What’s in my Zero Waste Bags
I can’t believe I’ve been making content online for 5 years and I have yet to show you what’s in my zero waste bag! Well, perhaps it’s because I don’t really carry these bags for the sake of being zero waste but rather the items I carry daily just happen to BE zero waste. Yes, some help me reduce waste, but that is not the overall goal of my bags. I designed them for comfort while working, hiking, volunteering, or just going out and about.
my 3 low waste bags
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Secondhand hiking bag from Osprey
This is my go-to bag. It has so many pockets, it’s comfortable to wear, and it’s great for any daily activity from running errands to hiking to birding and biking and more! I got it secondhand from OfferUp but you can also look secondhand at REI’s garage sale, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and more.
You can learn more about the importance of shopping secondhand in this video, but in short it saves you money and prevents many new resources from being created to make you a new bag. And it prevents items from the landfills that are quickly running out of space.
Waterproof bag from GOT BAG
If you are looking for a new bag, I highly suggest GOT BAG. They are made from recycled ocean plastic, are very big without feeling too big and bulky, and are waterproof so they double as a dry bag. I love this for boating, kayaking, canoeing, or hiking in the rain. I also used it due to its size when we lived in Vegas and I walked to the grocery store.
Crossbody bag from KLS Designs
My regular day-use bag is from KLS Designs. This bag is handmade from a one-woman team in Wyoming. It’s made from leather which is extremely durable and can last generations when taken care of properly. I got it as a gift from my Dad and use it all the time! It carries exactly what I need for small trips and I love how durable and high-quality it is.
Now, let’s get into the items INSIDE these bags
Shubug Bug Spray
Shubug is my favorite zero waste bug spray that I have tested this summer. It comes in metal, it deet free, and they also have essential oil blends. It works so well and it’s compact and applies nicely.
3 Mom’s Organics bug spray
Another great option for low waste bug spray is 3 Mom’s Organics. It’s completely made with essential oils, comes in a variety of sizes, and also works on ticks, not just mosquitos. It’s a zero waste must have for buggy summers!
Check out my full bug spray review here!
Babo Botanicals Sunscreen
Another important essential is sunscreen. I have tried around 10 brands over the years, but I love how Babo Botanicals applies. They’re not the MOST eco in terms of packaging, but they are the best to use. You can learn more about them and the other brands I have tested in this video.
Kinfield anti-itch
When the bugs DO bite, I love using Kinfield’s anti-itch. It’s compact, doesn’t melt, and is fully recyclable or compostable when you’re done with it. It lasts a long time though! AND it actually works. I reach for it all the time at home and out and about.
Secondhand reusable gloves
Gloves ALWAYS come in handy! I started keeping them in my bag last summer when I was interning in Washington State Parks. We did a lot of outdoor labor like mowing, clearly branches, picking up trash, and more and gloves were essential to protect my hands. I still keep some in my bag in case I need to some something similar or just a small as picking up trash. I got them from my dad’s garage sale when he was moving out of his house this spring!
Baggu reusable bag
I never go anywhere without a Baggu reusable tote bag. It’s perfect for groceries, thrifting, or any other use I may need for a bag. It’s great in a pinch if I have to pick up trash or have to reorganize dirty clothes. It can be used for anything and washed if it gets dirty. I particularly like how it packs down compactly and takes up little space no matter which bag I’m carrying.
Pack rain cover from REI
I love REI. It’s an outdoorsman’s heaven but I also love that they have a secondhand section in their stores as well as their website. Plus, a pack cover is essential to living zero waste outdoors. Why? It keeps my items dry and protected! Protecting your items IS living zero waste. Even if the pack cover isn’t the most eco-friendly item on the planet and it’s not protecting the most important items on the planet, protecting them IS eco-friendly.
Dry bags from REI
Another great tool to protect your items are dry bags. They come in a variety of sizes and help protect everything, but especially valuable items or items that would get damaged if wet. These are key for tech, paper, and so much more! They also keep dirt, bugs, and sweat out, too.
