How to pack an eco-friendly carry-on luggage for your next trip?
It's not just eco-friendly carry-on luggage, but also a new way to travel and change some habits. Brands with sustainable practices are included.
Sustainable travel begins with mindful packing choices. Creating an eco-friendly carry-on luggage setup not only reduces your environmental impact but also streamlines your airport experience while supporting ethical brands and practices.
It's a win-win strategy if you think about it.
Essential tips for your eco-friendly carry-on luggage
It's not for me, and although it is for the planet, it also brings benefits for you. Here are some reasons to choose an eco-friendly carry-on luggage:
- Sustainable products reduce plastic waste and harmful chemicals that can contaminate destinations, protecting local ecosystems and wildlife.
- Your purchasing decisions support companies committed to fair labor practices, cruelty-free testing, and environmental responsibility.
- Natural, non-toxic products are gentler on your skin and reduce exposure to harmful chemicals during travel.
- Quality eco-friendly products typically last longer, resulting in reduced replacement costs and lower waste generation over time.
Beauty basics
Choose vegan and cruelty-free beauty brands that align with sustainable values.
Brands that promote the elimination of single-use plastics have a bonus, in addition to those mentioned above.
Ethique offers solid shampoo and conditioner bars that promote the elimination and use of plastic bottles, as well as special products for different hair types.
Weleda offers organic skincare products in recyclable packaging. It partners with local farmers and is paraben- and phthalate-free.
Pacifica focuses on vegan cosmetics with formulas that are safe for reefs and your skin.
Other options include Dr. Bronner's Multi-Purpose Castile Soap. You can use it as shampoo, body wash, and even laundry or dish soap, all in one refillable bottle.
Don't forget to use a reef-friendly sunscreen that won't contribute to reef bleaching.
Clothing materials and selection
Pack clothing made from organic cotton, hemp, linen, or recycled fibers. These materials biodegrade naturally and don't shed microplastics during washing.
Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, which release harmful microfibers that contaminate water systems at your destination.
Choose versatile pieces that can be mixed, matched, and layered to minimize quantity while maximizing outfit options.
Be sure to monitor your destination's weather before traveling so you can avoid packing extra clothing and travel lighter.
Luggage brands
An eco-friendly carry-on luggage starts with an eco-friendly luggage brand.
- Patagonia Black Hole bags use recycled materials with exceptional durability.
- CALPAK offers luggage made from recycled plastic bottles with lifetime warranties. Away's aluminum cases are fully recyclable and built to last decades.
- Samsonite's ECO-NU line features bags made from recycled ocean plastic, combining sustainability with trusted quality.
An extra tip: do some research into the practices of brands you already know—you might be surprised.
Need to know
Eco-friendly carry-on luggage simplifies TSA screening. Solid toiletries like shampoo bars bypass liquid restrictions entirely.
Bamboo toothbrushes and metal safety razors (without blades) pass through security smoothly.
Concentrated, multi-purpose products reduce the number of containers requiring inspection, speeding up the screening process.
Lightweight luggage reduces fuel consumption during flights, directly lowering your carbon footprint.
Airlines calculate fuel needs based on total weight, so every pound matters for environmental impact. Additionally, lighter bags are easier to maneuver, reducing physical strain and improving your travel experience.
FAQS
Which luggage brands are up there in terms of commitments to sustainability?
Leading sustainable luggage brands include Patagonia, which uses 100% recycled materials and supports environmental activism. CALPAK, featuring bags made from recycled plastic bottles with carbon-neutral shipping. While Samsonite's ECO-NU collection uses ocean plastic waste. And Away, with recyclable aluminum construction and repair programs extending product lifecycles.
How to pack an eco-friendly carry-on luggage?
Start with solid toiletries to eliminate liquid restrictions and plastic waste. Choose multi-purpose items like castile soap for multiple cleaning needs. Select concentrated products to minimize space and weight while maximizing functionality.
Pack clothing made from natural, biodegradable fibers. Use packing cubes made from recycled materials to organize efficiently.
Bring a reusable water bottle and utensils to avoid single-use plastics.
Pamela Herrera
