Reducing Your Environmental Footprint: Sustainable Camping Practices

“Take only memories, leave only footprints” — the wise words of Chief Seattle, a Native American of the Duwamish Tribe in the Washington State, have never rung truer. As increasing numbers of Australians wake up to the growing climate emergency, we all must do our part to reduce our environmental impact. As vast and empty as most of this beautiful country is, it is far from immune to the potentially horrendous effects of higher temperatures; we only have to look at the recent surge of devastating bush fires to see that. 

Luckily, we are blessed with an extraordinary wealth of natural, sustainable resources, none more potent than the glorious sunshine that comforts and terrorises in equal measure. What can RV users and campers, often in tune with the natural world and keen to act responsibly, do to lessen their negative ecological impact and behave as respectful, responsible outdoor enthusiasts? This article examines the steps we can take to reduce our harmful emissions and leave the stunning beauty of the natural world just as we found it. 

Leave no trace

Heeding Chief Seattle’s words and leaving no trace of ever having visited and spent time in an area is among the simplest things responsible campers can do to preserve the natural environment. Taking away any rubbish that is generated (more of that later) is something. We have been taught to do from their earliest school days for as long as any of us can remember. Yet, the problem persists, and we can all picture pristine, unique wilderness settings blighted by large numbers of visitors, leaving debris and rubbish strewn everywhere. Take your garbage away when you leave—it’s the least you can do. 

Other issues caused by large numbers include:

• Trail erosion
• Water contamination
• Fire hazards
• Invasive species

At RV Parts Express, we are passionate about protecting the glory of the great outdoors however we can, so here are our tips to lessening your impact on both local areas and the global environment through a series of simple, considerate steps.

Before you leave home

Efforts to reduce waste and environmental damage start before the RV is loaded, from the products you put into your shopping basket to your general attitude to the trip and minimising your impact as you travel. The following tips are ones you can implement before setting off and can make a significant difference to your negative contribution:

Prepare your meals and snacks

With enough time and imagination, you can assemble a great selection of snacks and ingredients before setting off. Whether you have a great recipe for lamingtons passed down from your grandma or are a dab-hand at making meat pies, prepare fun, delicious foods before leaving and store them in non-plastic containers. Turn it into a fun activity with the kids or make it your mission to research and prepare all kinds of fun snacks you would never usually consider. From dried fruits to organic brownies, the list is endless. 

Reject plastic

This is easier said than done in a world that is now fully obsessed with using plastic in every conceivable scenario. From peeled oranges sitting in plastic trays, surrounded by thin, non-recyclable plastic, to giant packets of sweets where each one has an individual plastic wrapper, we have lost our way when it comes to packaging and spiralled into madness. The only way to prevent these irresponsible practices is to refuse to buy into them and contribute to their success. Sadly, as in all things, money is the driving force behind this avalanche of damaging material, so avoiding it can be almost nightmarishly tricky. Please do your best; eschew plastic water bottles for reusable ones and pick the oranges that come in nature’s handy protective wrapper, their own skin. 

Choose non-toxic body products

Any trip into the great outdoors will require essential products to protect you and your loved ones. As beautiful and fascinating as Australia is, it can also be brutal and dangerous. Some of the creams, sprays, and other products you will need include:

• Sunscreen 
• Insect repellent 
• Lotions
• Makeup
• Antiseptic moisture wipes
• Soaps and shampoos
• Toothpaste

The problem is that many of these products are water-soluble, meaning they invariably end up in the water system when you wash them off. Accumulations of these chemicals are deadly to any water life further down the chain that comes into contact with it. Non-biodegradable toothpaste, soaps, and other products take a remarkably long time to break down and can wreak havoc in the meantime. Choose non-polluting versions and stay at least 50-60 metres away from natural water sources when using them.

