Exploring the U.S. and Canada in an RV is one of the most rewarding ways to see all the beauty that surrounds us – the majestic mountains, the soothing lakes, and the dense forests.  Many are concerned about maintaining an environmentally-friendly RV lifestyle and we should all take responsibility to preserve the great outdoors for many generations to come.

Be conscious of the world around you.  Take time to learn and enjoy it but, more importantly, take the time to consider others. Here are some ways we can all help to conserve natural resources and keep our natural environment beautiful:

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

• Reduce consumption of disposable items.  Use reusable plates, napkins, towels and water bottles.  Not only will this reduce trash, but will save you money and resources.
• Use items that can be recycled.  Sort items like aluminum cans and plastic items in individual containers and recycle them at various stops along your route.
• Check seals around windows and doors for drafts.  RV’s, especially some of the older models don’t have a lot of insulation.  Make sure you seal any drafts and install heavy drapes and use a windshield shade.  These items will help keep the RV cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Use Solar Panels

Another way you can reduce energy consumption is by adding solar panels to your vehicle.  Solar RVing has numerous benefits that will enable you to enhance your RV lifestyle.  Some of the great benefits of using solar power include:

• You won’t be reliant on electric hookups.  When you have solar panels, you can travel on battery power and use electrical appliances without needing to stop at campgrounds for hookups.
• No more gas-powered generators.  Gas-powered generators are noisy, emit dangerous fumes and are fire hazards. Solar panels require no fuel and emit no noise or fumes.  Saving on fuel means saving previous resources.
• In the long run you save money.  You’re not paying for fuel or for generator maintenance.  Since there is no maintenance on your solar panels, all you pay is for the initial cost of installation.  Also, because of the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008, you may be qualified for a 30% solar investment tax credit if the panels are installed between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2016.
• No environmental impact.  Solar panels use the sun’s rays with no environmental impact.

Protect your environment, but also protect yourself while traveling

Before you leave for your road trip, make sure you take care of the following:

• Have extra copies of passports, driver’s licenses and other critical documents in case originals get lost during the trip.
• Have all insurance documents in case of an accident.
• Have a roadside assistance program in place for your RV or if you’re towing a trailer or other outdoor “toys”.  Providers like Coach-Net will provide you with 24/7 for lost keys, dead batteries and other issues that could dampen your trip.

When you make the effort to get involved, you help ensure the sustainability of our natural world and, in return, protect the health of our environment that is necessary for our survival.

Sources:

http://blog.rvparking.com/2010/11/03/eco-friendly-tips-for-rv-living/

http://www.campingroadtrip.com/outdoor-living-newsletter-february-march-2014/solar-rving