Sustainable Swaps and Ideas for your RV Lifestyle

Leave the campsite as if you were never there.

Climate change matters especially to people who love nature and the outdoors. Meaningful change will come in the combination of small individual gestures and big initiatives by government and industry. Here is the individual half. Give yourself a challenge and see how many you can put into practice this season.

Choose an eco-friendly RV

A smaller, lighter RV is more fuel efficient and easier on the tow vehicle.

Consider a hybrid or electric RV

An emerging option in the market, with the potential to cut emissions substantially — availability is still limited.

Maintain your RV

Tire pressure, oil changes and an engine running efficiently all improve fuel economy.

Reduce your energy consumption

• Solar panels — renewable power for your electrical needs
• LED lighting — less power, longer life
• Energy-efficient appliances
• Better insulation — less heating and air conditioning
• Efficient route planning — shorter driving times and distances
• Slower speeds — a small reduction makes a real difference to fuel use
• Longer stays — less constant travel

Conserve water

• Shorter showers, and fix the leaks
• Install water-saving fixtures
• Recycle grey water for flushing and cleaning

Practice sustainable living

• Reusable plates, utensils and cups instead of single-use
• Sort the waste and compost the organics
• Buy from local markets and farmers — less shipping, and it supports the local economy

Use eco-friendly products

Environmentally friendly cleaning agents for bathing, dishwashing and laundry, and biodegradable toiletries — shampoo, toothpaste, soap.

Up your energy IQ

• Monitor power consumption so you can see where to cut it
• Use rechargeable batteries, and dispose of the old ones properly
• Use natural ventilation, and dress for the weather instead of running the climate control

Explore dry camping

Dry camping is camping without hookups for electricity, water and sewage. It is not the same as boondocking — boondocking is remote wilderness, while dry camping can be a provincial park, a rest area, a driveway or a parking lot. Either way it needs self-sufficiency: full fresh water, empty grey and black tanks, and solar or propane for power.

Educate yourself and others

• Learn about the ecosystems you visit and how they are protected
• Follow the rules of the designated camping areas — they exist to limit impact
• Share what you learn with the campers around you

A sustainable impact takes a whole arsenal of small and big changes made by individuals, companies and governments on multiple fronts. Change starts with you.