Preserving the Environment
Keep the Great Outdoors a Wonderful Place
Getting out in the country and back to nature is the primary motivation of most RV enthusiasts. And while it’s true that RVs have a well-deserved reputation for gas guzzling, they typically consume fewer resources than the average American household; that includes water, heat and electricity. Here are a few suggestions for preserving the environment and padding your wallet.
Be a Gas Miser
- Since fuel consumption dramatically increases over 60 MPH, drive the speed limit.
- When staying in one location for several days, walk, bike or boat here and there.
- Don’t stray onto roads that are ill suited to your RV’s size and weight.
- A well-maintained motor saves gas and reduces emissions.
- Use bio-diesel fuels & solar energy whenever possible.
Pick Up After Yourself
- Take along a receptacle for throwing away mixed recyclables. You should inquire at each campground about specific recycling rules because they can vary from place to place.
- It goes without saying that you must always dispose of trash properly. If there isn’t an appropriate way to get rid of it, take it along to your next destination.
- Disposable dinnerware like Styrofoam or plastic plates and cups just add to landfills. Since you can’t recycle them, use unbreakable dishes instead.
Dog-Gone Nuisance
- Keep your dog on a leash and under a watchful eye. They can easily damage fragile eco-systems by digging up plants and disturbing nests.
- Because tying your dog to a tree can damage its bark, pack a screw-in stake, available at any pet shop, to use at campgrounds.
- Choose biodegradable bags to pick up after your pets.
- Check with each campground about their rules for disposing animal waste. You can also bury it in the woods away from the road.
The Natural Solution
- Keep your camp fire manageable and always have plenty of water at the ready.
- Cut down and remove dry, flammable brush near your fire pit.
- Don’t overbuild your fire and never throw plastics or metals into the blaze.
- All cleaning supplies should be non-toxic, phosphate-free and biodegradable.
- You can save money and reduce air conditioning related pollution by parking in shaded areas, opening your RV’s windows, making use of awnings and setting up sun shelters.
- Wash your air conditioner’s filters instead of buying new ones all the time.
- If you’re a winter RVer, you can reduce your need for heat by setting up camp in sheltered spots out of the path of northern and westerly winds.
- If your RV is equipped with slide-outs, only extend them completely when absolutely necessary. This will reduce the area of space you have to heat or cool.