Pack reusable dishes and cutlery

It might seem convenient and practical to use paper plates and plastic cutlery for barbecues and other meals and snacks, but it is not an environmentally responsible thing to do. It’s understandable to want to keep as much precious water in your RV as possible, and washing dishes seems wasteful. With little care and attention to usage, it’s possible to clean dirty dishes using very little water, drastically reducing the overall impact on the environment. Not only will you produce less waste and non-biodegradable items, but you will save money, too, in the long run. 

Install solar panels 

Solar panels are a virtually non-negotiable aspect of any modern RV, as it simply makes no sense to let all that glorious, energy-giving sunshine fall onto your vehicle and do nothing more than make it unbearably hot inside. Solar power can even provide enough energy to run the air conditioning and reduce its intolerable effects. It is a crucial factor on longer trips, and when draining your RV’s battery would be unwise or dangerous. Check out the range of solar panels we offer at RV Parts Express and join the solar revolution; it’s never too late. 

Travel light

Think long and hard before cramming your RV full of things you don't want or need. Not only will it make inhabiting the space feel less cluttered and more comfortable, but you will save on fuel costs and protect the environment at the same time. Leave unnecessary electronic devices at home and experience the world without constant artificial distractions, as terrifying as the concept might seem. 

On the road

So, you’ve done everything possible to minimise your environmental impact before setting off; now, the big day comes, and it’s time to get moving. The following are tips and tricks to eco-practices once you are on the road:

Take fewer showers 

Showers take a lot of energy and water to run. Nobody is suggesting you spend a week communing with nature and refusing to shower, but limiting yourself to a short refreshing shower once a day can make a massive difference to your energy use and keep your water supply healthy when you are not connected to a campsite supply. 

Use a clothesline 

Nothing dries clothes faster or more thoroughly than the combination of hot temperatures and wind. Not only that, but direct sunlight is one of the most effective ways to kill bacteria and unwanted odours on clothing, and Australia has no shortage of sun. Save precious resources and avoid using tumble dryers unless absolutely necessary. 

Fire safety

A comforting fire at night is part and parcel of any traditional camping trip and one you can enjoy responsibly and safely with a few best practices and precautions. Bush fires are no joke, as we all know, and the bone-dry brush and debris that cover many areas of the country are at huge risk of being ignited accidentally or otherwise. From stray cigarettes and glass bottles that magnify the sun's rays, it is crucial to be constantly alert to the dangers of starting fires. Some steps to take and rules to live by when building a campfire include: 

• Check for fire bans ahead of time
• Build a fire only in a well-secured fire pit
• Keep the fire away from flammable materials like tents
• Do not build an enormous, raging fire
• Avoid burning food that may attract animals
• Put the fire out entirely using water and sand, and do not leave until it is completely extinguished.

Conclusion

Spending time outdoors is a fantastic way to release the stresses and tribulations of everyday life for a while and remind ourselves how small and insignificant we are in the grand scheme of things. An RV road trip can be one of the most refreshing, life-affirming experiences that can help to re-balance our lives and give a much-needed boost to mental health. So, the next time you plan a holiday that involves jetting off to foreign climes, stop for a moment and ask yourself if exploring the limitless delights of Australia on your camping adventure might not be just the ticket.

As much damage as humans have already caused to our precious home, it is not too late for us to do our best to mitigate our contribution. As with most movements and changes in cultural and societal values, this starts with the next generation. Our responsibility is to teach youngsters the value of protecting the glory of nature before it is too late. One powerful way to do this is to lead by example, and at RV Parts Express, we’re already sold on the concept. 

Contact us

At RV Parts Express, we have a host of products that can assist in your endeavours to become environmentally ‘friendly’, so please take some time to browse the site and our comprehensive range of camping and other outdoor equipment. We are committed to responsible sourcing and lessening our carbon footprint and are passionate about the beauty of the great Australian outbacks. Please get in touch with us with any questions or comments; our knowledgeable, courteous staff will gladly give you the benefit of their experience and any advice and guidance you need.