When you think of eco-friendly holidays, travelling in a motorhome may not be the first thing to spring to mind. Yet the truth is, most RV travellers take great care of the environment and are very mindful of sustainability practices.
Australia’s community of motorhome travellers is growing fast. More and more holidaymakers are recognising the benefits of seeing the country in the comfort and convenience of their own RV. With so many of us enjoying the lifestyle, the little things we each do can add up to make a big difference. As an added benefit, we can help set an example for others by demonstrating sustainable eco-travel practices. Being mindful of how much water and power we use is second nature to most RV travellers. We can also abide by the Leave No Trace principles which promote and inspire responsible travel.
In this helpful guide, we’ll share some top tips to make your next Australian road trip more eco-friendly.
One of the most cost-effective ways to reduce your power consumption when you’re travelling Australia in a motorhome is to tap into the sun’s free supply.
By using solar power, you don’t need to plug into mains as often. That means you’re free to go off-grid in remote areas and make the most of freedom camping. Solar power can be as small or big as you want it to be. You might decide to start with a portable power bank for charging up devices. If you want to go off-grid, you’ll need solar panels, a charge controller, and a storage battery. It can cost a bit to set up, but the savings will soon start to add up.
If you’re old enough to remember the 70s and 80s, you’ll remember days when plastic packaging barely existed. Today, the opposite is true. Plastic is so pervasive that it’s estimated that by the year 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the sea. That’s a big worry, so we all need to play our part.
Where possible, opt for products that are plastic-free, including their packaging. Many supermarkets and produce stores are happy for customers to supply their own containers for buying deli items and meat. Doing this will reduce your waste and help to send the message to retailers that consumers want alternatives to plastic.
Whether you travel by car, motorhome, or any diesel- or petrol-powered vehicle, pollution is a factor. To help keep this to a minimum, add some of the beautiful spots near home to your road trip planner. In every state of Australia, there are stunning areas to visit and discover. You may even have some hidden gems close by that you haven’t seen yet. And when you travel by motorhome, you often don’t need to go far to feel like you’re on holiday.
Travelling by motorhome means having a limited water supply. To make your water last, you’ll need to take shorter showers, reuse water where possible, and turn taps off when brushing your teeth, etc. Many motorhome travellers find they continue these habits when they’re back in their homes. Remember to also check your water tanks and pipes regularly for leaks.
Many commonly used cleaning products aren’t good for the environment. And that’s a worry when runoff or leftover grey water gets into neighbouring parks or waterways. To mitigate damage, research and choose products that are proven eco-friendly (while also being effective!).
Correctly disposing of your grey water and toilet waste is a must when you're travelling Australia in a motorhome. This should only be done at a dump station where the waste is processed through the sewerage system.
It’s just as important to dispose of your rubbish and recyclables appropriately. That may mean carrying your rubbish with you for a few days if there are no bins available. Avoid adding rubbish to overfilled bins as this is likely to fall out and pollute the environment.
It’s a good idea to have a separate bin in your motorhome for storing waste that can be recycled. Most campgrounds have recycling bins available.
To help you find dump points, refuse stations, recycling depots and more, it’s a great idea to download the thl Roadtrip app. This handy, easy-to-use app is the perfect travel companion for motorhome and campervan travellers. It’s packed full of great information for your Australian road trip.
Although it varies from vehicle to vehicle, driving at about 80 km on the open road is most efficient. This is because your engine isn’t working as hard. More efficient driving means less gas being used, which is better for the environment and your pocket.
Some other simple steps to maximise fuel efficiency include:
Where possible, support attractions and businesses that are sustainably minded. When planning your trip, research those you’re considering visiting. Do a quick background check on how they operate and whether they’re eco-friendly.
On those chilly winter nights, it can be tempting to set the diesel heater on high. But before you do, you may like to try one of these winter warmers.
Keen to have your windows tinted, or curtains and insulation installed? Contact the team at KEA Motorhomes who can take care of it for you.
Now that you have some helpful tips on travelling sustainably, you’re all set to start planning your Australian road trip.
KEA Motorhomes designs and manufactures quality motorhomes to suit Australia’s unique environment. From compact two-berth campervans to spacious six-berth motorhomes, we’ve got an RV to suit every traveller.
Take a look at our range of motorhomes for sale. Not sure which one is for you? Chat with one of our KEA-certified dealers today.
Already own a campervan but keen to upgrade to something new? KEA has you covered! With more than 25 years in the motorhome industry, KEA are your motorhome experts. We can help you with trade-in options, take care of your motorhome servicing needs, or just provide some expert advice when you need it.
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