Resource Efficiency

 

• Use reusable containers instead of plastic sandwich bags. Bring reusable containers with you to restaurants.

• Reduce paper towel use – use and reuse washable cloths.

• Recycle (duh).  Designate an area for recycling items.

• Consider using a water filtration system or buy water in bulk, versus bottled water

• Use biodegradable disposables cookware if possible.

• Buy in bulk when possible to avoid unecessary packaging waste

• Instead of buying groceries at big chain stores, support your local farmers market (don’t forget a reusable shopping bag!).

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Energy Efficiency
 

• When daylight is adequate, turn off lights.

• Instead of using the drying cycle, stop the dishwasher, open the door and let dishes dry naturally. It takes more energy to dry dishes than to wash them.

• Use an energy efficient washer/dryer or hang clothes to dry outside if you like that fresh air smell.

• Install solar panels (at least get a unit that is pre-wired for solar as it can be installed later). Also, use outdoor lighting that is solar and LED.

• Get energy efficient appliances (instant water heater, furnace/water heater combo).

• Don’t travel with full holding tanks. They add extra weight, reducing fuel economy and cause extra wear and tear on the unit.

• Park in the shade during the summer and in direct sun during the winter. Use those awnings to help shade unit (and people) during warm weather

• Fill tires with Nitrogen instead of Oxygen; it’s better for fuel efficiency and tire pressure consistency.

 

           

 

Water Efficiency

 

• Pedal flush toilets don’t use a lot of water compared to residential toilets.  Waterless toilets are pretty cool but come with additional considerations and effort.

• If the installed water fixtures aren’t already low flow, install aerators in the faucets and consider replacing your current showerhead with a more water-efficient version.

• Buy refillable jugs of water instead of bottled water (or get a water filter/purifier to ensure clean water all the time).

 

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Indoor Air

           

 

• Watch what is brought into the RV (soft goods like curtains, bed spreads, furniture can have formaldehyde, flame retardants and other VOCs incorporated).

• Use natural cleaners instead of toxic cleaners.

• Ventilate ALL THE TIME (use the installed ceiling vent fans - they work!), especially after cooking/showering.

• The less carpet the better (carpet traps contaminants and allergens inside).

• Use plants to help keep air clean (just make sure they’re not toxic to your pets).

• Brush pets outside.

• OPEN THE WINDOWS! RVs, Park Models and Emergency Vehicles are built very tightly so it's important to cycle in fresh air.  Remember the popular construction phrase "Build tight. Ventilate right."  New homes in some states are required to have mechanical ventilation because of the energy code requirement for a tightly constructed living space.

• Still worried about indoor air? Get an air purifier.

 

 

Don’t even think of printing this Addendum ;-) Save it to your computer or device.

 

 

 

Thanks!