It’s no coincidence that people who like to travel with a caravan are often more sensitive to the wonder of nature and the need to protect nature, not just at campgrounds and campgrounds. Holidaymakers become more sensitive to nature and are reminded how fragile the ecosystems of forests, mountains, lakes and meadows can be, simply because they are in them. Riding in an RV and enjoying the magnificent scenery only serves to reinforce this idea. If you are concerned about the environment, you should organize your trip to minimize your carbon footprint and relax into a zero-waste lifestyle. In doing so, it is important to remember that travel planning and responsible packing begins at home.
Before you get to the campground – effectively driving a trailer or camper.
When traveling in an RV, the less fuel you use, the better for the environment and… Your wallet! For this reason, packing light on vacation pays off in two ways. Take some time to think about what to pack for camping and what you can do without.
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Tip:
Can’t imagine a trip anywhere other than to a campground or campground? Do you enjoy outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking and sports? In our guide to protecting the environment while engaging in outdoor sports, we advise on how to become an environmentally conscious tourist.
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How to save gasoline with eco-camping trips.
Remember to always follow the rule that only essentials should be in the camper’s cargo. Try to carry as little weight as possible; every kilogram increases the carbon footprint of your trip. Use tried-and-true methods whenever possible, such as:
- Add only enough fresh water to the tank to last you for the duration of your trip. When you get there and stop for a while at the campsite, pour it full.
- Before leaving on your next trip, empty the dirty water tank so as not to add extra ballast.
- Encourage everyone who joins you to pack sensibly. Campgrounds often offer washing machines and clothes lines. For this reason, it is not advisable to take too many extra clothes, towels, sheets or washcloths. The same is true of food supplies. In addition, by shopping and enjoying the small gastronomy on site, you will support the local economy of the area you are visiting.
Green driving tips: minimize combustion
The following tips are automatically followed by any passenger vehicle driver who cares about the environment and is aware of how to reduce fuel consumption on a daily basis. However, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded that ergonomic driving has an even greater impact when operating an RV or caravan, if only because of the increased size and weight of the vehicles. Accordingly , keep the following advice in mind when driving to a campground:
- Move at a slower pace. Shift into a higher gear as soon as possible. If you have to brake sometimes, slow down or stop in spite of everything, don’t refill your gasoline.
- Depending on the type of vehicle, 80 to 90 km/h is considered the most ergonomic speed.
- Try to maintain a steady pace. Sudden overtaking, accelerating and braking in RVs uses much more gasoline than in passenger cars. However, the ride itself is less stressful for both driver and passengers.
- When stopping for a long time (for example, in traffic or in front of a railroad barrier), turn off the engine.
- Check and adjust tire pressure before going on vacation. Properly inflated tires ensure a smooth ride on the road, which translates into significant fuel savings.
- Use air conditioning only when it is actually hot outside. On other days, open the windows to let fresh air into the car when your speed allows. Of course, check that no one is sitting directly in the draft.
Avoid using an RV when visiting the region and day trips in favor of bicycles or public transportation. It will save you the hassle of finding RV parking in the city, give you a nice workout or allow you to experience the local culture directly.
1. campground and camping zero west: environmentally friendly camping
Environmentally-conscious vacationers live by the mantra “Take only memories, leave only your footprints.” Put the idea of reducing trash to use during the vacations if you are already familiar with it. You already have a thought, but you’re not quite sure how to address it. The following tips will be helpful when traveling in an RV:
- Choose detergents and hygiene solutions that are environmentally friendly for campgrounds.
Try to carefully choose cosmetics and cleaning products with chemical-free, natural ingredients that are also safe for the environment and your skin by carefully reading their ingredient lists:
- Shampoos in plastic bottles and bar soaps made from natural plant oils as opposed to gels
- Natural cosmetics free of microplastics, silicones, parabens and chemical additives
- Use soap flakes instead of strong laundry detergents
- Cleaning products that do not contain formaldehyde, phosphates and harmful odors
Even environmentally friendly soaps and detergents should not be used near water sources. After washing with biodegradable detergents, dispose of the gray water in a designated area at the campground, not in a lake or river.
- 2. environmentally friendly sanitary facilities and toilets
The guidelines are simple: use only specific places to empty the camping toilet. Use the same procedure to get rid of any leftover sewage from an RV or caravan. Learn about possible alternatives to chemical additives for camping toilets. Environmentally friendly items are gaining popularity, such as biodegradable liquids and microbial tablets.
2. Zero west avoid using plastic and disposable items when traveling.
A simple adjustment can make a significant difference. Replace inexpensive, throwaway items with long-lasting, reusable alternatives and you’ll reduce your trash by more than half! Your camper must have:
- Replace disposable cutlery with wood or stainless steel options.
- Instead of paper plates, use bamboo or metal or ceramic plates.
- Use jars and woks instead of foil to store food.
- Use reusable water bottles instead of multipacks of mineral water made of plastic.
- Try to minimize waste as much as possible at the campground as well. If it can’t be prevented, make sure your trash is always properly sorted.
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Tip:
For anyone who likes to take eco-holidays in a mobile home, investing in specialized solar panels for an RV or caravan can be beneficial. Especially for those who frequently go camping in warm, southern countries, it pays off. but not only! To choose the system that best meets your requirements, get professional help.
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3. instead of constantly buying new goods, try to borrow, repair and share as much as possible.
The zero waste lifestyle includes equipment maintenance, borrowing and sharing. Perhaps there are other caravanning fans in your family or social group. Bravo! Plan to buy something to share with them when you go to the campground. These could be things like a camping refrigerator, tents, folding chairs, hammocks or high-quality cooking equipment. You can save money and the scarce natural resources used to produce these things by trading your equipment for the length of your trip. If your vacations don’t coincide, this technique is extremely effective. And in that case, what? So you can share the equipment you own together, while reserving the rest at specialized travel rental companies or buying them used.
Summary
Are you committed to living a balanced life? With a few modest organizational changes, you can plan an eco-holiday at a campground and lower the carbon impact on your trip. There are other ways to travel more sustainably, such as choosing an eco-friendly campsite, practicing ergonomic driving and stocking your trailer with reusable items. Remember that a zero-waste lifestyle is more than just a trend when you achieve it. Traveling sustainably is your own contribution to fighting global warming and protecting the environment for future generations.
