RV travel is increasingly popular among Millenials but also among people seeking for more authentic experiences. But how eco-friendly RV travel is?
Looking to explore this beautiful earth while doing your best to preserve it? This article is all about RV travel and sharing easy but very eco-friendly ways to explore in an RV.
By traveling via RV, you are already taking environmentally friendly steps! PKF Consulting is an international consulting firm and their expertise is in travel and tourism. They’ve found that families of four or more that vacation via RV generate less carbon dioxide than when traveling by plane, renting a car, or even staying in a hotel. In an RV you are able to be more aware of your water consumption, heating/cooling, and trash output.
Cut Down Emissions with RV travel
Trips close to home cut down greatly on emissions when driving, but did you know driving the proper speed and with the proper weight are also contributing factors? Make sure your RV is not overpacked and the towing vehicle is not being maxed out on its weight capacity.
Now of course part of the excitement of traveling is going to a far-off destination or taking a road trip around the country and making many stops along the way. But even on longer trips, you can reduce the environmental impact if you are more intentional. Try to take longer stops instead of just an overnight campout on RV travel. Not only will you get to thoroughly enjoy the area, but that will cut down on emissions as well.
Choose to Reuse
It’s easier to stick to more eco-friendly habits such as using reusable dining items when you take longer stops rather than if you were constantly on the go. When you need to get on the road quickly it might be more convenient to serve food on paper plates and use plastic forks, but over time, these non-decomposable items can greatly impact the local landfill, and not in a good way. If you absolutely need to use disposables choose items that are compostable or recyclable, and make sure they are disposed properly. Make sure to keep trash bags easily accessible for those items that do need to be taken to a dumpster. This cuts down on litter, wildlife eating trash, and keeps sites clean.
Picnic accessories scattered on blanket next to campervan in park on a sunny day
Intentional Living
It’s also possible to be eco-friendly when cooking. Instead of using a gas grill or stove or a wood campfire, opt for a greener fuel. Bring your reusable grocery bags to the local farmers market to gather delicious organic veggies. Organic agriculture is much easier on the environment than traditional agriculture. Traditional agriculture uses synthetic fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides that are harmful to the environment and can be to us too!
Make Greener Choices
Stock your utility cabinet with green cleaners. Typically, industrial soap is very harsh and when it’s used in the kitchen sink those chemicals end up in your grey water tanks which in some states is legal to dump directly onto the ground (though this is NOT recommended). Biodegradable detergents that are clean and healthy for dishes and dirt are worth the investment.
Heat your rig without using the furnace. It’s common to find RVs that are equipped with indoor heating but try using thermal blankets, thick sweaters and wooly socks. This will keep your fuel bill low and reduce emissions. There are ways to avoid using your air conditioner as well. Plan your road trip where it’s temperate during any given season. Not only will your ac stay off and your windows open, but you’ll be more comfortable outdoors and ready to explore!
Caravan in a relaxing nature camp site
Choose eco-friendly campgrounds. When boon docking, choose sites that have already been used before you in order to preserve other natural areas. If you’re in a constructed campground, look for ones that make an effort to be greener. For example, heating swimming pools with solar power or investing in LED lights.
The most eco-friendly products are typically the ones that already exist. Before buying consider renting a rig, buying or renting used gear, or repairing what you do have. The longer a product is used the less amount new products impact the environment.
Do your best to prevent impact on trees, creeks, and wildflowers. Stick to trails and designated areas so wildlife is not disturbed. Remember to leave no trace behind. Make clean up a game. Challenge yourself to leave a site better than you found it. The world is a beautiful place to explore, but only as long as we treat it as such.
To Rent out a RV, to go on RV travel, you can visit Outdoorsy.com allowing you to directly rent RVs from owners for a very good price.
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