10 Eco-friendly road trip tips
So you have decided to go on a road trip, eh? What is it gonna be then mates? A journey of self realization, rebound from a break up or simply the s*** of life? Whatever it is, there are some details which you should turn a sharp eye to.
There is absolutely no point in repeating what a bummer your unplanned trip may turn out to be, especially in terms of the kind of effects you will leave on the ecological front. However, whatever wild side you are trying to discover or whatever problems or fun that you plan to get on with, there is absolutely no need to be selfish about them and leave a super massive black carbon hole.
Instead, just follow some basic small tips and get on with your life!
- Conservation starts at Home: Just like charity, your care and concern for the environment will start at home while you are about to leave for your road trip. Simply turn off all kinds of appliances, large, small and in between and you will have saved energy.
- Lose Excess Baggage: If you are in anyway one of the perpetrators of the above scenarios, there is a good chance that luggage is the last thing you would care about. However, if it’s a planned trip, make sure that you lose those excess luggage and accessories such as roof or bike racks. The lighter the car is, the less fuel is consumed.
- Driving and Cars: Driving a hybrid car or simply an electric car should serve your purpose perfectly. Nevertheless, your usual car can help with conservation too. Make sure to turn off your ignition whenever possible, not to mention adapt normal driving styles. Cruising roughly and trying drifts or sharp maneuvers and accelerating too much should be kept out of the deal.
- Shelters: Camping should be the ideal solution for having a shelter upon your head. However, if that is not on the agenda, try to look for hotels or accommodations which are apparently ‘green’ or so.
- Cutting back on Packs and Papers: You might think that this is all about the luggage again. However, just like your car needs fuel, you need fuel too in the form of food. In that case, make sure to cut back on packaged foods as much as possible. Do not bother with popular food chains either as they are experts on supplying food made in containers of materials bad for the earth. Instead, either bring sack meals or in lunch boxes or find a local restaurant which serves food on real plates and uses real cutlery. In addition, try water and liquids in flasks, instead of buying packaged or mineral plastic bottled water.
- Ploo theory: In case this is a planned trip, try ploos instead of portable loos or whatever else your alternative is. The seats can be reused and be assembled according to the different needs. Plus, the biodegradable bag can be changed.
- Uselessness: It is understood that driving around aimlessly might be one of your therapies. However, the kind of fuel you are going to waste is going to cost the environment much. Please make sure to decide something about the end destination.
- No need for Speed: The temptation may be more than you may realize, but stepping on it, as goes the modern diction will cost much of the environment for everybody to be handled.
- Windows Down: Either ways, you will operate the heating or the air-conditioning as much as possible. However, try opening the windows instead. After all, fresh air is free and healthy.
- Leggy Nailing: Instead of just driving around at all times, explore some areas on foot. Your experience will be dear and your fuel consumption low.
