My Zero Waste On the Go Kit
Yesterday, I showed you guys what I carry in my handbag on a daily basis, as a zero waste enthusiast, in my blog post: What’s in My Bag: Zero Waste Edition. However, I mentioned that I don’t like to carry around a large clunky bag full of zero waste supplies regularly. I prefer to keep the essentials close by in my small purse, and I carry my other zero waste necessities in my car in my zero waste on the go kit.
Here’s a quick look at what I keep in the backseat of my car for all those unplanned zero waste moments, listed from left to right:
Mason Jar
If you’ve been trying to go zero waste for even a short amount of time, I’m sure you know how useful a simple glass jar can be. A mason jar is the perfect size to stash lunch leftovers, or you can use it for drinks on the go. So versatile! You can use a canning jar as a travel coffee mug with one of these sweet handmade coffee sleeves or you could use it to carry a nutritious smoothies. It can hold a cup of soup or a slice of pie. It’s really the most affordable and adaptable zero waste container in my opinion!
It’s also super easy to find a mason jar secondhand. Hit up your local thrift shop or check out a garage sale/estate sale on the weekend, and you will probably spot at least one mason jar.
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Travel Coffee Mug
I keep a reusable insulated travel coffee mug in my car for those spontaneous afternoon caffeine pick me ups. Again, you can probably find one of these secondhand. I could easily choose to stay and have my coffee “for here,” at a local coffee shop, but I also like to keep my mug in the car, just in case I’m in a rush and need my drink to go. A mason jar would work as well for coffee to go, but I’ve been spoiled by this sweet insulated travel coffee mug and can’t turn back now.
Reusable Produce Bags
I keep a reusable produce bag in my purse, but I also like to keep a few extras in the car as well. They’re just such a great size for carrying anything really, and I like how lightweight they are. Since they are transparent, it makes it super easy for the cashier when checking out to see what you’re purchasing. I also like that they can be tossed in to the washing machine after a few uses. These reusable produce bags come as a set of five bags.
Stainless Steel Container
I know any old lunch container will do, but I really love stashing my leftovers in my stainless steel lunch box. I get a lot of compliments on this guy, which is a super bonus to me, because that means I can easily talk to admiring strangers about zero waste and sustainable living! It’s a great size, completely plastic free, and so sturdy. I know this to-go container will last me for years and years to come. If you’re going zero waste on a budget, consider using a Tupperware container you already have or checking your local thrift shop to see if you can find one of these containers secondhand!
Water Bottle with Filter
Stay hydrated friends! I keep a glass water bottle in my car so I never feel the need to use a single use plastic water bottle. I have a plastic free active charcoal water filter in my bottle that helps keep the water clean and tasting delicious. This filter lasts for about four months. After, I can give it a second life by burying it in the garden to add carbon to the soil. It comes packaged in completely plastic free, compostable packaging!
Canvas Tote
I have a canvas tote filled with other canvas totes (and other various reusable shopping bags I’ve collected over the years) sitting in the backseat of my car for impromptu trips to the grocery store. This way I can forgo single use plastic bags! It’s hard to remember to bring reusable shopping bags to the store sometimes. Now, I won’t have to worry about forgetting my bags!
What’s in your zero waste on the go kit?? What are your essentials??
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