Caring kit

If you’re a responsible backpacker who wants to fill their bag with the greenest gear on the planet then look no further. Laura Barnhouse introduces you to the four greenest and most life-changing bits of kit no traveller should leave home without.

Easy squeezy

When next deciding on your in-flight tipple pay attention to the way in which your drinks are packaged. Sachet Systems, the company behind in-flight beverages, are currently testing the idea of serving drinks in sachets by producing 25ml spirit sachets.

Because the sachets weigh much less than glass bottles, the plane’s mass will be reduced and consequently less fuel will be required. Now if that’s not a way to lift your spirits…

For more information go to www.sachetsystems.com.

Plate tectonics

If you are a fan of Dragons’ Den you will not be a stranger to the world of Orikaso crockery. Made from recyclable materials, the plates, bowls and mugs are manufactured with Polypropylene, a fabric endorsed by Greenpeace as a PVC alternative. Now here’s the clever bit: Orikaso’s products are based around the idea of origami so once you’ve had your dinner you wash it, fold it up and slip into the side pocket of your bag. Not only are you saving the environment but you’re also saving your back.

Plates, bowls and mugs are available individually and in sets. For more information go to www.orikaso.com.

Water of life

No doubt you have noticed the mountains of plastic bottles that gather at traveller hot spots around the globe. Rather than buy hundreds of non- biodegradable water bottles invest a little bit of cash in a water purifier like the SteriPEN Adventurer.

This UV light powered gizmo will purify water in 1 min 36 seconds and has an incredibly long life. It’s easy to carry around and although it will set you back £120 after a while you’ll be saving you money while you save the world.

For more information go to www.steripen.com.

Making waves

Water sports are a popular activity with travellers worldwide but are not often very environmentally friendly. Until now. Leave those diesel-drinking jet skis at the shore and proudly strut out to sea carrying a Biofoam surfboard. Although a number of companies are in the competition to make the greenest board so far HomeBlown are the lead manufacturers.

At least 50 per cent of their boards are made from plant-based agricultural product and according to HomeBlown this results in 36% less global warming and 61% reduction in non-renewable energy. Now there’s a reason to feel cocky about your surfing skills.

Image by bulldog1