What's in my bag?

Living in Boston means I'm always looking for reasons to get out of my apartment and explore the city. When I'm out all day, that could mean needing a quick bite or finding a cute new shop on my route.

When I discovered sustainable living, I added these items to my everyday backpack so I'm never caught off-guard.

1. A collapsible tote bag. While having a backpack can be great for storing things, it's usually not big enough for a spontaneous trip to a farmer's market or Newbury Street. I started keeping a tiny bag (mine's a reuse from a purchase at Anthropologie) for those moments when I make an unexpected purchase on my weekend out. Just remember to tell the clerk you don't need one of theirs!

2. Your favorite reusable water bottle. This is one you probably already have in your sustainability arsenal, made popular by super-hydrated Millenials. Hot tip: most chain restaurants will fill up your bottle for you if you can't find a sink or fountain.

3. A set of cutlery. Honestly, you can easily grab a fork, spoon, and knife (or a set of chopsticks!) from your kitchen and call it a day. Or, if you want to feel like a real hippie, you can go out and buy a new set made from bamboo. Like I did. It probably makes you even less sustainable to go out and buy something new, but hey, if it makes you excited about using it the next time you're at Sweetgreen, I say go for it. Bonus points if you pull them out and inspire your friends.

4. Napkins. One of my prettiest sustainability purchases was my cloth napkins. I found them at a world market in Washington that supports women-run companies in India. Of course, all you really need is a square of cotton to make your own! These are an easy way to make you feel good about saving trees, at home and on the go.

This whole list takes up a small corner of my backpack, but it makes me feel great to know I can go out into the city prepared for anything.

What do you keep in your backpack? Are you inspired to add any of these to yours? Let me know in the comments!