Tips to be a greener camper

Tips To Be A Greener Camper

• Turn off electrical equipment and lights when they are not needed and fit low-energy bulbs where possible.
  
• Use the hot water from boiling your egg to do the washing-up.
  
• Remember that it takes less water to wash dishes in the van than it does in the deeper on-site sinks.
  
• Invest in a wind-up or solar-powered radio
  
• Choose toilet fluids that are formaldehyde-free, such as Thetford’s Aqua Kem Green, or even invest in a composting toilet.

• Recycle your plastic bags and opt for biodegradable cleaning products. Egg cartons, newspapers and card food containers can be added to the compost heap back home.
  
• Use FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) recommended charcoal for barbecues which comes from renewable sources.
  
• Keep separate waste bags for metal, glass and paper. Recycling one ton of paper can save 17 trees, and if all aluminium cans in the UK were recycled, there would be 12 million fewer full dustbins every year).
  
• Leave the car behind, and get more out of your holiday by walking, cycling, or using public transport for short journeys.

Top Towing Tips To Reduce Your Emissions

Consider implementing these ten tips to help you reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions while caravanning:

1. Choose a tow car that is well-matched to your caravan to minimize the need for constant gear changes. The National Caravan Council offer an outfit-matching program to assist you in this process: www.towcheck.co.uk
   
   
2. Maintain a moderate speed while towing, as driving at 40mph when possible uses significantly less fuel than driving at 50mph or higher.
   
   
3. Minimize the weight of your load, as carrying more weight requires more acceleration and braking, increasing fuel consumption.
   
   
4. Utilise bicycles for transportation during your vacation, as they are a nearly zero-emissions mode of travel. However, avoid mounting them on the front of your caravan as it may adversely affect its balance and aerodynamics.
   
   
5. Consider using a profiled roof box to enhance the aerodynamic properties of your tow car/caravan combination and reduce fuel consumption. Remove roof bars when not in use to prevent solo consumption from worsening.
   
   
6. Be a considerate caravanner by avoiding busy travel times and pulling over if you are causing a traffic jam.
   
   
7. Turn off your engine if you are not moving to conserve fuel, not just while towing.
   
   
8. In a traffic jam, try to drive slowly forward in low gear to minimise the need for braking and avoid stop-and-go driving, which also reduces wear and tear on your brakes and clutch.
   
   
9. Ensure that your car and caravan are serviced regularly to keep them in optimal condition.
   
   
10. Check tire pressure regularly on both your car and caravan, as correct tire pressure reduces fuel consumption and prevents handling problems and adverse tire wear.

It is important to remember that reducing CO2 output levels is a goal that we should all strive for. Enjoy your journey in a touring caravan, but do not become complacent in your efforts to reduce your carbon footprint.