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RV living with sustainability and eco-travel is a dream for many. Here are 10 tips to help you achieve that dream.
Sustainable living, eco-travel, or green living all pertain to the same thing; trying to make the lightest possible impact on the environment with your lifestyle. But isn't living in an RV environmentally friendly to begin with? The answer is both yes and no. Your estimated yearly consumption of living in an RV may be more earth-friendly than living in the average American home. But that will depend on the choices you make while Full-Time RV living.
Below are 10 tips to help you lead a greener lifestyle on the road.
1: Lighter And Slower Driving
The path to sustainable living starts with the way you drive your RV. Keep in mind that larger RVs are not meant to be driven haphazardly at high speeds. Rash driving not only leads to more fuel combustion but also increases spending. The key to success here is to drive at a steady speed whilst planning ahead.
Navigating routes beforehand and avoiding high traffic is paramount to slower and consistent driving. This cuts down journey time and also maximizes fuel efficiency. The result is less fuel burned which in turn decreases your carbon footprint. It’s a Win-Win situation!
2: Limiting Water Use
Freshwater is already a finite resource in your RV. Frequent showering, washing dishes with running water, and other water extensive activities can drain your tank faster and impact the environment negatively. The road to sustainability requires you to limit your use of water.
Switching to water-free products is a step in the right direction. Taking fewer showers and avoiding using running water will also decrease the need to refill your water tank frequently. Investing in more eco-friendly cleaning products is another way to conserve resources. Reducing water usage is paramount to sustainable living.
3: Reducing Airconditioning and Heating Usage
Traveling in harsh weather conditions may require extensive air conditioning or heater usage. This burns a great amount of energy as your RV heaters and ACs require more fuel and power to run. Your goal should be to limit the use of these appliances as much as you can. The energy burned from long traveling sessions accumulates significant numbers at times.
Being well versed with various RV Air conditioners means better purchase decisions. Planning your route ahead of time and using weather apps can help you avoid harsher weather. This also helps you avoid unnecessary risks with dangerous weather.
4: Investing In Solar Panels
If you’re serious about sustainable living then investing in RV solar panels is a great idea. Solar panels may come off as a hefty investment at the onset but they are well worth the price. Not only do they reduce damage to the environment but also provide long-term cost savings. These panels will power your RV batteries and appliances efficiently. Anyone who is pro sustainability should look into purchasing solar panels for their RV.
5: Avoiding Plastic
Plastic is arguably the environment’s number one enemy. It takes ages to decompose and spills chemicals into the environment as it does. You need to make sure plastic use is kept to a minimum in your RV. This means switching out plastic wraps or grocery bags and any other one-time-use kitchenware. It is generally acceptable to use plastic items you plan on reusing for a long time.
6: Reusing and Recycling
The most effective strategy for sustainability is to purchase products that you are bound to reuse. This includes products in the field of kitchenware, cleaning, and in bathrooms. Look for items that you can be used in multiple ways to avoid clutter and lead a greener lifestyle. Other benefits of reusable products include a lifestyle of minimalism and cost-saving. Look into alternative reusable products to get into the zero waste club.
7: Using Composting Toilets
Installing composting toilets is yet another efficient way of saving water while on the road. These types of toilets do not require any water to flush and instead have compartments. These toilets save water but are also easier to install and get up and running than traditional toilets. This means the resources used in installing composting toilets are far less than normal ones.
RV Composting toilets are often more affordable than regular ones. You may end up saving more money and helping the environment simultaneously. Maintenance costs are decreased and plumbing issues are almost non-existent. The only thing necessary is to discard the waste into compost piles after a few days of travel.
8: Avoiding Clutter and Overpacking
Overpacking while on the road may prove to be damaging to the environment. A crowded interior packed with items to the brim is bound to have some thrown out eventually. This applies mostly to cleaning materials, wrappers, and old clothes.
Overpacking also does a number on your RV’s total weight. The heavier the baggage, the more inefficient the fuel economy. Sustainability in this aspect requires a simple lifestyle change to only pack what you need. Packing one or two extra necessary emergency items is okay but not items you don't need. This change grants better fuel economy, a more organized interior, and overall less waste created.
9: Using Energy Efficient Appliances
The type of products and appliances may have alternatives that consume less energy. Sustainable RV living means looking for alternative appliances that do not damage nature. The first thing to do would be to look into how much energy your fridge and microwave consume. If the number is comparatively high then it is time to look for replacements.
Another change to make is to shift to LED lights for your RV interior and exterior. This is relatively affordable and leaves less of a detrimental impact on the environment.
10: Making The Switch To Biofuel
The decision to switch to Biofuel will positively impact the environment. Biofuel is a renewable fuel source that is naturally produced from animal fats and vegetable oils. This fuel is biodegradable and significantly more sustainable than traditional fuel. The outcome will be decreased air pollution as there is little to no burning involved.
Biofuel is becoming more popular over time and replacing traditional fuel as the primary source. There are currently more than 700 Biofuel stations situated in the US and Canada that provide services.
Go Green!
Sustainability is becoming more of a necessity than an option. Green living is more of a lifestyle change than a practice. The above tips will help you make that change easily so you can live a more eco-friendly lifestyle while on the road.
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