8 Effective Tips for Eco-friendly RV camping
Are you someone who likes to take a break from the busy city life, to go camping in the wilderness of the deep forests? If you are a regular camper, you might have an RV. If not, you can buy a new/ used RV from any RV dealer close to you.
Going RV camping or just camping, in general, can cause a lot of harm to the natural environment. However, the good news is that there are a few ways through which you can reduce the footprint you leave on nature. Below, we have discussed some tips to make your RV camping experience more eco-friendly.
Choose Bio-Degradable Products
Be considerate of the environment whenever you are packing products for your trip. Non- biodegradable products such as toothpaste, soap or toothbrushes, can be very harmful to the environment, as they can take many years to break down into compost. Try using bamboo toothbrushes or solid toothpaste and see what works best for you.
Avoid buying water-soluble products such as sunscreen because they pollute crystal clear rivers and streams.
Go Green with Your RV
Even though RVs can leave a huge carbon footprint on the environment, there are quite a few ways to make sure that yours does the least amount of harm. Firstly, choose a fuel-efficient RV. If you have an old camper that takes up a lot of fuel, try replacing it with a new vehicle to reduce your transportation costs and save the environment.
To reduce carbon emissions, you should try using vegetable oil instead of gasoline. If it suits you, you can get your diesel engines replaced to operate with vegetable oil. It will surely help you make a huge impact in the long run.
You may get tempted on the road to speed up a little, but to use less gas, try sticking to your average speed limit and avoid frequent speed changes. If you want to reduce the fuel usage, even more, keep a regular check on your tire pressure as it affects your gas mileage.
Alternate modes of transportation
If you are going on a trip with your family or friends, keep the number of camper vans as low as possible. Secondly, always take bicycles along with you. Park your RV into a safe, secluded spot and use your bicycles to go further into the forest. It is eco-friendly, allows you to save money, and keeps your mind and body healthy.
Use Solar Panels
Solar energy is probably the best kind of power resource there is. It is easy to harness and available in abundance. You can install solar panels onto your RVs, and use the power to operate electrical appliances or charge batteries in the daytime.
Shop Local
Buy groceries on your way to your destination. This way, you will be promoting the local business community in the area. You can buy souvenirs from stalls there to get to know more about their culture and heritage. If you shop locally, you won’t have to travel long distances, just to buy a few products. You can save your fuel and some extra money at the same time.
Conserve Energy
Replacing your regular light bulbs with LED lights can be a very effective way to conserve energy. LED bulbs take a lot less energy compared to incandescent bulbs and keep your space brightly lit up.
If you are going camping during the winter, you might want to reduce the use of a heater. To do so, bring blankets and sweaters along with you so you can be comfy and snug during the cold winter nights. Similarly, during the summers, find a shady place to park your RV. It will keep your motor home naturally cool, so you don't need artificial air conditioning.
Pick energy-efficient appliances. The fridge, microwave, heater, AC, or any other electrical appliances you choose must be energy efficient. Install low-flow showerheads and faucets to save water, and remember to close the taps when you're not using them.
If not better, leave your campsite exactly like you found it. Leave no trace. It is a rule that will help you make your camping trips a LOT more eco-friendly. Never leave your trash lying around, especially when you are wild- camping because it can harm other campers’ health. It's better to keep a paper/jute bag with you and pick up trash wherever you see it to keep the environment clean and green.
Other than solid waste, there is grey or black water that you should never dispose of in the rivers. It is probably the most harmful thing you can do to the environment on your trip. Avoid polluting pure rivers whenever you go and dispose of your waste in a pit or places designated in camping sites.
Be Mindful of Forest Fires
When you go camping, it is almost impossible that you will return without spending a night around the campfire. However, if it is the first time that you are building a campfire, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. Learn how to do it properly and ensure fire safety. Build the fire in a pit, and keep it far away from your tents or anything flammable. Furthermore, don’t leave instantly after putting the fire out. Wait for at least an hour or so to make sure that all the flames are out and there is no threat of a forest fire.
Also Read: RV Tips: 4 Ways to Prepare for Camping Season
Practice the Three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Last but not the least, the ultimate rule for a clean and green environment is practicing the three Rs. The more you use them in your daily life, the better. Chances are that you'll adopt a habit, and it will gradually become a way of lifestyle. Therefore, reduce, reuse and recycle all of your resources.