1. Stay in Tune
The first thing to do in order to reduce carbon emissions and conserve energy ' while saving money on gasoline and diesel ' is to maintain your RV and any other vehicles you take out on the road in tip-top mechanical condition. Tires that are over or under inflated, engines that need a tune-up, and air or fuel filters that are due for a replacement are just some of the simple things that can cause a vehicle to perform poorly. Poor performance leads to less fuel efficiency and more pollution, so one of the easiest ways to live greener on the road is to ensure that vehicles stay properly maintained and serviced.
2. Rest in the Shade
While we all know that solar energy can be harnessed to help reduce our carbon footprint, most people do not realize that it is also possible to convert the energy of shade for a greener outcome.
Installing shades and awnings on your RV ' or even parking in campsites that are protected by a shade tree canopy during the day ' cuts down on the amount of air conditioning you use in hot climates, while it also reduces the amount of fuel burned when running a generator. You can also use an inside-mounted windshield cover to reflect heat and block as much as 94 percent of solar heat to keep coach interiors cool. Take advantage of awning shades, too, to further deflect sunlight and keep you comfortable.
3. Improve Your Circulation
By strategically using fans and ventilation, it is possible to get more from heating and air conditioning systems. When the weather is cold, use your ceiling fans to keep warm air moving through your RV, rather than letting it heat just one room or rise up and accumulate close to the ceiling where you don't feel it warming you up. On those warmer days when air conditioning is not absolutely necessary just turn it off, open some windows, and use a fan as a 'cool' way to conserve energy and save money on fuel.
4. Change the Light bulbs
Some countries in Europe have already passed legislation to ban the manufacture and sale of old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs, because they are far less energy efficient than innovative fluorescent versions. The energy-saving fluorescents are widely available ' even at chain stores like Wal-Mart and Home Depot ' and although they cost more than conventional bulbs they last 10 times longer while using 75 percent less energy. While you're at it, consider using rechargeable batteries in gadgets like flashlights and automatic timers and dimmers to reduce your overall use of electrical juice. Also remember to unplug accessories like cell phone and iPod chargers and computers, because they also contribute to the energy drain.
5. Recycle on the Road
Recycling is still one of the most fundamental ways to adhere to a greener lifestyle, so maintain a system on your RV for storing and separating those items that can be recycled. The key to recycling successfully on the road, however, is to offload recycling bins frequently. Use campgrounds, rest areas, and other stops that provide bins for recycling so that you don't have to tote those used cans and bottles around with you. It will make it easier to make space for storing recyclables on board and more convenient to adopt good recycling habits.
One major study conducted by a travel and tourism consulting firm found that those who go on RV vacations and follow a few basic green guidelines actually generate less carbon emissions than do families that travel by plane, rent cars, and stay in hotels. By doing your part to go green you will also save greenbacks, so reward yourself for being a good steward of the planet by reinvesting the savings to fund your next RV vacation.
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