Travel Gadgets: You already have them!

Having recently returned from a trip abroad (and now about to go on another one), I thought I'd share some tips for how you can be more eco-friendly while you are on the road.  To me, being "green" is not just about buying that recycled or fair-trade product:  sustainability in part relies on just consuming less and not buying so much "stuff."  Having been to 50 countries and racked up more miles from business trips than I care to admit, here are some ideas of what I pack when I go on a trip.  Mind you, what comes with me varies:  it's a challenge these days complying with TSA regulations in the USA while avoiding checked-baggage fees and carrying your luggage into the cabin.  But instead of over-paying for gadgets at a travel store (most are overpriced and borderline useless), let me give you some ideas--you probably already have them in your home or office!

• Binder clips:  I love these and try to bring various sizes with me.  Whether it's clasping your receipts for your expense reports, using it as a "chip clip," or plugging a tear in your backpack till you find a replacement, these are indispensable.  By the way, the tiny ones--if you wear cuffed shirts but forget your cuff links, they work in a pinch.  Instead of buying a leather passport pouch, just cinch your travel documents together with one.  Oh, and if you are on a long trip and do some handwashing, you've got a clothespin, too!
• Baby shampoo:  My dad taught me this trick--you have your body wash, and for some reason, it works great for hand laundry, and less harsh than using detergent.  Think of it as one less thing to pack.  Though of course, if it works on laundry, then maybe baby shampoo should not be used on  . . . a baby.
• Baking soda:  Okay, it's probably not a good idea to bring a Ziploc bag of white powder onto a plane in this age of airport security, but if you are away on a long trip, pick up a box at a corner store.  Why?  After a long day of meetings or travel,  a soothing bath is in store back in your hotel.  If you are allergic to most soaps, it's great for your skin.  On the chance your stomach gets upset, it's an effective antacid.  Mix it with water and you have a mouthwash--if you're camping and catch something that gives you a rash, make a paste and it's a nice balm.  Oh, and if you travel with your pet, brushing your furry friend with a little baking soda will freshen him or her up!
• Aloe vera gel:  Annoyed by that 100ml/3 fluid oz. limit for carry-on luggage?  Aloe gel is a great substitute for several toiletries:  it's your shave gel, a moisturizer, ointment if you cut or burn yourself, and instead of those chemical sanitizers, rubbing your hands with a little aloe should do the trick!  Remember, any doctor will tell you that a little soap, water and friction will get rid of germs; aloe can do the trick as well.  If your shoes need a little polishing, aloe can work as an alternative here, too.
• Walnuts:  The best snack to bring on the plane.  Why?  High in protein, fiber, and natural healthy fats that will satiate your hunger on those long plane rides.  Also, walnuts are a snack that apparently contain melatonin, a compound that helps you adjust to time zone changes and aids in inducing sleep, so bring plenty to nosh on for your trip.  They are also healthier than those over-salted pretzels and peanuts airlines offer in the cabin--if they even bother these days.  Walnuts are healther than those overprocessed energy bars, too!
• Thumb drive (flash drive):  It's best if you have one password protected, but I like keeping copies of my passport, credit cards, and other important documents on these in case something goes awry.  Plus it's more convenient than having to make all those paper copies--and creates less waste in the process.  Chances are you are bringing one with you anyway!

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I could go on, but this is just a start.  The point is to use up products you may already have, and to avoid buying something that you may use only once and then just throw away.  And yes, most of us love those little sample sized shampoos and bath gels that hotels provide, but after reading about the Pacific Garbage Patch (and now one's been found in the Atlantic), we really should find ways to reuse--and then we won't even have to recycle.

Speaking of which, I suggest checking out AltUse.com.  The premise of the site is that your home or office is probably already packed with products that are just sitting there, so re-purpose them!   I will not use my Grey Goose Vodka anytime soon to clean my glasses, but there countless great suggestions for what you may otherwise just pitch--or is just collection dust in the pantry.