the nation to ban sunscreens containing chemicals harmful to coral reefs. While the ban does not go into effect until 2021, you can follow Hawaii’s lead and choose sunscreens and lip balm that are mineral free and reef safe like this new reef-safe gift set from Eco Promotional Products.
In addition to being mindful of what you bring on vacation, think about ways you can reduce your carbon footprint while on vacation. Instead of taking a cab or ride share, enjoy the local scenery by using a bike sharing program like Divvy Bikes in Chicago or Capital Bikeshare in D.C. Or if you like to run while on vacation, consider the Swedish fitness craze of plogging, a combination of jogging with picking up litter. Most importantly, enjoy your vacation meals by eating local.
More eco-friendly promotional products for travel can be found in the Eco Travel section. Items include power banks, branded umbrellas, custom luggage tags, travel bags and a variety of items you may not have thought about or are unfamiliar with. Our eco-friendly promotional travel products are ideal for travel marketing, conference giveaways, corporate retreats and so much more.