Traveling isn't just about the destination. Carry On is our series devoted to how we get away in the digital age, from the choices we make to the experiences we share.

Flying is looked down upon in Sweden as much as plastic bags are in California.

Seriously, if you tell someone you plan on taking a plane for a journey that can definitely be done on the ground, like going from Stockholm to Oslo, you'll probably experience some flygskam — that's a now-popular Swedish word that loosely translates to "flight shame."

Air travel is responsible for about 2.5% of global carbon dioxide emissions and the United Nations expects this to triple by 2050.

Why is this happening? Well, if you ask Joaquin Phoenix he might mention a slight addiction that some of his peers in Hollywood seem to have to taking private jets everywhere. Those quick flights to and from Palm Springs definitely account for some emissions.

Alexandre de Juniac, CEO of the International Air Transport Association, spoke in December at Global Media Days and said that "flying is freedom." This is certainly true, otherwise so many people wouldn't be choosing to travel as often as they can. However, as Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "with freedom comes responsibility." (That's not a typo. You're thinking of Uncle Ben from Spiderman who said "with great power, comes great responsibility").

So how do we offset our carbon footprint? You can pack lighter so that planes don't have to burn as much fuel or, if you're extra brave, you can fly airlines like Spirit that fit more people on their planes (which essentially decreases the amount of planes being used but also the level of comfort).

Airlines are trying to do their part too. Lufthansa has partnered with myclimate.org to give customers the option to calculate how much carbon dioxide their trip is releasing. With that calculation, you're given a monetary amount you can donate that can "offset" the damage by contributing to climate protection projects. JetBlue has agreed to participate in something similar to this, calculating and compensating for their own flights. France may even be introducing an "eco-tax" on flights that depart from any French airport. The money that is gained will then be invested in more eco-friendly transportation, such as trains.

But there are other things you can do, too. You don't have to vow to never get on an airplane again in order to make your contribution. Instead, make sure that whatever you pack is helping our planet instead of hurting it.

We've rounded up the best eco-friendly products that you should take with you on your next trip.

At this point, everyone knows that single use plastic is essentially evil. It's wreaking havoc on our planet and ditching it is the absolute bare minimum that you can do.

While all reusable bottles are obviously eco-friendly, this is the be-all and end-all. Not only is it plastic-free, but this pH HYDRATE does exactly what its name suggests. It includes a "pH ON-THE-GO" alkaline water filter that removes heavy metals, chlorine, and fluoride but also increases pH and adds minerals including zinc, magnesium, selenium, and iron to your water. However, it makes no claims about removing bacteria or other pathogens, so this is more of a supplementary bottle.

Each filter pouch is good for 300 cups (16 gallons/72 liters) which ends up lasting about 30 days for the average person. 

Just keep in mind, since the bottle is glass, it weighs about 1.8 lbs, which is definitely a good amount more than the average water bottle. But don't worry, if you decide the extra weight is not worth it, they offer a 100% money back guarantee. 

Customer B. Nash(opens in a new tab) said:

Have you ever walked past a strange-looking gallery and realized it was a bit odd because everything was made out of recycled plastic? Kudos to those places for turning trash into treasure, but if you found yourself wishing recycled products could blend in a bit more, Paravel is the company for you. 

Looking at their products, you would never guess that the inside lining is made completely of recycled plastic water bottles or that the handle is recycled aluminum or that the leather details aren't in fact leather but instead vegan materials. 

Not to mention, it has a TSA-approved lock and a removable accessories pouch. Paravel also has duffles, handbags, and packing cubes(opens in a new tab) worth checking out, so your entire luggage arsenal can now be eco-friendly.

Customer Dalana B.(opens in a new tab) said:

You don't always have time for a full sit-down meal when traveling, which is why snacking is (quite literally) life-saving. 

Snack bags come in handy when you want the ability to bring your own fruit or nuts instead of buying them. But, snack bags can waste a ton of space and plastic if you choose to pack a different bag for each food item. 

These FDA-certified Glamfields bags can be washed and used again so you can restock at each stop without having to put more plastic in the landfill. They have a double sealed pressed lock that reviewers have found to be spill-free. 

Customer Mrs. Krahn(opens in a new tab) said: 

Transferring your shampoo and conditioner to those small but somehow always bulky plastic travel bottles is possibly one of the most annoying parts about packing. 

