Despite the fact that RVs are gas guzzlers, one of the best things about RV living and travel is the fact that it is a relatively eco-friendly way of seeing the world. The often-limited supply of water means less water waste, and the smaller living space makes purchasing every souvenir along the way a lot less tempting.

That said, there are a good many ways to make your time in your RV greener. Unfortunately, the fact that you are in an RV can make doing these things more difficult than they might be in a house.

If you’re wondering how to implement eco-friendly practices while on the road, these tips and tricks might help.

Waste Less

• Find recycling facilities — If your campground doesn’t offer a recycling program, consider finding a facility nearby and dropping off there. This app is a great way to do that quickly and easily.
• Install a Water Filter — It’s no secret that campground water isn’t usually all that tasty. Avoid using bottled water by installing a high-quality filter in your RV so you can drink from the tap no matter where you are.
• Hang Clothes to Dry — Laundry is always something to consider during travel. For most, this means visiting the laundromat from time to time. If you’re paying to do laundry, why not skip the cost of dryers and hang your laundry to dry? You’ll save energy and money at the same time.
• Eat Fresh Foods — Packaged foods aren’t only less nutritional, they’re also not great for the earth. Imagine all the packaging that goes into landfills alone. Instead of adding your share to that mountain, simply make an effort to eat fresh foods. You can find fresh fruits and veggies at almost any supermarket, but the roadside stands and farmers markets found in many towns are the best way to go. Therefore, travel makes eating fresh even more fun and interesting, as it gives you an opportunity to try local flavors and get to know the local farmers in a variety of places.

Create More

• Grow Food — If you’re in your RV full time, you might think growing your own food is impossible. Fortunately, that just isn’t true; growing food on the road can be done in a variety of ways. Grow herbs in your window in small pots; put veggies in larger pots and store them in the bed of your truck during travel; or, contribute to community gardens whenever staying put for a bit.
• Install Solar Panels — Installing solar panels on your RV is a no-brainer if you plan to camp off the grid. However, even if you don’t plan to do a lot of boondocking, you can install solar and create your own energy supply for no other reason than to contribute to the green living movement. Learn about installing solar panels on an RV here.
• Compost — Another thing that many think is impossible to do in an RV is composting. However, it’s actually quite easy to create a compost bin that stores away in a cabinet or under the bed. Check out this video to learn how.

These seven simple changes in how you live while in your RV might just help the preserve all those amazing sights you’re out seeing during your travels for future generations to enjoy.

About the Author:

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

Tom W. SC~ “I’d give you a +12 if I could. Coach-Net rep Haley and Coach-Net dispatch rep Leonard were great to work. They explained my options and got me the help I needed. ‘Fleet Service Center’ was dispatched to do the work. Their rep (Dave I think) was fantastic. Professional and very skilled. I couldn’t be happier. I will stay with Coach-Net as long as I RV and recommend it to everyone I have a chance to.”