Taking care of our environment is a responsibility that we all share. As RVers, one thing many of us have in common is a love for the outdoors and National Parks. . Unfortunately, all of us also leave a carbon footprint behind. In this blog, we’ll give you some RV eco-friendly tips on how you can leave a smaller footprint during your travels and practice smart sustainability.

Tip 1: Water Conservation

One way to make a big impact is to conserve water. Conserving water is actually easy and not a difficult thing to do. Many RVers already conserve more water than people who live in sticks and bricks! Being aware of how much water your tanks can carry helps you be mindful of how much water you use daily. Some ways to conserve including using gray water from the kitchen for the toilet, or even investing in a composting toilet. This is the most eco-friendly way to save tons of water.

Tip 2: Leave No Trace

We have all heard the phrase, “Leave no trace behind.” Fully understanding this phrase means leaving

your encampment looking better than how you found it. Whatever you pack in, pack back out. No matter how inconvenient it may be to carry trash on your trip, it’s important you never leave trash behind for someone else to pick up. While it may be easy to pick up after yourself, unfortunately, there might still be some other trash lying around that isn’t yours. Do your part to pick it up, even if it isn’t yours. Mother Nature will thank you!

Another thing to keep in mind is to be considerate of your surrounding environment. For instance, don’t set up camp in a place that seems untouched. As RVers, it’s our responsibility to conserve the places we decide to travel to. The same goes for campfires. Only set fires in places that have clearly been used for campfires, such as firepits. Not doing so can harm wildlife and cause wildfires.

Tip 3: Solar Panels

If you are a full-time or frequent RVer, we suggest investing in solar panels. Solar panels will save you money in the long run and it’s good for the environment. A true win-win! Using renewable energy is very RV ecofriendly. Solar panels are lighter and more portable than ever before, making them a perfect fit for the go go go of RV travel. Additionally, you will always have power with you as long as there is some sun. Now you can boondock with ease and not worry about running out of power!

Another smart way to conserve energy is to use LED lights. LED bulbs use less energy and let off less heat than incandescent bulbs, keeping your RV cooler and brighter. If you have the option to choose your rig’s appliances, go for the energy-efficient fridge, washing machine, or dishwasher to help conserve water and electricity.

Tip 4: Reusable Cleaning

Keeping your RV clean is a part of the gig. One way to be greener is to use reusable cleaning items. For example, opt-out of single-use paper towels and napkins. Instead, use a reusable cleaning rag when cleaning the inside of your motorhome. This will dramatically reduce the overall waste you create! The same goes for napkins. When you’re done eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner, simply throw it in the dirty laundry pile or hand wash in the sink. Consider investing in refillable soap and cleaner containers vs. single-use plastics, and you’ll find yourself tossing out far less trash.

Tip 5: Fuel

There’s no denying it: RVs are heavy and use up a lot of fuel! Be conscious of how often you move and how many miles you tread. Try the cruise control function on your vehicle for long, flat stretches of highway. Don’t use cruise control uphill in mountains. Additionally, check your tire pressure often. Making sure your tires are in prime condition helps with fuel economy. Saving fuel is good for your pockets and good for the environment!

Lastly, don’t forget to slow down and enjoy the ride! Save on gas and burn less fuel by relaxing your foot on the gas pedal and slowing down. In a test done by Edmunds.com, moderate acceleration and braking were shown to offer an average of 31 percent in fuel savings over-aggressive driving behavior. Another way to ensure fuel economy is to be on top of your RV maintenance. Keep this checklist handy before you hit the road.

Happy Travels!

Now with these top 5 tips in mind, you’re ready to set off into the sunset. As an RVer, you have the ability to make a positive impact on your environment. Set an example so other RVers can do the same. The more we take care of our planet, the longer we’ll be able to travel it!

Ready for more RV tips & tricks? Sign up below!