Each year around Earth Day, we set out to educate ourselves on the interesting way RVing fits into nature and humanity’s influence on our natural environment. Many people use RVs to get closer to nature by visiting the wide open spaces and gorgeous national parks sprinkled across the country, and yet the general public often associates the RVing lifestyle as one that is decidedly not eco-friendly. Just like in a brick and mortar home, however, it always takes a conscious effort to be kind to the environment–regardless of your lifestyle! RVing can be a wonderful way to see nature, and there are many easy steps you can take to make sure that you’re friendly to the environment you’re traveling through.
- Small Tanks + Boondocking = Water Conservation! Just like in a sticks and bricks home, conserving our natural resources is a huge part of what makes one’s lifestyle eco-friendly. RVers are actually ahead of the game in this department simply because it is harder to store water, so they tend to use it more conservatively. That being said, we can all use a good reminder that small changes like shorter showers, and to turning off your faucets when you are not actively using the water can make a huge difference.
- Try Dry Camping! Not only will this save you some cash on RV Campgrounds, but dry camping really provides and unparalleled opportunity to get close to nature. With no hookups to water or electricity you’ll be conserving tons of energy, and you’re sure to have a camping experience unlike any other. Check with local authorities in the area you want to stay in to make sure that the land you’re looking to call home is indeed free for public use!
- Try switching out all of your lights for the more eco-friendly options, such as LED lights. You’ll notice a much longer life in your house batteries, and a much smaller carbon footprint. Check out your local hardware store for more eco-friendly options, such as special faucets and even solar panels that can help you to soak up energy from the most natural source of all—the sun!
- Clean Up Your Campsite! Dirty campsites are a common grievance amongst RVers, and doing your part to clean up your campsite is not only an easy way to go green, but it’s also a major part of RV Etiquette! Whether you are boondocking in the heart of Mother Nature or spending time at a full hook-up campground, the easiest thing you can do for the environment and your fellow traveler is to make sure you leave the site as clean or cleaner than you found it. Recycle as much of your waste as possible, put out your campfire—and never burn plastics and metals—and toss any leftover trash before you hit the road.
While RVers tend to get a bad rap for their effect on the environment, the truth is that it can be a very eco-friendly activity. Doing your part to conserve natural resources and clean up the beautiful areas you’re travelling through will make a lasting difference to future generations. What is your favorite way to “Go Green” during your travels?
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