Eco-friendly motorhome travel: How to travel sustainably

It can’t possibly have escaped your attention that the world is facing some serious environmental challenges. Barely a day goes by without the news reminding us that there are possible problems ahead for the planet. Thankfully, the general mood is positive, with almost everyone accepting that we must all ‘do our bit’ to move mankind’s lifestyle towards a more sustainable model. On a larger scale, industries have been looking at ways to make their operations, and their products, more planet-friendly – but we are all involved in the effort, and so there are things each and every one of us can do at the domestic level too. For instance, we’ve been recycling our rubbish for several years, using LED lighting, using paper straws and cups in our takeaway drinks, and so on.

What is sustainable travel?

The impact on the environment caused by leisure travel can also be lessened by taking a little time and thought, and implementing certain steps. This is ‘sustainable travel’ – a combined series of small efforts to lessen your environmental footprint. In this edition of our blog we’re going to list some of the steps you can take…

In the vehicle

Water

Use refillable containers or drink canisters. Don’t use plastic bottles – or, if you have no other option, make sure you just use one and refill it over again. Refill your trusty water bottle during countryside hikes, town or city days out or beachside chills. Plastic waste is one of the most notable problems for the planet.

Bags

No doubt when you are out on the road for any significant length of time you will need to shop from time to time, perhaps for fresh produce, fruit and milk etc. Using plastic bags (i.e. the kind you get from the supermarket) causes problems as they are not environmentally friendly. It is much more sustainable to use (say) cotton tote bags for your shopping.

Washing-up and getting washed

Surprisingly, domestic cleaning products often contain small amounts of pollutants – but, in combination with all of the other people in the world using the same products, it all adds up to the same problem for the environment. Use biodegradable cleaning products around your leisure vehicle – eco-friendly dishwashing liquids and cleaning sprays. Similarly, use eco-friendly shower or wash products – and if they are also ‘cruelty free’ products then you are doing something to help the animals on the planet, too.

On the road

Leave no trace

This is a very important way to demonstrate sustainability. One of the very best things you can do when you are out and about is to ‘leave no trace’. Depart from your campsite having left it in the condition you found it or, better still, in a better state. Separating your recyclables and dispose of waste only in designated bins – and never ‘fly tip’ your vehicle rubbish just because it seems easier to do so.

Heating

Harness the power of your vehicle’s portable heaters or heating system judiciously. Only use when the chill bites deep, and find other ways to ‘take the edge off’ in the early evenings or first thing in the morning. Try a cup of tea or coffee, or a snug hot water bottle, and use layers of clothing and a blanket. In other words, avoid unnecessary energy consumption through heating your vehicle.

Air con

Using the vehicle’s air conditioning sparingly is a good move. At low speeds you can open windows or the sunroof (if your vehicle has one) to achieve a pleasant airflow. Note, though, that at higher speeds any open windows will increase the vehicle’s air resistance, leading to an increase in fuel consumption.

Driving

A really simple one, this – but slow down a bit. Reduce your holiday’s CO2 footprint by travelling at a slower pace, cruising the vehicle at a revolutionary 60mph when possible. Try and reduce the load on your vehicle, i.e. the weight, by packing lightly if you can. The heavier the vehicle the more fuel is needed to achieve peak speed. Avoid unnecessary acceleration, braking and overtaking, keep the vehicle’s cruising speed as constant as possible. Always drive with the correct tyre pressure. All of these factors will contribute to maximising fuel efficiency and, therefore, are another step towards reducing your environmental impact.

It is virtually impossible to meet every single sustainability criteria on every single trip you take. The point is to think carefully and make as much effort as you can. Every little bit counts – and in yourself you will feel the benefit of knowing you are trying to do your bit, meaning you’ll get an even greater sense of freedom than you usually might when you’re out on the road