Let’s put it simply: the van life is a good life. Never having to settle, having low costs and being able to simply rev up your engine and travel somewhere new whenever you like is an almost idyllic lifestyle. There are so many benefits and much to gain from switching over to this way of living. However, it also comes with its challenges and living sustainably could be one of them. Naturally, living and travelling constantly in a van is going to burn a lot of fuel and negatively impact our carbon footprint, but there are other ways in which we can negate this impact and try to live a little more green. Here are a few things to try.
Use Eco Energy
Living on the road doesn’t necessarily mean living off the grid. We still need to stay in contact with our loved ones and earn a living, and for many RV-dwellers, that means the internet. The internet, powering your laptops, phones, and other appliances necessary to daily life is going to require a power source whether you like it or not. Opting for a solar generator is an amazing way to lower your energy impact. A Bluetti AC200P portable solar generator will be able to power everything you need on the road and will lower your energy expenses by quite a margin since, well, the sun is free. This swap is a win-win no matter how you look at it.
Be Mindful of Waste
Living in such a tiny space can make even a small amount of waste feel like it’s taking over your home: this is a good incentive to be more mindful of how much waste you generate. Reducing your waste can be done in a few (pretty easy) ways, like buying less packaged food. Opting for whole, unpackaged fresh produce will remove the plastic elements and peels and seeds can naturally be tossed back into the earth (or composted). Investing in reusable containers, bottles and shopping bags will also help you to stop piling up the plastics in your home and trash bin. Simply being mindful is the first and most important step to take here.
Stop and Smell the Coffee
If you’re new to van life, you might be eager to stay in gear and travel as much as possible. Whilst this is fun and exciting, it also increases your fuel consumption and carbon footprint overall. This lifestyle is meant to be carefree and slow – it’s a great idea to stop in one place for a while. This will not only ensure that you’re driving less but also provide you with the amazing opportunity to more thoroughly experience wherever you have decided to stop. Get familiar with the little coffee shops, chat with locals and get a feel and appreciation for the place you’re in before you decide to move on. Living (and driving) slower will be better for your mind, your soul and for the planet too – you’re welcome.