By Lesley Webb Peacesake's sustainability editor
If you are craving adventure and fresh air during quarantine, go on a refreshing road trip towards the solitude of nature.
During quarantine you might have found your great escape through books and Netflix. But let’s roadtrip to a place where nature is fully present & untouched. Let’s look up to admire trees swaying in the wind, and close our eyes to feel the warm breeze of open spaces. Let’s plan a road trip to the trails in the great outdoors - the sustainable way.
Here are a few sustainable practices I use before hitting the road.
Pass the Homemade Snacks
Instead of throwing pre-packaged granola bars in the car - research an easy 5 ingredient granola bar recipe. A few of my favorite ingredients for bars are oatmeal, peanut butter, dark chocolate chips, coconut flakes, chia seeds, & cinnamon.
Create an easy fruit salad. Combine strawberries, pineapple, grapes & blueberries - add fresh shredded mint & mix all the deliciousness in a bowl.
Your homemade wholesome snacks will keep you full longer & give you energy for the road and nature trail ahead. Pack your snacks in a reusable container. I like to use the reusable silicone bag, Stasher.
Reducing Your Waste
Bring some cloth napkins and reusable cutlery to reduce your waste. You can find unique reusable products on Etsy.
If you do accumulate waste during your road trip, do not throw your trash outside on the ground. Throw your waste in a garbage can at the next exit gas station or store.
Another solution is hold on to your waste until you get home. Research to learn what your local area accepts as recyclable. Then appropriately separate your waste items in your recycle or trash bins.
Stay Hydrated
Instead of stopping at gas stations for extra plastic bottled water, I bring my own Brita water filter pitcher. Fill your water pitcher container before you hit the road!
Don’t forget to fill your reusable water bottles before hitting the road.
Happy road tripping, the sustainable way!
Live Mindfully. Live Sustainably.
Links:
Stasher Reusable Bag
Etsy Cutlery
Etsy Cloth Napkins
Lesley Webb — Peacesake’s Sustainability Editor
Lesley is a Virginia Beach native who is passionate about environmental conservation. With a degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Lynchburg, her interest bloomed in sustainable living. As a sustainability advocate, she is eager to spread knowledge on reducing waste and lowering your carbon footprint in order to reduce our impact on the environment. Lesley strives to live mindfully with an eco-conscious lifestyle through food, products, health, and education. With this blog, Lesley intends to spread simple sustainably mindful practices.