RVs and Your Carbon Footprint

Do you smile happily when you hear words likeIf you are one of many people who cannot afford
organic, sustainable, renewable energy, andto turn their RV over to a used RV sales place and
biodegradable? Are you convinced that the phrasebuy a new one, take heart. You can begin to lighten
"green RVing," is a contradiction in terms? If so, youthe load by taking fewer things with you in your
may enjoy exploring the ways people are working onmotor home. Learn the truth of "less is more" and
RVs that will reduce your carbon footprint.pass along the things you don't really need to others.
What makes 5th wheels, or a motorhome "green?"Green means less petroleum
You might be surprised to learn that you can pushCheck out some of the biofuels that are available -
even a Class A diesel in a "green" direction.biodiesel is a cleaner fuel than petroleum. Using
Green means lighter RVsbiofuels may even help the economy by encouraging
Part of how much gas your Class C motorhomefarmers to harvest more plants that make the good
guzzles is about how much it weighs. The heavierbiofuels. If you're handy, and brave, you can learn to
your RV, the fewer miles you can drive on a gallonmake your own from used vegetable oil that is free
of gas. The newer, green RVs are made with lighterfor the taking from many restaurants.
with composite materials. They use a double weldedGreen means using less of our resourceso One of
aluminum frame, and vacuum laminate the compositethe first things people think of when they think green
materials onto it. In addition to being waterproof,energy is solar panels. Those are a great way to use
they hold up better than the resources normally used.natural energy.o Think, too, about energy efficient
The green industry is also moving toward moreappliances, and lights. For instance, LED light fixtures
aerodynamic shapes, which will also lower fuelare more eco-friendly.o Consider how you can cut
consumption. The goal is to have RVs light enough toback on water usage.o Make it a family challenge to
be pulled by the family automobile. Not possible? Onefind new ways to conserve what we have, and
man pulls his small travel trailer behind his bicycle.everyone will win.
Hybrid RVs are also on the scene to help.