Reducing Single Use on the Road

Traveling is fun, but plays havoc on your habits. I am more likely to make bad food choices when I'm on the road ("I need crunchy snacks to keep me alert..."). AND, I'm more likely to use paper napkins, paper towels, straws, disposable cups - not good. What's a traveler to do? Well, this summer I made a conscious effort to reduce single use on the road. Here's what I did:

• Packed a picnic basket full of home made snacks - and purchased some nuts and dried fruit in bulk. I also took bread, peanut butter and jelly - which doesn't require refrigeration
• Took my own shampoo, conditioner, lotion, etc and didn't use the hotel stuff in those tiny disposable bottles
• Carried plenty of thermos style coffee cups and water bottles / reusable cups with me. One is not enough. I need to have enough to fill and then wash later as I can - that way there's never an excuse. And, I often have soda in one cup, water in another, coffee in another. I drive alone and this is how I pass the time! 
• Carry my own napkin and straw with me for when I stop to eat somewhere. Yeah, I'm that person.

Yes, I still slip up, but I find that reducing consumption of single use items is much easier if I'm prepared!