11 Responsible Travel Practices That Make a Difference

5. Cut single‑use waste — bring reusables and refuse plastics

Tourism generates lots of disposable waste, from bottles to food wrappers. Bringing simple reusables reduces that burden. Pack a refillable water bottle with a built‑in filter if you’ll be in areas with uncertain drinking water, and take a lightweight cutlery set and a cloth bag for markets. Carry a small zero‑waste kit: a reusable straw, collapsible cup, and travel soap bar to replace single‑use toiletries. Choose reef‑safe sunscreen when swimming near coral habitats to avoid chemicals harmful to marine life. When vendors hand out plastic bags or single‑use utensils, refuse politely and offer your reusable ones instead. Dispose of waste correctly if recycling is available; when it isn’t, carry trash to appropriate bins off-site. Small habits reduce local cleanup costs and protect wildlife from plastic ingestion, and they keep beaches and trails cleaner for everyone who comes after you.