Mountainsmith Phoenix – $289.00

But what about green gear?

Check out these twelve items to pack that will help make your environmental footprint a size smaller while traveling.

1. Mountainsmith Recycled Backpacks

One of the best ways to ease your impact on the environment is to buy products made from recycled materials.

When it comes to backpacks, Mountainsmith has a line of bags made from recycled plastics ranging from small daypacks to large alpine packs.

Solio Charger – $88.23

2. Solio Solar Charger

This compact gadget uses the sun’s energy to power up a wide variety of electronic devices.

It comes with detachable adapters making it compatible with iPods, digital cameras, and cell phones.

The charger works best in direct sunlight so let it catch some rays with you while on the beach.

Many of Solio’s chargers are hybrids which means you can plug them into electrical outlets if you need to recharge very quickly.

Bamboo Biocool – $45.45

3. New Balance Bamboo Biocool Shirts

Want some new clothes for your upcoming vacation?

Shopping at secondhand stores is a great way to go. However, if you’d prefer new threads, try to choose fabrics made from sustainable materials like hemp and organic cotton.

You might not think of bamboo when choosing travel wear but New Balance is trying to get you to rethink that idea.

They have constructed a Bamboo Biocool shirt using bamboo yarn which blocks UV rays, is anti-bacterial, and dries fast.

4. Solar Oven

Solar Oven – $19.98

Ah, the great outdoors! You’re off on your camping trip, getting back to nature.

But when you cook food, I’ll bet you burn firewood or use a gas stove. Those days of environmental neglect can now be over!

Try using the portable Solar Oven when camping or trekking to cook just about anything.

You can roast veggies, cook the day’s catch, even bake bread in this little oven, all using free, renewable solar power.

5. Envirosax Reusable Shopping Bags

Envirosax – $38.00

Envirosax has a line of stylish, ultra compact bags that are perfect for travelers.

They come in a myriad of colors to suit every taste.

Great for souvenir shopping, they can also be used as beach and day bags when you don’t want to cart your pack around with you.

6. Recycled Shoes

Splaff Flipflops – $44.95

Cover your trotters in sustainable wear by buying shoes made from recycled materials.

Timberland has created their Earthkeepers’ line of waterproof boots using recycled rubber and organic cotton.

For beachwear, strap on a pair of Splaff flops which are made from old tires.

7. Katadyn ExStream Purifier Water Bottle

Purifier – $42.00

According to the Clean Air Council, Americans throw away an astonishing 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour.

Yes, every hour.

You can do your part not add to that number by using your own water filter.

Katadyn makes a handy sports bottle with a built-in purifier perfect for traveling.

It’s great for camping in places where water faucets aren’t readily available, as well as questionable places when they are available.

The filter has three stages to keep the nasties in the water from reaching your mouth.Not only does it reduce waste, it’s a money saver.

After only a few dozen uses, the water bottle has paid for itself.

8. Lightload Beach Towels

Lightload Towels – $6.00

Made from 100% environmentally-friendly viscose, these towels can be squished down to the size of a hockey puck, making them uber-compact.

They are also quick drying and big enough to use at the beach.

The towels themselves are not super durable, but I have used mine on my last three vacations and it still has life left in it.

Lightload towels are completely biodegradable. The towels also come in a smaller hand towel. While they were slightly more absorbent than the larger ones, they did fall apart after one wash.

9. Burt’s Bees Natural Sun Care

Burt’s Bees Products – $10.90

Back in January 2008, National Geographic reported that many sunscreens used by beach bunnies could be killing coral.

Some scientists refute this, but with so many chemicals swimming around in sun lotions, it’s no surprise that they might have an environmental impact.

Earth-friendly company Burt’s Bees has an all-natural sun screen that is a great alternative to many chemical-laden ones.

The Bees’ sunscreen uses titanium dioxide to deflect harmful UV rays.

Kayak – $1,148.95

10. Necky Manitou Recycled Kayak

Sports that involve big equipment purchases can have a big impact on the environment.

Think of how much Fiberglass and plastic is needed for just one new kayak.

Make your next trip down the river guilt-free with Necky’s super durable kayak made from 100% recycled industrial plastic.

Blanket/Eyemask – $19.95

11. pb Travel Bamboo Blanket and Eyemask

Some airlines have started charging for pillows and blankets, so it’s time to start carrying your own.

While investing in your personal sleeping accessories, why not go green with your choices?

pb Travel has a blanket (and eyemask) made from 100% bamboo fabric, which is touted as being softer than cashmere.

12. Bucky’s Fuzzy Wuzzy Travel Pillow

Fuzzy Wuzzy – $24.95

For a pillow, try Bucky’s Fuzzy Wuzzy Travel pillow which contains an organic millet hull filling.

