One of our favorite things about traveling by RV is the ability to visit pristine natural environments. We can travel deep into parks and get up close and personal with nature just by opening the door. (Makes you want to take a deep breath, doesn’t it?)
Minimizing your environmental footprint, especially as the days begin to warm and delicate blooms come alive, helps protect unspoiled places for wildlife and future visitors. It also protects scarce resources, which is especially important in drought-prone regions and remote locations. Most importantly, it helps reduce pollution and keeps the air and water clean for healthier people and a healthier planet. (It doesn’t hurt that it can cut costs as well.)
In essence, minimizing your environmental footprint allows you and future generations to enjoy the beauty and freedom of the great outdoors for years to come.
There are, of course, many ways to make your next trip a bit more eco-friendly. Here are a few of our top tips as we spring into summer.
Water-Savings Innovations
As temperatures rise, water conservation becomes more critical. Being mindful of the water you use pays huge dividends in your comfort and sustainability on the road. Here are some products that can help.
Promote Pressure with Aerators
Adding aerators to the kitchen and bathroom sinks is one simple way to restrict water without reducing pressure. The Hibbent Faucet Aerator does the job well and has a convenient swivel.
Low-Flow Showerhead
Showerheads are one of the easiest things to change in an RV. Plus, many of the ones that come with standard RVs can be unimpressive to begin with. When replacing your showerhead, especially if you travel to areas where water is harder to come by (hello, breathtaking desert landscapes) or when boondocking, you’ll want one that’s particularly water savvy.
Look for a showerhead with a pause or stop function to block the flow as you lather up. One popular choice is the Delta Faucet Single-Spray Shower Head. This inexpensive option provides a pretty satisfying shower (using less than a gallon of water).
Finetune Flushing
Toilets are a necessity, but they don’t have to use much (or sometimes any) water. For instance, you can install a dual-flush toilet system that allows a low-volume flush for liquids and a standard flush for solids. This can drastically reduce water waste.
Composting toilets separate liquid and solid waste, so the liquids can evaporate and the solids can be composted. Not only does this reduce water, but it can eliminate the need for a black water tank.
Concerned about the smells? We don’t blame you! Fortunately, there have been vast improvements in recent years, and composting toilets can be virtually odor-free and easy to use. Check out the Self-Contained Composting Toilet from Nature’s Head for one top option.
Collect It
Carrying a full load of water for extended boondocking or living off-grid can add a lot of weight to your rig. Depending on your destination, you may be able to collect either greywater (from your sink or shower) or rainwater for non-potable purposes (e.g., flushing toilets or watering plants or gardens). Supplementing your water supply is a great way to reduce your environmental impact. Just remember to filter and purify any rainwater collected if you plan to drink or cook with it.
You can find storage containers for water that are portable, so when you’re ready to move on to your next location, you can simply use the water, collapse the tank, pack it up, and take off.
Other Simple (and Often Free) Ways to Minimize Your Footprint
Travel Light: One easy way to power down is by lightening the load. It can improve fuel efficiency and significantly reduce carbon emissions.
Travel slow: Spending more time in fewer places allows you to explore them more deeply, so you can really appreciate the adventure and the experience each unique location has to offer. It also means you’re spending less time on the road, which reduces your overall environmental impact.
AC Off: The transition seasons are the perfect time to open the windows or turn on fans to circulate air rather than using power-hungry air conditioning units.
Reuse: Staying hydrated as the weather warms is vital. Yet single-use plastic bottles are expensive and wasteful. Instead, carry a reusable water bottle and refill it throughout the day. While you’re at it, bring your own snacks and drinks in reusable containers. This not only avoids disposable packaging but makes it easier to keep your RV organized.
Pack it out: Whether at your campsite, a rest area, or on the road, keep a trash bag handy to dispose of waste properly.
Solar Power: With longer daylight hours, solar power makes more sense. Solar panels allow greater freedom as you aren’t tethered to electric hookups. They can charge your devices, keep the lights on, run small appliances, and even warm your water for a quick shower.
If you’re more adventurous, solar energy can even provide enough power to keep you comfortable when you’re off-grid for extended periods. Plus, a full setup like this one from Renology can be surprisingly affordable.
