How to Plan a Zero Waste Adventure

Adventure has the power to transform us. It can challenge our limits, open our eyes to new cultures, and remind us of our place within the natural world. But as adventurers, we must also face a hard truth: our journeys leave a footprint. Flights emit carbon, packaging creates waste, and even our presence in fragile environments can have a lasting impact. At Life Happens Outdoors, we believe that the magic of adventure comes with responsibility. The goal is not perfection but progress, making conscious choices so that we come back different and leave the places we visit better than we found them.

Here’s how to plan a zero waste adventure that is realistic, meaningful, and kind to both the planet and the communities we encounter.

Start With What You Bring: Pack With Purpose

The first step towards minimising waste is in your backpack. Many adventurers overpack, bringing items wrapped in unnecessary packaging or gear that won’t last beyond one trip. Instead:

Choose quality over quantity Invest in durable gear built to last for years. A high quality down jacket, a sturdy pair of hiking boots with resolable soles, and a titanium camp stove will serve you far longer than cheaper alternatives that fall apart quickly.

Eliminate disposables Avoid single use plastics like snack wrappers, straws, and disposable wet wipes. Swap these for beeswax wraps, reusable snack bags, and biodegradable soap. Pack a lightweight cloth napkin and a set of travel cutlery.

Think multipurpose A merino wool base layer can be used for hiking, sleeping, and even travel days thanks to its odour resistance. A bandana can serve as a towel, a headband, or even a makeshift pot holder.

Packing with intention reduces what you bring and what you leave behind, helping you move through the world more lightly.

Minimize Waste on the Road: Everyday Choices That Matter

When you’re on the move, small actions compound into big results. Here are realistic, everyday steps:

Eat local, shop local Visit local markets instead of big box stores. Bring your own cloth bag to avoid plastic bags and support local farmers and artisans. Try local produce rather than imported goods with heavy carbon footprints.

Say no to unnecessary packaging Politely refuse plastic cutlery, napkins, and extra wrapping when buying food or souvenirs. For snacks, buy in bulk and portion them into reusable containers.

Choose refillable over packaged Many hotels, hostels, and cafes now have refill stations for water and toiletries. Carry a collapsible water bottle and refill it instead of buying bottled water.

Leave no trace, even food scraps Fruit peels and nut shells may seem natural, but they are not native to the environment and can disrupt local ecosystems. Pack out all food waste, including organic matter, and dispose of it properly.

Stay on designated paths Cutting across switchbacks or stepping off marked trails causes erosion and damages fragile plants that may take years to recover.

These habits become second nature over time, creating a rhythm of travel that feels both sustainable and deeply rewarding.

Addressing the Big One: Carbon From Distance Travel

For many adventurers, the greatest environmental cost comes before the trip even begins: the flight. While not everyone can avoid flying, you can offset your carbon footprint in meaningful ways.

Calculate your carbon emissions Websites like Gold Standard or Atmosfair help you estimate the exact impact of your journey.

Offset through verified projects Choose organisations that invest in reforestation, renewable energy, or community based carbon reduction. Some great options include planting trees in deforested areas or funding clean cookstove programs.

Travel slowly when possible Combine destinations into one longer trip rather than taking multiple short flights. If you can, opt for trains, buses, or carpools for shorter distances.

Pack lighter to fly lighter Reducing your luggage weight helps lower fuel consumption on flights, a small but meaningful step.

Carbon offsetting is not a perfect solution, but it’s a necessary step towards accountability.

Be a Net Positive Contributor

A zero waste adventure isn’t just about reducing harm. It’s about actively giving back to the environments and communities you visit.

Support local conservation efforts Participate in clean up initiatives, donate to national parks, or spend a day volunteering for a local environmental project.

Respect cultural heritage Learn the history and customs of the places you visit. Engage with local communities respectfully by hiring indigenous guides, supporting small family owned guesthouses, and buying locally made crafts instead of imported souvenirs.

Leave places better than you found them Pick up litter you find on trails, educate fellow travelers about sustainable practices, and encourage others to make mindful choices.

Advocate for change Share your sustainable travel practices on social media to inspire others to follow suit. By spreading awareness, you help create a ripple effect beyond your own journey.

The Bigger Picture: Preservation Through Mindfulness

Adventure is about transformation, not just within ourselves but also in the world we touch. Every decision we make as travellers has a ripple effect. By practicing mindful consumption, offsetting our unavoidable impact, and giving back where we can, we create a legacy of preservation rather than depletion.

At Life Happens Outdoors, we are committed to leaving no trace and giving more than we take. When we journey into the wild, we don’t just seek summits or epic moments. We seek connection, to nature, to culture, to each other. And through that connection, we find a deeper responsibility to protect what we love.

Final Thoughts

A zero waste adventure is not about being perfect. It’s about intention. Start small, stay consistent, and remember that every action matters. Whether you’re hiking in the Dolomites, climbing in Chamonix, or summiting Kilimanjaro, you have the power to come back different and leave the world a little better for those who follow.