Not only are they taking up precious space but they also waste plastic. Here's one solution we can really get behind: Ditch the packaging altogether.

Famous for their natural and organic ingredients, Lush is changing the game with their line of solid toiletries. Choose from facial cleansers(opens in a new tab) , shampoos(opens in a new tab) , conditioners(opens in a new tab) , and deodorants(opens in a new tab) , you can essentially pack only bar versions of all your essentials. 

The only downside to using these when you're traveling instead of in the comfort of your own home may be the messy storage situation. (We recommend repurposing an Altoids tin or buying a reusable container directly from Lush.) Other than that, you'll fall in love with all the scent options. Plus, they products actually work and have thousands of loyal fans. 

Customer Jenn(opens in a new tab) left a review of the Jason and Argan Oil Shampoo Bar and said:

If you're all for helping the Earth but don't want to give up your shampoo and conditioner set, at least switch to silicone bottles. 

You may be wondering what exactly the big deal is and why we keep raving when something is BPA-free. Now's the perfect time to really break it down since this product comes from the company HumanGear(opens in a new tab) , which is all about reusable products. From bowls to silverware, they aim to get rid of plastic in every way possible. When plastic breaks down, it turns into tiny microplastics that can harm wildlife when ingested. In addition, these tiny evil bits contain toxins like Bisphenol A, or BPA. 

Besides helping the Earth be free of those kind of toxins, our bodies will also be at a lower risk of certain issues that BPA has been linked to, such as fertility problems, male impotence, and heart disease.

This 3-pack is the perfect step towards a plastic-free travel life. They're also TSA-approved and backed by a lifetime warranty so it's a no-risk win. 

Customer Michael C. Morgan(opens in a new tab) said:

There are two types of travelers. Those who choose to lounge at a 5-star resort with every service at the tip of their fingers and those who search for the adrenaline rush of climbing the highest mountains and crossing the toughest rivers, even if that means being far away from a laundromat. 

If you're the latter, the Scrubba Wash Bag may be exactly what you've been waiting for. Fill the bag with your dirty travel clothes, pour in water and detergent, get rid of any excess air through the valve, and start scrubbing away. Scrubbing for just 30 seconds is considered a "quick traveler wash" while a 3-minute scrub will give you a machine quality wash. 

You may consider this method even if you don't plan on finding yourself too far from civilization considering the cost of hotel laundry service and laundromats. Plus, besides the personal benefits it brings you, it helps save water and energy. 

Customer Leslie(opens in a new tab) said:

Commonly found in sunscreens the world over, ingredients like octinoxate and oxybenzone are now on the naughty list, and have even been banned in Hawaii.

We don't blame you for spraying your sunscreen and jumping in the water. After all, with skin cancer being so prevalent, you're just trying to care for your skin. But while your e skin is being protected, marine life is being harmed. As some top-brand sunscreens wash off our bodies into the water, they aren't just disappearing. They're seeping into any nearby coral reefs and hastening their bleaching and deterioration.

That's why Sun Bum has come out with this "reef friendly" sunscreen that took out the bad and kept the good. Not only will it keep the corals thriving, but its oil-free, Vitamin E and UVA/UVB packed formula will keep your skin safe from harmful rays. 

Customer Sarah(opens in a new tab) said:

If you find yourself taking trips to the woods more than to the beach, we have another product you need to know about — and another word you need to learn. Deet is an insect and tick repellent found in most bug sprays. While it is successful in the prevention of bites, it also has the power to contaminate water and kill fish and beneficial insects.

Repel has completed nixed this problem ingredient from their formula. Instead, they use lemon eucalyptus oil that leaves you feeling cool and smelling fresh. This also gets rid of that gross greasy feeling that comes from most other sprays. 

Customer EBG(opens in a new tab) said:

We know you love your electric toothbrush and no one's trying to take that away from you. But you're most likely not going to want to bring it with you on any trips. Instead, you'll stop at the drug store and grab a pack of those plastic toothbrushes that you'll toss as you go. Stop right there. Instead, order a pack of eco and vegan friendly charcoal toothbrushes. 

These brushes get the job done but won't fill up landfills with sticks of plastic. Instead, these are 100% biodegradable — yes, even the box that they come in — and will stop you from leaving behind any bad marks on whichever beautiful new place you decided to visit. 

Customer Sarah Gibson(opens in a new tab) said: