You must know that you are already a step ahead if you own an RV and prefer traveling in it. Pat yourself on the back because you value all the nature that the world has to offer. You are already cutting out one of the major environmental impacts of trips and vacations simply by avoiding air travel and the huge carbon footprint that it generates.
The RV community makes persistent efforts to protect the environment and adopt eco-friendly practices and vehicles. So as a proud RV owner, how can you play your part in undertaking sustainable practices for the modern camper? Well, don’t worry because in this blog we will tell you how to keep your trips eco-friendly, tackle environmental challenges and be proudly earth-conscious.
The good news is that you can make RV adventures an every day party if you correctly optimize the modern camper. So without any further ado, let’s dive in.
Sustainable Practices for RV Living
As a modern camper owner we’d think that you have the wanderlust and the zeal to roam around the country. But this does not mean you are doing that at the cost of abusing the natural landscape around you. Living and traveling around the world, exploring different landscapes in your RV is an exciting lifestyle choice that allows you to roam freely while minimizing your environmental impact. But the question still arises, for the ones who are thinking to get an RV- which one would be the best fit for a sustainable journey, and for the ones who own one- what can be done to further reduce the carbon footprint left behind?
Some of the key things to consider for your sustainable RV living needs and priorities are listed below.
- Choosing the Right RV
If you’re an eco-friendly minimalist, thinking of shifting your lifestyle from a regular one to an RV, it is important to know what kind of RV you must purchase. Consider opting for a smaller, more fuel-efficient RV if reducing carbon footprint is high on your list of priorities. Additionally, make sure the RV is light-weight. The lighter and more compact your RV is, the lesser fuel it will consume during travel. Moreover smaller RVs are comparatively easier to maneuver which makes room for possibilities of exploring more remote and eco-sensitive areas.
Some RVs are solar-ready and have inbuilt solar panels, so you can generate renewable energy on the go. Look for such modern campers that provide this feature. Get extensive knowledge about your RV so that you can use it efficiently and not overload it.
- Using Sustainable Materials for Construction
When living in such a small space that is traditionally not a full-fledged house, the materials used for construction like toxic paints, insulation and metals can cause extended harm. So to minimize that research materials that are nontoxic both for the environment and for you. On the creative side you can also consider repurposing salvaged materials like recycled rubber floor mats to repurposed wood for framing your camper van. This will not only make life more sustainable but also add creative features in your home on wheels.
- Proactively Conserving Water
Water is precious and while practicing sustainability and eco-friendliness you just cannot afford to waste it. Carrying gallons of water for every journey is not a mindful practice. So it is important to look for RVs with water-saving features, such as low-flow faucets and water recycling systems with leakage protection using inserta tee.
- Minimizing Waste and Composting Toilets
The types of waste generated in an RV are bodily waste and organic kitchen waste. Some RVs have inbuilt equipment of composting toilets that convert waste into usable compost and greywater recycling systems that treat and reuse water from sinks and showers. Even though it might tweak your cost a bit, it will definitely be a good idea to choose such RVs for the longer run to reduce the overall negative impact on the environment.
- Practicing Mindful Travel
No matter what kind of RV you live and travel in, what materials are used and what features it provides, your travel habits play a crucial role in your overall sustainability. Be mindful of the spots you explore and make sure to leave it just the way you found it. Practice eco-driving techniques, minimize single-use plastics, and be mindful of your waste disposal to make your journey greener. Additionally, try to stay at one spot for a week, a month or longer. This will not only minimize your carbon footprint but will also allow you to save money, deeply explore a region and experience the beauty of travel.
- Choosing Renewable Energy and Eco-Friendly Appliances
A robust solar powered RV might cost you some extra bucks, but you will hardly come across campers which are not equipped with the best solar panels. Such a minimalist lifestyle won’t budge you to proactively use massive amounts of energy. Such a system of energy perfectly fits on the roof of an RV and provides just the adequate amount of energy a camper needs. Additionally, check if the RV’s appliances, such as the refrigerator, stove, vacuum and water heater, are energy-efficient and eco-friendly. Energy Star-rated appliances are a good indicator of efficiency.
- Making Healthy and Fulfilling Yet Lesser-Waste Generating Meals
Living in a camper doesn’t mean you can’t whip up fresh and sustainable meals everyday. Cooking in an RV isn’t just about adjusting with limited space but it’s about making the best of it and transforming the space into a kitchen of flavors and wholesomeness. It is all about the right balance and planning so that each meal leaves less waste. Prepare wraps, fresh salads and sandwiches combined with balsamic and lobster sauce for that extra flavor.
Conclusion – Embracing a Greener Lifestyle While Enjoying the Great Outdoors
The van lifestyle is itself a proof of minimalism and sustainability. As long as you practice eco-friendly habits and remain mindful of the places you explore, nature will inevitably reward you with some of the best views, places and experiences.
The policy of ‘leave no trail’ comes handy when exploring an eco-sensitive area which makes sure that no plants and animals that you may encounter during your time in the wild are infringed upon. This sits well with the RV communities as well as the rest of the society at large.
