Rant: Going plastic-free on my Thailand trip taught me some cheap lessons

I backpacked in Thailand last year and tried to cut out all single-use plastics to be more green. I packed a refillable water bottle and a cloth bag, but locating water stations in rural areas was a real struggle. For example, in Chiang Mai, I ended up walking farther to a temple that offered free filtered water, which accidentally turned into a cool sightseeing detour. Skipping daily bottled water buys saved me a bunch of cash over two weeks. Eating at local markets where they use real plates also cost less and reduced waste compared to fancy cafes. It showed me that being eco-friendly can actually keep costs down if you plan a bit. Has anyone found other ways to travel light on waste without spending more?

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faithroberts7mo ago

Ever try using those public refill stations in European train stations? I filled my bottle in Berlin for free and it tasted like faintly of metal pipes, but hey, saved three euros.

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tyler_kim627mo ago

Berlin’s tap water has some of the highest natural fluoride levels in Europe. That mineral content, mixed with the older pipe systems in certain neighborhoods, totally explains that metallic aftertaste. It’s safe, but the flavor profile changes block by block based on the plumbing.

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perry.skyler7mo ago

Yeah @tyler_kim62, it's like every city has its own tap water vibe lol

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