Ease your impact when traveling by making environmentally-conscious choices.

Reduce your waste. Choose to tour with eco companies.

And make your gear a shade greener.

It seems like airlines are placing new restrictions on luggage everyday. With bag space at a premium, consider packing items that have more than one use.

Reduce clutter and free up space with these 10 multipurpose items.

1) Shampoo

There is no reason to carry four or five bottles of cleansing liquids such as body wash or shampoo. When you get down to it, it’s all soap. So consolidate by choosing a mild shampoo for all your cleaning needs.

• Body Soap – In addition to using shampoo to wash your hair, you can use it to wash your body and as a facial cleanser.
• Laundry Detergent – Shampoo works just as well for washing clothes…and it smells better, too.
• Dish Washing Liquid – Use it to clean dishes in poorly-stocked hostel kitchens.

2) Dental Floss

This waxy string is not only great for getting food out of your teeth, it also has other practical uses.

• Clothesline – Double up a length of floss and string it across the room for a place to hang socks and undies.
• Thread – You can use this super-durable string as thread for rips and tears.
• Knife – Dental floss won’t cut through a steak, but it will nicely slice cheese and bread.

More details from TravelWithCare

3) 5-in-1 Survival Tool

Weighing in at just 50 grams, this superlight tool is great in emergencies. Check out its multipurpose features below:

• Waterproof Matchbox
• Safety Whistle
• Compass
• Signal Mirror
• Fire Starter Flint

4) Sarong

Sarongs are meant to be worn, but there is no limit to other ways this strip of fabric can be used.

• Use it to towel off.
• Hang it as a curtain for privacy.
• Tie the ends to make a bag.
• Use it as a beach mat or picnic blanket.
• Never rent sheets at hostels again.

Swiss Army Pocket Knife

5) Swiss Army Knife

This go-go gadget is a must for travelers. Swiss Army makes pocket widgets that range from a simple knife to a 34-use mega tool.

Attachments for travelers include:

• Corkscrew
• Bottle opener
• Thermometer
• Compass
• Scissors
• Flashlight

Note that airlines will not allow you to carry on a knife so throw this gadget in your checked luggage.

6) Safety Pins

These little metal clasps are a lifesaver when it comes to holding fabric together. But they have a few other uses as well.

• Clothespins – After stringing up your dental floss clothesline, hang your socks up to dry with a safety pin.
• Backpack Security – A safety pin won’t replace a lock, but use one to connect a pack’s zippers for a little added security.
• Needle – Turning a safety pin into a needle is tricky, but it can be done. Use smaller gauge pins to minimize the size of the holes you’ll leave in your clothes.

Trailguide Compass Watch

7) Trailguide Compass Watch

Do more than check the time with this handy gadget which provides additional features below:

• Alarm – Leave your alarm clock at home and use the wake-up function on the watch instead.
• Compass – The built-in compass will help keep you headed in the right direction.
• Thermometer – Helps you monitor the temperature to help pick appropriate clothing.
• Altimeter – Keep an eye on your altitude with the altimeter function.
• Timer – Just in case you need one!

8 ) Rain Poncho

Unless you’re heading to a rainy destination, you might pass up the poncho while packing. However, before you do, check out other ways it can be used.

• Tarp – Lay your poncho beneath your sleeping bag when bedding down underneath the stars.
• Picnic Blanket – Lay out the picnic spread over your poncho which will keep things dry and is a breeze to clean.
• Bag Liner – Empty your bag and line it with your poncho to keep wet clothes from seeping through.
• Emergency Rain Shelter – String it up and use it as a shelter during rainstorms.

9) Waterproof Pelican Dry Case

Read the Matador Goods Review

Pelican makes a line of cases to keep your valuables from getting wet. Higher end cases are tailor-made for cameras and electronics. Smaller micro cases are great choices for backpackers.

• Keep the Dry Things Dry – Put wet clothes or swimsuits in the case to separate them from dry clothes.
• Lunchbox – Store leftovers and snacks in the case for long bus rides or picnics.
• Organization – The boxes can also be used to organize things like socks and camera equipment in your pack.

10) Credit Card Survival Tool

Credit Card Survival Tool

The ultimate multipurpose tool, it is the size of a credit card, made of stainless steel, cheap as chips, and has 11 different uses listed below:

• Can opener
• Knife edge
• Screwdriver
• Ruler
• 4 position wrench
• Butterfly screw wrench
• Saw blade
• 2 postion wrench
• Key chain hole
• Bottle opener
• Direction auxiliary indication

Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or a year-long venture, travel lighter and smarter by packing items that serve many functions without taking up a ton of space.