Travel is on most everyone’s mind these days. Whether it’s to exotic foreign destinations, or to bucket-list spots right here in our beautiful country, there are always plans being made to make travel the experiential pleasure it’s meant to be. And this holds true whether flying solo, with friends, or accompanied by the whole family.
With sustainability and ESG agendas a growing concern, it’s good to know that there are many ways to be a “responsible” traveler — enjoying traveling without losing sight of sustainable practices and concerns. And SM Green Finds at SM Store is our go-to champion in offering products and options that “marry” wanderlust with green living — something we can be extra thankful for. Just look for products with the SM Green Finds badge at SM Store and at SM Retail affiliates.
To add comfort to our time on the plane, or chosen mode of transportation, the Travel Blue pillows are made with eco-friendly materials - making travel and transit time that much more relaxing. And if you’re the type who likes to bring your own towels when leaving home, the Hosh bamboo towels are compact, lightweight, quick drying, and easy to pack.
Reusable catcha tote bags are easy to fold and pack, and they’re perfect for taking around with you when on tours or shopping for souvenirs. Retail shops in most countries nowadays will charge you extra for a disposable carrying or shopping bag, so best to have come prepared with your own reusable. You leave all your purchases at the hotel room in the evenings, and the bag is ready for the next day.
At SM Beauty, there are a range of Green Finds products that are begging to be included in your travel kit. The Luxe Organic Cica Soothing Gel will handle most sun exposure and sunburn issues; while the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water is perfect for morning and nighttime face cleaning. And don’t forget to always have the Watsons Antibacterial Cleaning Wipes on hand at every point of your trip. They’re 100 percent plant-based, so biodegradable — and yet sturdy enough to be used in a multi-purpose manner.
If the standing order this year is to travel with the children and they’re still babies or toddlers; don’t worry, Baby Company has a wide range of earth friendly travel essentials for your little ones. Be more intentional by looking for products that are made from natural and organic ingredients, free from harmful chemicals and toxins, and made locally or from sustainable sources. For breastfeeding needs while you’re traveling, head to Baby Company to get Wisemom On The Go Handsfree Breast Pump — it’s small and lightweight. No tubes, no cords, no dangling bottles.
Another must when traveling with toddlers are these organic juices from Only Organic, which contains certified organic ingredients such as Spinach, Mango, and Kale. They are nutritionist-approved, no artificial flavors or colors, and non-BPA packaging.
While Toy Kingdom has an array of toys and play material that are produced by companies that champion sustainability.
The SES and “Melissa and Doug” toys are 100 percent carbon dioxide neutral, and even Crayola has joined the sustainability “train.” Their manufacturing plants run on 100 percent renewable energy, while annually churning out three billion crayons, 700 million markers, and 120 million jars of paint — products that one can store up on, so the kids have something to keep themselves occupied with on long flights or for lazy days.
The big idea here is that travel and Sustainability can go hand in hand. Several carriers have shifted to sustainable aviation fuel; and we can all do our little bit in fostering a sustainable lifestyle, without restricting the pleasure of travel. SM Green Finds is a valuable “little helper” in making us achieve this balance.