Earth Day is celebrated every year on 22nd April to raise awareness for environmental issues and the benefits of living more sustainably. This year, we want to give you some tips to reduce the negative impact you have on the local environment while you are travelling in your caravan or motorhome. From eco-friendly driving to managing your food waste, our guide provides easy tips that you can do to help protect our planet.
1. Be more fuel efficient when travelling in your caravan:
Master the art of eco-driving:
Simple practices like maintaining a steady speed, avoiding harsh acceleration and braking, and anticipating traffic lights can significantly improve fuel efficiency.
Plan your route responsibly:
Before setting off, map out your journey, factoring in fuel stations and rest stops along the way. Travel on motorways instead of A roads when you can, as they tend to be straighter and encourage smoother driving.
Embrace a slower pace:
Caravans and motorhomes aren’t designed for fast driving. Reduce your cruising speed to a comfortable, fuel-efficient level, which is typically around 55 miles per hour. Not only will you save money on fuel, but you’ll also be helping the planet.
Explore by bike:
When exploring a new location where you are staying, explore the local area on bike instead of by car. This is great switch for many reasons: you get some exercise, it makes your adventures more memorable, it saves money, and it reduces your carbon footprint.
Go electric:
If it’s time to upgrade your car, consider an electric or hybrid car. While the initial cost might be higher, the long-term savings on fuel can be significant, especially if you are using the vehicle to tow your caravan.
2. Choose sustainable energy sources to power your caravan or motorhome:
Invest in solar panels:
Solar panels might seem like a hefty upfront investment, but they are becoming increasingly affordable and can significantly reduce your reliance on campsite electricity. Paired with a good solar charger, they can provide enough power to run essential appliances and lighting while you are in your caravan or motorhome.
Embrace the freedom of off-grid camping:
Solar panels give you the freedom to explore more remote locations, where campsites with electrical hookups might be limited.
3. Limit food waste:
Embrace local flavours:
Use the experience of visiting new locations to try out something new. Instead of stocking up on pre-packaged food, visit local farmer’s markets and shops to try fresh, seasonal produce. Not only will you be supporting local businesses, but you’ll also be minimising food waste by avoiding unnecessary packaging.
Plan your meals:
Before your trip, plan out your meals and create a grocery list based on your caravan’s fridge space. This ensures the food you buy does not go to waste or spoil before you have a chance to use it.
Master the art of leftovers:
Plan your meals with leftovers in mind. This not only saves on time and cooking gas, but it also helps minimise food waste. Get creative with leftovers and incorporate them into new dishes the next day.
4. Reduce, reuse, recycle:
Prioritise recycling:
Just like at home, prioritise recycling as much as possible when caravanning. Many campsites have designated recycling bins. Familiarise yourself with the recycling guidelines at your chosen campsite and separate your waste responsibly.
Avoid single-use plastics:
Single-use plastics are a major environmental concern. Bring along reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and food containers to minimise your reliance on disposable plastics. Beeswax wraps are a fantastic alternative to cling film for wrapping food and storing leftovers.
Leave no trace:
This is an essential principle to follow when exploring, especially in the countryside. Always dispose of your waste responsibly and avoid littering. Remember, even seemingly harmless items like cigarette ends or small pieces of plastic can have a devastating impact on wildlife and the environment.
5. Reduce your electricity consumption:
Swap to LED lighting:
LED lights are significantly more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. Replace your caravan’s lighting with LED options to reduce your electricity consumption and help your battery last longer.
Choose energy-efficient appliances:
When replacing appliances like your caravan fridge, look for models with high energy efficiency ratings. This will help you get the most out of your battery power and reduce your reliance on campsite electricity.
Turn off not in use appliances:
It seems like a no-brainer, but make sure to switch off appliances and lights when they are not in use.
From smarter fuel use and waste reduction to embracing renewable energy, these tips will help you enjoy a more sustainable holiday by reducing your environmental impact on your travels.