Secondhand film camera
One item I keep in said dry bag at ALL times no matter the weather is my film camera. I love shooting the occasional film and it’s expensive, so I want to protect it and the camera at all costs. Plus, it’s secondhand, probably technically vintage, and so special to me. And, of course, simply making stuff last is eco-friendly!
Cocoplum sunglasses case with Zenni sunglasses
Going with the theme of protecting my items, something I finally started using this year is a glasses case. Come at me, I deserve it. I was just chucking sunglasses and even prescription glasses in my backpack willy-nilly. I have learned my lesson and now protect my glasses to make them last as long as possible. I love this glasses case from Cocoplum. I’m not sure if they sell it separately, but they should! It’s so cute and functional and my glasses never fall out. BUT, they also sell sunglasses made from recycled pill bottles, how cool!
Stio buff
I love everything from Stio but it doesn’t all fit in my bag. They use a lot of recycled materials in their items and they are truly built to last. I have tried brands like Girlfriend Collective that cost a pretty penny but their items don’t last. Stio’s do. I have worn a pair of their pants consistently for over 3 years. But, their buff is a great multi-purpose item I always keep in my bag. I can use it as a mask to keep out dirt, I can use it to keep my face warm or protected from the sun, I can use it as a bandana to hold my hair up, I can use it to wipe sweat or my nose. I love a good buff!
Bushnell binoculars
Truly not eco-friendly, but hey, it’s in my bag! I got really into birding after getting these, so I’d say this one piece of gear makes that a pretty eco hobby (learn more about my eco hobbies here). Though I did find Dan his own pair secondhand for Christmas last year on OfferUp! I should have looked there first for myself, lesson learned!
Stio coat AND my binoculars!
Battery pack
I love a good battery pack! This one is old, it’s something we already had…which is eco-friendly! I could’ve easily gone out to buy a truly eco one, but I already had this one lying around. We do have a secondary one for backpacking that charges via solar energy, so it’s extra eco!
While not the most eco, it does come in handy should your phone run out of battery in the woods or even at work!
Small sewing kit
Now this comes in handy more often than you’d think! I got both of my small kits while I was in the Air Force. They’re meant to make small uniform repairs, but I don’t care too much if my thread doesn’t match perfectly. Plus these little kits also come with buttons which I needed once!
I love mending in general but it’s nice to be able to mend on the go sometimes if you need a repair quickly.
Bandages in a reused tin
I got a tin full of cat lady bandages several years ago. The tin was just too cute to get rid of! So, I stocked it full of new bandages and a few other odds and ends like hair ties, rubber bands, and a few dollars. It’s a small emergency kit in the cutest tin!
The Kind Pet dog poop bags
My worst fear is taking Denahi somewhere, he poops, and I can’t pick it up. Okay, maybe not my BIGGEST fear, but the last thing I want to do is leave poop in someone’s lawn or a public place. So, a roll of these always stays in my bag.
Plus, it’s great as a trash bag, a makeshift glove, or more!
Lip balm
Something you will never catch me leaving the house without is lip balm. As long as my head doesn’t hurt and my lips are moisturized, I’m happy! I’ve been loving a few brands but my favorite has to go to Tahoe Hemp Company. They are so hydrating, don’t melt too badly, and stay soft even in cold weather. Plus, it’s a small business that uses good ingredients. Full lip balm review coming to YouTube soon!
Package Free Shop reusable toothpicks
This is a swap I forgot I had! PFS sent these to me a while ago and honestly, I have yet to use them, but now that I remember, I’m glad to give them a whirl! I love the occasional toothpick (or I NEED one) and this is a great waste-free alternative, yes, even to the wooden ones. Reusing is always better than recycling or composting!
Pain meds
Chronic pain girlies, raise your hands! I keep pain meds mostly for my chronic migraines but they clearly come in handy for so many things. I like to buy one travel-sized bottle and reuse it. After it’s empty, I will buy a large bottle of pain meds and refill the small one since it’s easier to store in small bags or to travel with.
