RVers have a responsibility to protect the environment. Help preserve the great outdoors by following these tips for eco-friendly camping.
Environmental awareness is growing. The popularity of the RV lifestyle will only grow as people take to this low-cost vacation alternative. Combine the two by developing eco-friendly camping practices. Here are some suggestions based in part on a list provided by GoRVing Canada.
Reduce RV Air Pollution
- RV on roads that the unit is equipped to handle.
- Keep engines (RV, tow vehicle, generator) well tuned to conserve energy and reduce emissions.
RVs and Eco-Friendly Campfires
- Keep campfires small to minimize the amount of ash and airborne particulates.
- Don't put anything into the fire pit that will burn with toxic emissions, such as plastics, foils, batteries, and metals.
- Don't collect wood from around the site (and especially don't rip or hack branches off trees). Dead wood is an important part of the environment.
- Observe fire rules, which may change daily according to weather conditions.
- Be sure the fire is out before you leave - "Stone cold dead".
Environmental Damage from RV Camping
- Use marked or designated RV campsites whenever possible
- When boondocking or dry camping, respect the area and restore it as much as possible to original condition
- Use proper dump facilities for grey and black water; dumping these at boondock sites attracts insects, and vermin.
- Use non-toxic cleaning supplies and tank additives. RV dealers generally carry several lines of low-impact chemicals.
- Tying a dog to trees can damage the bark. Use a ground stake or a point on the RV unit.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle for RVs
- Recycle on the go. Campground recycling categories may be different from those at home.
- Discard excess packaging at home, while planning and loading for the trip (saves weight and fuel costs, too)
- Minimize the use of disposables.
- Leave campground showers, the dump station, and the campsite clean.
- At the end of a trip, dispose of all trash properly.
RVs and Noise Pollution
- One person's favorite music is another's noise pollution. Keep the volume on the boom box so that it can't be heard much beyond the site where it's playing.
- Observe quiet hours for generators, music, and noisy games.
- Charge the battery with solar panels during the daytime rather than running the generator. Even an overcast day will provide some charge
One basic consideration is to work with nature whenever possible.
- Use natural shade in hot weather, when possible, or awnings and canvas covers, to reduce the need for air conditioning.
- In cold weather, protect the RV from north and west winds by parking in a sheltered area or setting up a windbreak to reduce the time the furnace or heater will run.
Green RV promoter Brian Brawdy works to spread the conservation message through TV shows and speaking engagements, pointing out that RV camping gives a chance to spend time in natural surroundings. He told RVwest Magazine (March/April 2009, p. 10), "Once you realize you are connected to the planet, you are more inclined to save it"
The copyright of the article RV Green – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle in RV Culture is owned by Thomas Alan Gray. Permission to republish RV Green – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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