When considering eco-friendly travel, RVing may not be the first mode of transportation that springs to mind. However, RV travel is more environmentally friendly than the alternative travel arrangement of flying, renting a car, and staying in a hotel, according to PFK Consulting’s analysis of C02 emissions.
International travel and tourism firm PKF Consulting used Conservation International’s carbon calculator to compare vacations of varying length: three, five, seven, ten, and fourteen day trips to common destinations. In all cases calculated, RV travel was found to create lower carbon dioxide emissions than flying, renting a car, and staying in a hotel.
Let’s take a look at an example, PFK’s calculations for a ten-day getaway from Minneapolis, MN to Branson, MO, comparing the fly/drive/hotel option to RVing. Here’s how the carbon savings break down by RVing vehicle:
- Car/Folding camper trailer – 1.81 fewer tons than fly/drive/hotel travel
- SUV/Travel trailer – 1.35 fewer tons than fly/drive/hotel travel
- Class C trailer – 0.92 fewer tons than fly/drive/hotel travel
- Diesel-powered class A trailer – 1.26 fewer tons than fly/drive/hotel
Even full-time Rving appears to be the eco-friendly choice. The Wynns, a full time RVing family with a Smart car in tow, have calculated that compared to the average U.S. household, they use 57% less electricity and 92.8% less water while touring the land in their rig.
Of course, as in many so-called “green” options, it’s important to pay attention to how you’re traveling by RV. Eco-friendliness requires conscientious attention to the details of your trip. Here are some ways to make your next RV adventure a little gentler on the planet.
Going Green by RV: 10 Tips for Earth-Friendly RV Travel
- Shop Green. Opt for low-packaging, resealable, organic, and local products. All of these grocery choices are better for the earth.
- Recycle, Reduce, Reuse. These same tried-and-true adages for saving the planet apply to RV travel as well. Tuck an extra box or bag into a storage compartment to serve as recycling container. Finally, apps such as “irecycle” can help you find recycling depots along the way.
- Minimize Waste. This can be as simple as cooking just the right amount, so that you don’t throw away moldy leftovers. More waste-cutting ideas: Turn off electronics when not in use; minimize electronics use in general; aim to run your generator less.
- Go Solar. A couple of roof-installed solar panels can easily handle 90% of your RV’s generator use.
- Pack It In, Pack It Out. Eco-awareness (and common campground etiquette) requires RVers to leave every campsite trash-free.
- Consider Alternative Fuel Options. Flex-fuel RVs that run on E-85 ethanol-based fuel. Bio-diesel that fuels diesel engines. Class B vans with maximum fuel efficiency. There are many ways to minimize emissions from RV travel.
- Select an Eco-Friendly Tow Car. The Wynns selected a Smart car because it gets 40 miles per gallon, and it is 95% recyclable at end of life.
- Use Enzyme Based Tank Cleaners. Traditional deodorizers and tank cleaners include toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde. Many of these noxious substances poison watersheds and have been shown to cause cancer. For the health of your family and the planet at large, select to use enzyme-based tank cleaners.
- Park in Shady Spots during the Summer. This will minimize your energy use by keeping the RV’s internal temperature lower.
- Add RV Internet to your Rig. With wireless WiFi In Motion for RV travel, you’ll be able to identify the most efficient routes, cutting fuel waste. Plus, you’ll be able to connect with other RV enthusiasts on how to boost RVing efficiency. Our WiFi for RV travel kit has everything you need to get hooked up.
Overall, RVing is an earth-friendly choice. However, by following the above tips, you can make your rig one of the greenest around.
