| The best part about owning a recreational vehicle is | | | | To compare environmental impacts from vacation |
| that it allows you to get close to the wonders of | | | | methods, a study was done by PKF Consulting, an |
| nature. Over the years, RVs and their owners have | | | | internationally recognized consulting firm with |
| been building an environmentally friendly image as well. | | | | expertise in travel and tourism. The study, prepared |
| Go RVing maintains “being green is very | | | | for the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association of |
| important to RV travelers.” The Go RVing | | | | Reston, Va., found RV vacations are overall more |
| Coalition was formed in 1994 and consists of RV | | | | environmentally friendly than fly/drive/hotel vacations. |
| manufacturers, com ponent suppliers, dealers and | | | | The study compared total carbon dioxide (CO2) |
| campgrounds. | | | | emissions or carbon footprints. PKF Consulting found |
| “A recent survey showed that more than | | | | that families of four taking RV vacations generate |
| two-thirds of RVers minimize water use on trips, | | | | less CO2 than families traveling on a plane, renting a |
| almost half recycle more on RV vacations than on | | | | car and staying in a hotel. |
| other types and nearly half turn off home utilities | | | | “RV vacations are not only fun, affordable and |
| before they hit the road. In addition, 94 percent of all | | | | comfortable for families,” RVIA President Richard |
| RVers travel with two to seven people, meaning the | | | | Coon said, “this study shows that they’re |
| vehicles get more people miles per gallon,” Go | | | | also more green than vacations including flying.” |
| RVing reports. | | | | Go RVing has categorized the environmental shift by |
| About 80 percent of RVs sold in the United States | | | | consumers in the RV industry by highlighting new |
| are actually non-motorized and 30 percent of RV | | | | trends and technologies being used to create a |
| owners have a diesel tow vehicle or motor home, | | | | substantial market of products with green |
| promoting greater fuel efficiency, Go RVing adds. | | | | innovations. |