Earth Day: How can I be more sustainable in my motorhome or campervan?

Ever wondered how you can make Vanlife more sustainable? We’ve put together some easy and simple changes you can make on motorhome or campervan trips to ensure they are more environmentally friendly!

 

Save Fuel

Not only will these tips help you save the environment, but also save money!

· Before travelling, empty the wastewater tank to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency.
· Check your tyre pressure, it effects your vehicle’s performance! Incorrect pressure causes added weight to the tread, slowing down the motorhome due to increased weight and friction on the tyres.
· Drive efficiently by avoiding sudden accelerations and decelerations, and try to maintain a steady speed.
· Avoid short trips and opt for walking or cycling instead of driving just ten minutes down the road, it can be a great way to take in the sights of the locations you are travelling in!

 

Reuse, Reduce, Recycle

· Designate a bag or bin for recyclable items instead of throwing them away with normal waste.
· Invest in reusable containers, water bottles and bags over single-use plastics.
· Ensure that any non-recyclable items are disposed of responsibly in a designated place and are not littered!

 

Did you know?

As much as 80% of the things we throw away could be recycled. The average person in the UK throws away around 400kg of waste each year; 7 times their body weight!

Fact source: RecyclingBins.co.uk

 

Food

· Opt to buy loose fruit and veg rather than pre-packaged
· Try meal prepping to reduce food waste and save energy by cooking and preparing meals in advance. When planning meals aim for dishes that can last 3-4 days in the fridge.
· Incorporate more plant based meals into your diet. By no means do you need to cut out animal products from your diet completely, but by consuming plant-based meals occasionally or joining initiatives like ‘Meatless Mondays’ you can help the planet and decrease your carbon footprint.

Interesting Fact:

According to research from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), “If the entire U.S. did not eat meat or cheese for just one day a week, it would be the equivalent of not driving 91 billion miles—or taking 7.6 million cars off the road.”

 

Changes in your vehicle

· Use energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting in your motorhome to reduce energy consumption.
· Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
· Be mindful of your water usage by taking shorter showers and fixing any leaks.
· To further save water consider purchasing an aerated shower head, this special type of shower head combines the water with air to make bigger water droplets and can save up to 60% of water!

 

If you want a great long-term sustainable energy solution, look into installing solar panels on the roof of your motorhome or campervan!