Resorting to your RV every once in a while is no doubt a fantastic way of taking a break from the day-to-day hustle and bustle of the cities. However, to most people, a day without electricity isn’t a day at all. After all, most of your useful appliances; television, smartphones, laptops, electrical fans, blenders and a book-full list of other day-to-day appliances run on electricity. So, bringing in electricity is definitely a no-brainer. The question now is, how?
‘Generators, of course!’ That’s probably what you’ve got ringing in your head. However, if you are a frequent off-grid RVer, you would most likely dispute that idea. Why? Noise! The whole concept of recreation vehicles is finding a safe haven, where you could escape daily tension, by eliminating disturbances and stress. How then would this be possible when you’ve got a 3000W generator sending waves of disrupted engine clamors through the air?
What if I told you that you could harness the solar radiance on earth; channeling it to take care of every one of your electrical needs? How wonderful! Yeah, running your appliance exclusive using sun rays sounds like fairyland to anyone who has ever tried taking a nap with a noisy generator in the background.
Not just solar energy; there exist countless ways through which you could improve the living conditions of your RV, just be going green.
Let’s go straight to the point. Strap your belts, grab your drink, and get ready for the ride. Here, you would learn incredible ways of integrating green energy into your RV. Let’s get started.
1. Begin with Solar Panels
If you are searching for a source of electrical power- one that won’t affect your main aim of going RVing at first instance, solar power should be at the top of your list.
The reason is crystal-clear: you get to derive energy straight from the sun. So, as long as the sun keeps emitting those rays, your RV is electrically-secure.
Solar panels do not just affect you, your environment also benefits from its usage. Unlike most generators, solar panels have zero-emissions. You really do not have to inhale harmful gases, while powering up your little home- neither does your environment deserve them.
Also, they are cost-effective. Although they may seem extremely expensive at point of purchase, down the line, you end up saving more on your utility bills. Once invested in, solar panels could be used for years, without having to pay additional bills for energy.
What’s more, is that there are flexible solar panels, with easy set-ups. So, you could carry them around easily.
2. Bring Reusable Items with you on Camping Trips
Certainly, it would be much easier to buy a dozen plastic plates and spoons, which you could easily toss outside every night, but really, is that a good option for your environment? Definitely not!
This is why you should bring your own glassware, your utensils and a bar of washing soap. Reuse them every time. Not only does this help you save more, but it also reduces the amount of waste surrounding your RV- which would have gone on to affect the environment negatively.
3. Replace a Furnace with a Fire
Wherever you are on Earth- including your RV, you are subject to the ever-changing weather conditions. It is then up to you to innovate ways of outsmarting these conditions. For instance, a campfire. A campfire would help you escape those cold winter nights, without creating extra emissions.
4. Position your RV Depending on Weather Conditions
During hot times, try parking your RV in places where there are shades, so as to escape from the intense heat. While in winter, park it in the sun for extra heat. You could also bring along extra sweaters and blankets to provide extra thermal energy.
5. Replace your Flushing Toilet with Composting Toilet
A composting toilet decomposes human excreta, turning it to compost-like material. This compost would support plant growth; which is good for the environment. Again, you expend lesser water compared to flushing toilets.
- Read more: How to unclog an RV toilet holding tank
6. Go for Marked Campsites
There are specific areas that have been designated as camping spots. It is important you camp only in these areas, as doing otherwise could imply scaring wildlife away from their natural habitat- which could lead to a disruption in the ecosystem.
7. Regular RV Maintenance
What does your RV’s maintenance have to go with the ecosystem? A vehicle in bad state releases more emissions as opposed to a well-maintained vehicle, which gives out limited emissions. Definitely, the latter is better for the environment. This is why you should establish routine maintenance practices so as to keep your RV’s engines in good conditions.
8. Drive Slower
Even though saving the earth from an ecological crisis involves urgency, you really shouldn’t be speeding across the road (just kidding!). But, on a serious note, driving slower means you burn less fuel, and release lesser gases. Driving faster suggests the opposite, which is not a good choice for Mother Earth.
9. Turn off your Appliances Before Leaving the RV
In one way or the other, negligence with hitting a few switches on our part could affect the environment. You got it- higher energy consumption, higher pollution. Even if you plan on being gone for only a few days, flip the breakers- all that cost is just some hand movements, while what it rewards includes energy conservation and money-saving.
10. Do not Travel Around with Full Tanks
No doubt, water is an essential element of any RV. However, your RV fuel burns excessively when holding tanks that are full- leading to the excessive release of pollutants. Not just that, it also causes wear-and-tear on your rig.
If you have access to a refill at your destination, do not keep full tanks. It does more harm than good.
11. Get a Recycling Container
Plastics and aluminum are two recyclable materials which you would most likely have in your RV. Instead of disposing them carelessly, take along a recycling container where you could easily stick these items. When next you find a recycling bin, ditch them off.