I just got back from a weekend trip to LA, and I cannot believe this is my first trip since Going Zero Waste. I met up with the wonderful Amanda from Cozy Caravan. We met while performing together in PA. She's a freelance writer with the most beautiful spirit. She's working on a passion project that I CANNOT wait to share with you. It's going to be epic. But, until she's ready to announce - let's talk about ZW travel!
I was a little nervous when packing; because, the zero waste and boy scout motto are one in the same, "Be prepared!" But, it's difficult to be prepared when you have no idea where the open road will take you. Let me tell you friend:
- 16oz Mason Jar
- Cloth Napkin
Every single challenge was easily tackled with just two waste busting items. Plus they're both small enough to easily fit in my tiny bag. Some people will suggest a "zero waste kit" which includes a plate, fork, multiple bags, the kitchen sink, 4 chairs, and a map of the solar system. Not ideal for being on the go. Keeping something like that in the trunk might be nice, but I don't want to be constantly on the move with that much stuff.
My requirements include something minimal, light weight and keeps me waste free.
The trip started out with a friendly face and a spiked strawberry smoothie. Amanda and I both share a deep love for food and drink. So our trip revolved around A LOT of eating and drinking. The morning started out with a mason jar full of iced kombucha and a croissant.
The one thing I had to do in LA was visit a taqueria. Amanda scoped out a place with real plates. We sampled some amazing veggie tacos! We avoided the paper cups with our mason jars and wiped our hands on a cloth napkin.
Next we rolled into a winery on the beach in Malibu. We wound up crashing a Disney party and a birthday party. We got offered lots of free food. Thankfully we came prepared for finger food. We kept our water in the mason jar and our snacks on the napkin.
I love wine tasting; it's almost always a zero waste activity with real glasses, compostable cork, and a 100% recyclable glass bottle. Plus nothing beats sipping wine, smelling the salt water, feeling the sun on your skin, and chatting the afternoon away with a dear friend.
After the winery we wound up at Sage a vegan and gluten free restaraunt in LA. It was wonderful! They had cloth napkins and respected the no straw request in my delicious margarita. If we had leftovers, we could easily tote them home. But, since we had an empty jar the obvious solution is to load up on vegan, peanut butter, chocolate ice cream!
Two scoops in the mason jar to go. If you're in the LA area, you have to check out Scoops. They even have metal tasting spoons!
Vanilla, Corriander, Almond Milk Latte
Road snacks bought in bulk
Ice cream to go!
The next morning we went to Blue Star Donut for breakfast. I presented my napkin and they were more than happy to give me my donut without any waste. And, the best part was - I WASN'T THE FIRST PERSON TO BYOC THAT MORNING! Cue the internal screaming and fireworks.
See my tiny bag? This is why minimalism and effectiveness are important. I don't want to buy a bigger bag when this one is perfect.
Then the trip ended with a trip to Tom's coffee shop where Amanda works. It is so cool. They have an amazing out door sitting area, totally eco friendly, and everything you buy is one for one. I got some coffee to go in my mason jar and was off. Time to go back to the bay.
And, as an added bonus - look at all of this bulk!? Don't underestimate what you may find on the road.
Bulk jerky and slim jims
Tons of fresh fruit
Also, this is what I packed. I wore the white button down and drab jacket on the way down, and wore my pajama top to come home. This all came from my 18 piece wardrobe.
I am already missing the 80 degree weather and sipping wine in Malibu. I definitely want to travel more this year. I want the chance to explore my new state. I would love to go camping!
What are some of your travel essentials?
