How to Have a Plastic-Free Holiday: 5 Useful Tips
In today’s world, it is quite challenging to avoid the usage of plastic. Everything, from the bags we use to shop, to the wrapping that encases fruit and vegetables. Let’s face it, most shops do not leave you any choice but to use the non-biodegradable material. There is an environmental movement surfacing all over the world, and it is what you call the ‘War against plastic’. Think about it, plastic can take up to 1000 years to biodegrade, and even if you can’t see it, microplastics may linger in the atmosphere. It isn’t healthy for us - nor the earth, it damages animal habitats and can reduce soil fertility. Our hotel in the Alps, Miramonti Hotel, knows the difficulty for many guests to go plastic-free - so we hope to help you travellers out, with some tips and tricks for you to become more eco-friendly. So, without further ado, here are five easy, top tips!
BRING SOLID SOAPS AND SHAMPOO
Thanks to the plastic-free movement, the popularity of soaps and solid shampoos have risen! With the majority of brands that sell, they tend to use plastic bottles to package the products. Imagine, all the shampoo bottles you have used in your lifetime are still lingering in landfills! To solve this, you should bring solid products to reduce plastic, and it may even help you keep to the 100ml rule in airports. Nowadays, you can find conditioner bars, shampoo bars, body wash bars, and more.
STRAWS AND CUTLERY
If you’re going to a restaurant chain, likely, they are going to offer straws. Despite the growing number of places that opt for paper straws, there is still a handful that is still using plastic - which is quite unfortunate. So, to tackle this issue, you should try investing in a metal, bamboo or an acrylic straw, that can be cleaned and reused more than once! Don’t forget to show the waiter you’re opting for the reusable option before they get you any more plastic straws.
REEF-SAFE SUNSCREEN
Mainstream sunscreen products not only use plastic packaging, but they have harmful chemicals that may harm fish. Therefore, to avoid using this kind of product, go for sunscreens that are ‘reef’ safe and that come in reusable containers. Though these products are still not widespread, it is worth trying to go for these alternative solutions - if you can. Not only is this important in oceans, but also in the lakes. In Northern Italy, it is famous for the abundance of Lombardy Lakes hat are perfect for fishing in the Alps - you don’t want to ruin the ecosystem, do you?
REUSABLE CUPS AND BOTTLES
As humans, we consume a lot of liquid throughout the day - and that will also translate over a lifetime. If you are an avid plastic bottle user, then imagine the number of water bottles that have been discarded and stay on this earth for the next thousand years - and that’s not even an exaggeration! So, if you can, invest in a good quality cup or bottle to keep water or coffee. Take it on your holiday, and best if you can refill it. Of course, it depends on which country you are getting the water from, but many countries do have options to refill!
Locally-Sourced Food
If you are hunting for some groceries or food to buy while on your holiday. Try and avoid the supermarkets and go to local markets! There are lots of benefits when you opt for locally-sourced foods, it helps reduce the usage of plastic and it gives you that peace of mind that the ingredients that you’re buying is likely to be organic. You could even pick the ingredients up yourself! In the Italian Alps, you can forage some porcini mushrooms during the Autumn season, and even pick up some Italian Chestnuts.
Why not stay at Miramonti Boutique Hotel? We are located within the Alps, with a Hotel Spa, relaxing Cigar Lounge and an Italian Restaurant that serves local Valtellina Cuisine.
For more articles about the Italian Alps and Northern Italy, read our blog: