How to Make RV Life More Eco-Friendly

In this day and age, most people have made lifestyle choices that help improve the environment, from participating in recycling programs to driving hybrid vehicles. But did you know that by being an RV enthusiast, you may already be more environmentally forward than you realize? According to recent studies commissioned by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association and performed by PFK Consulting USA, a family of four taking an RV vacation leaves less of a carbon footprint – or, in other words, creates fewer carbon emissions – than they would flying, renting a car, and staying in a hotel. When it comes to helping the world around you, you’re already ahead of the game! But if you love camping and being outdoors, you probably want to do even more to help keep nature the way it should be – clean and untouched.

So, here are a few things you can do to make your RV travel and living even more eco-friendly than it already is:

• Keep your vehicle (whether a tow vehicle or the rig itself) tuned up and in good working condition to help improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.
• Change traditional or halogen light bulbs in your RV to light emitting diode (LED) bulbs, which emit more light than heat, as compared to their counterparts. Less heat means that it will be easier and take less energy to keep the interior of your RV cool.
• Add solar panels to your RV to power systems. This can help you avoid using shore power when you’re camping and will allow you to be better prepared for boondocking in undeveloped areas.
• Recycle plastic, glass, and paper wherever you can along your route. Rules for recycling may not be the same as they are at your home, so be sure to do your research before dropping items off anywhere.
• Use outdoor drying racks for clothes rather than using a dryer. Even avoiding using the dryer at the campground or at a laundromat can help you reduce the carbon footprint you leave while you travel.
• Vacation at campgrounds and visit attractions that are close to home. There are so many wonderful places to explore right next door – especially here in Florida – and you won’t have to use a lot of gas or diesel to get there.
• Try to avoid one-use dishware and utensils. While it may seem like a convenient option compared to continually washing pots, pans, plates, cups, and silverware, using things like paper plates and plastic utensils can actually generate a lot of unnecessary trash.

With just these few simple changes to your normal RV travel routine, you can help make your RV life even more eco-friendly than it already is. Have questions? Contact us today!