Zero waste period kit
Though I usually only carry this when I’m on or around my own period, I try to keep it on me as much as possible in case anyone else needs period products. Tampons are also great in a pinch in survival situations so you never know! Here’s what’s in my kit:
Thinx period underwear (though, I don’t usually recommend Thinx. Learn more about my fav low waste period swaps here)
Dame organic tampons
Natracare organic tampons
Upcycled grocery bag as a make-shift trash or wet bag
Dental floss
Isn’t there an old saying to never leave the house without floss? I’m not sure, but I do love being able to get stuff out of my teeth in the moment vs waiting to get home. Floss is also great in case you need to tie something! It’s not eco, but hey, it’s in my bag.
Nuun hydration tablets
Another not-very-eco item but a very essential item are my Nuun tablets. Though, I do prefer this brand instead of other electrolyte brands since this is a fully recyclable or reusable tube instead of thin plastic packets of powder. This is a great item to have in an outdoorsy bag in case of dehydration or other illness!
Plaine Products hand sanitizer
I love having hand sanitizer on me at all times in case I don’t have access to water or I’m in a dirty environment. I love using Plaine Products since their bottles are refilled by the brand themselves (learn more about the refill process here). I don’t have a photo of the hand sanitizer, but Plaine also has hair gel, shampoo, conditioner, face oil, and so much more in refilled bottles!
I don’t have a photo of their hand sanitizer but they sell so much more!
Dr Bronner’s soap
Forget worrying about carrying hand sanitizer and just carry your own soap! Haha, mostly kidding, but I do carry a small bottle of Dr. Bronner’s soap in my bag. Why? Mostly cause I have it lying around so why not. Never know when it may come in handy!
Zippo reusable hand warmer
This is truly an underrated swap. In fact, I’ve never even heard another eco creator talk about this and that is a reusable hand warmer. I got mine from Zippo, so I’m sure it’s not made the best BUT it is fully reusable and it’s multi-use since it’s also a flashlight and battery pack. I have a condition called Raynaud’s so this really comes in handy for keeping me safe and warm when I’m outside (and sometimes inside haha).
Zerra & Co lotion bar
The best lotion for travel has to be a lotion bar. And the best lotion bar has to be Zerra & Co. It’s soft, luscious, and doesn’t melt even when it’s warm. And it’s still durable when it’s cold! I love this compact option for keeping in my bag and it’s very eco, the whole brand is! Check out my full Zerra & Co review here.
Loop reusable hearing protection
These Loop earbuds are amazing! I know they are kinda trendy, but I truly love them. As a chronic migraine girlie who is very sensitive to sound and also works in loud environments, these come in handy not only for my healthy but also the planet since they are reusable.
Boaty travel-sized reusable tissues
I love Boaty in general but I especially love their small travel pack of reusable tissues or hankies for travel and work. The little pouch has a clean and a dirty side and is easy to carry around. I love being able to reduce waste in practical ways. If you want a free alternative, just cut your own hankies from an old tshirt!
Kula Cloth
Hands down my favorite zero waste outdoors swap! A Kula Cloth is a reusable pee cloth. It helps reduce how much toilet paper you have to carry, how much toilet paper you have to worry about disposing of, all the while it’s smell-free and antibacterial. I love how cute the patterns are and it makes reusing this pee cloth discrete.
Reusable mask
Yeah, I still keep one on me. Why not? I already have it and it has many uses. Yes, it still comes in handy if I’m sick or trying to prevent from getting sick, but it can also be used to keep your face warm, keep out dust or pollen, protect you from the sun or wind, and more!
Reusable water bottle
A classic zero waste swap, I always have my reusable water bottle on me. I have a Nalgene and a Stanley I’ve been loving but Klean Kanteen is a great zero waste brand if you’re in the market. But, use what you have or even look second hand!
Stojo containers
This is not an item I keep regularly in my bag, but Stojo containers are the perfect container for getting take-out in without the waste! They’re not breakable, they’re durable, microwave safe, dishwasher safe, pack down nice and small, and can also be used at home. I love them!
There you have it! That’s what’s in my zero waste bags. Not everything is designed to reduce waste, but that is not the only criteria that makes something zero waste. Using what you have, repurposing something, and getting the most use out of an item are all also zero waste actions.
What’s in your low waste bag?
Thank you for reading, as always, remember that your small actions make a big difference in the long run :)
Emma
