Road Trippin

By Faith Longo

There’s no better way to start off a new year than with an impulsive decision.

For me, this decision was driving 1,000 miles to see my best friends in Oregon… for only two days. Not the most eco-friendly move, BUT, it was so freeing, exciting, and something I don’t regret (even a little). So, here’s some helpful tips I’ve learned on how to be a tad kinder to the planet on your journey!

Bring the Essentials

Just by bringing my zero waste goodie bag I reduced so much waste. In my bag I keep utensils, straws, napkins, and a hydro flask. I ended up only really using my straw and hydro, but since I had my whole car with me I didn’t mind stocking up. Plus, it was comforting to know I had options available if I ran into a situation where I might need them.

Use Tupperware

After watching a few videos on Youtube about road tripping I realized this GENIUS hack. Instead of using the styrofoam containers most restaurants give, bring your own tupperware! Of course, I didn’t do this at every restaurant, but if I had a feeling I might have some leftovers I would bring it just incase.

Reduce

Be more conscious of what you’re buying! Along the trip I was tempted to buy tons of new things: clothes, jewelry, mugs, etc. Our culture promotes this wasteful habit, which makes it much more important that we take that extra step in making sure we really need an item before buying in any situation. I ended up buying a small pin from Multnomah falls, because I know for a fact I’ll forever cherish it and the memories tied to it.

Stock Up on Snacks and Water

If you’re driving for 12+ hours, chances are you’re gonna get thirsty. For this trip I loaded up all of my bottles and filled them with water for the drive. Not only do you not have to worry about spending money on plastic bottles of water, but you also reduce your waste too! For snacks, I had fruits and all kinds of leftovers available in my tupperware. It was so much healthier than eating junk food along the way, and a lot more eco-friendly too! Not gonna lie though, on the way back I copped out of my habits and decided to try the new vegan burger at Carls jr. on the way home. It was super yummy and super worth it!

And lastly, be proud of how far you’ve come on your eco-friendly journey! Your goal isn’t to be perfect, but rather to do the best you can to make a positive impact on the world. One plastic bottle (or burger, in this case) isn’t gonna destroy all your progress. So stay positive, and keep growing at your own pace.