As education becomes increasingly globalized, more and more students are incorporating travel into their academic and career opportunities. When it comes to choosing higher education study destinations, the latest Global Student Experience report notes that sustainability is one of the most important factors students consider, alongside student satisfaction, living costs, employability, and mental well-being.
Specifically, 76-78% of the international students emphasized the influence of a university or academic institution’s position on environmental issues on their decision of where to travel and study.
Considering the importance of environmental consciousness and sustainability for students, a previous post outlined eco-friendly practices that they could adopt during their travels. These range from supporting local businesses and eating locally sourced food to offsetting one’s carbon footprint by participating in reforestation efforts in their chosen study destinations.
As students get ready for a trip and pack their things, they can also practice sustainability and reduce their footprint by opting for eco-friendly items. Below, we highlight travel essentials that help the environment while also ensuring a safe and stress-free trip for students like you.
Sunglasses
Regardless of where your student travel group plans to go, you’ll need to protect your eyes from the sun’s ever-present ultraviolet rays by wearing sunglasses. Otherwise, you might strain your eyes and increase your risk of developing photokeratitis (sunburn of the eyes).
If you’re looking to invest in a new pair, the sunglasses selection on Sunglass Hut includes stylish and protective frame styles made from eco-friendly materials. For example, the top brand Michael Kors offers their universally flattering Canberra sunnies with a bio-acetate option, while Tory Burch also has oversized frames responsibly crafted with bio-based materials. The quality of the frames offered by the optical retailer also guarantees they will last a long time and thus minimize waste and the need for replacement.
Water bottle
Aside from sun protection, hydration is key to maintaining your health and safety throughout your student trips. Instead of buying plastic water bottles every time you go out and explore, you can save money and reduce waste by bringing a reusable flask.
In this case, consider Hydro Flask’s water bottles since they not only come in various sizes to suit your hydration needs but also keep your beverage at the optimal temperature with their double-wall vacuum insulation. What’s more, the brand champions sustainability beyond its production and manufacturing processes by supporting efforts like Surfrider’s Plastic Pollution Initiative, which aims to remove single-use plastics from marine environments.
Travel backpack
In addition to suitcases, backpacks are essential when traveling as a student since they offer additional space for belongings while still being lightweight and hands-free. They’re also easy to maneuver when on public transit to go to museums and cultural attractions in Rome or on hiking trails for outdoor field trips in destinations like the Everglades National Park in Florida.
The Denver-based brand Adventurist Backpack Co. has student-friendly options made of equally sustainable and durable materials, such as vegan leather and water-resistant polyester. Its classic backpack is also designed with the modern traveler in mind, thanks to its side water bottle pockets and a main compartment that can fit your laptop, charger, and other packing essentials.
Biodegradable toothbrush
Dental care and hygiene mustn’t be overlooked when on a trip, making it essential to include a travel-size toothbrush in your toiletries kit. However, since conventional toothbrushes contribute to a significant portion of global plastic waste, you can opt for toothbrushes made of biodegradable materials like bamboo.
Research shows that biodegradable toothbrushes from brands like Bamboo India have adequate plaque removal efficacy, making them eco-friendly alternatives for cleaning and taking care of your teeth.
Continue reading the rest of the articles here at Student Travel Planning Guide for more tips, destination ideas, and informative resources for your journey.
