Want to create a more sustainable routine while traveling? These 10 action tips will help you to live your best eco-friendly van lifestyle while on the road!
By Bekah Whitney
When people go on vacation, they often take a break from being sustainable. So, it’s understandable that it’s assumed van life isn’t green. I have found the opposite to be true though, mostly due to having to ration resources and limited space. Below are my 10 tips to live a more eco-friendly van lifestyle.
There are a few different choices to generate power when living on the road. Choose renewable energy opposed to gas or propane powered generators or heaters. Solar is the most popular and I have even seen one person with a small wind turbine to supplement for stormy days. The start-up cost for some solar panels and batteries is less than you would think as well.
Normal RV toilets are similar to home toilets because they use water to flush down waste, but they also use an enzyme to break down waste and require a septic system to drain. With a composting toilet, no clean water is wasted on sewage, making them super eco-friendly! You can also dispose of your waste in a responsible way anywhere you are.
When people purchase food that is grown locally, they are cutting down on fuel that is spent transporting those goods. Something easy is to look for wine or beer that was made in the state you are visiting. A quick google search can easily reveal if there are any farmers markets or co-ops in the place you are visiting. I personally LOVE co-ops because they are often very affordable and have the tastiest vegetables, meats, and cheeses of any grocery store in the area. You won’t ever be able to purchase all your food locally, but every bit you can counts!
There is a bad reputation around public land usage and nomads. It is very sad how much trash, tires, shotgun shells and toilet paper are strewn around our public lands. Don’t be the one who ruins it for others! Instead, pick up litter whenever you see it, whether on a hike or at your campsite. Many times the plants that are around public campsites will be abused. Make sure to take care of the vegetation by parking in spots that have already been made and not walking on any vegetation, especially in the desert.
Many local restaurants love to source food that is grown locally as it is fresh, tastes better, and usually a little cheaper for them. Always choose local restaurants over chains when possible. It also helps you get a feel for the area and the people who live and work there.
Listen, living in a small space and stockpiling recycling can make things tight. Just like at home, get a bin that is dedicated to just recycling. If you need a little extra help with recycling while on the road, make sure to read our article How to Recycle on the Road, to ensure you aren’t lugging around non-recyclables.
Van lifers often ration water because it can be a pain to be constantly refilling and emptying their tanks. The amount of water used in homes for washing dishes can be shocking. Limit water when washing dishes by using a wash bin or other strategies. You’ll be amazed how little water you need to wash dishes or your hands when you are trying to avoid going into town to fill your tanks!
One thing that most vanlifers definitely use more of is gasoline to drive from one destination to the next. Slow travel is the concept of staying in one place long enough to learn about the culture and making it feel a little more like “home”. You will use much less fuel and help reduce your carbon footprint and fuel expenditures! This will also help you save money!
I get it, single-use makes life easier. But in reality it only makes it a little easier and it’s really harsh on the environment. Switch plastic baggies for reusable ones, paper towels for washable cloths, and harsh cleaning products for natural ones! You’ll have to take out the trash less and be helping the environment. A few rags is really nothing when you have to go to the laundromat anyway.
Always have a reusable coffee cup, utensil kit with straw, water bottle, and something in which to take leftovers with you. This way you will never get caught having to get styrofoam boxes for your leftovers, disposable coffee cups when you need a caffeine kick, or plastic utensils when you realize you need a snack. Plus, this stuff fills your little trash can up so quickly!
Always have a reusable coffee cup, utensil kit with straw, water bottle, and something in which to take leftovers with you. This way you will never get caught having to get styrofoam boxes for your leftovers, disposable coffee cups when you need a caffeine kick, or plastic utensils when you realize you need a snack. Plus, this stuff fills your little trash can up so quickly!
Did we forget anything? Comment below your thoughts on this blog post and creating a more eco-friendly van lifestyle!
Hi! I’m Bekah, but you can call me Beks, all my friends do! I travel full-time in a tiny home on wheels that my partner, Sawyer, and I built from a cargo trailer shell in 2019. We started out in beautiful Colorado and have been all over the United States over the years. This space is designed to inspire and guide the nature obsessed nomad, weekend warrior, and future roadlifer. I’m so excited you’re here!
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We wanted a watercraft for a long time, but didn’t quite know what to pull the trigger on. We wanted something that was durable and folded up nice and small. After watching videos of a jeep driving over the kayak and hit it with a hammer, we knew it was the one for us!
If you don’t already have a hammock, you really need to get on it! The Eno is a lightweight, packable, and durable hammock perfect for anyone living on the road. We have a single nest because neither of us seem to want to be in the hammock at the same time, but they do make a Double Nest if you are looking to cuddle up with your significant other in it.
Listen, everyone with photos of their van door wide open has flies. Adding a screen door was an absolute game-changer for us, plus it is attached through velcro so that you can easily remove it when you are ready to take those idyllic photos. If you haven’t hit the road yet, just get one. If you already have, this is the answer to your fly problem, you’re welcome.
12 Comments on 10 Tips to Live Your Best Eco-friendly Van Lifestyle
This is fabulous!
Thank you for reading!
Great ideas! I didn't realize that solar was an option for something like this.
You can actually put simple solar systems on almost anything!
Fantastic advice for living the van lifestyle. I love that some of these tips are just good travel advice as well like eating local and staying in one place for longer.
So true! Plus the food is better when you eat local!
Great tips for living in a van.
Glad you found them helpful!
These are great tips to be more Earth-friendly. I love how clearly you presented your ideas . These are simple actionable steps all travelers can take.
Thank you so much for reading!
These are great tips! I always try to buy local produce and dine in local restaurants while travelling to get a more authentic feel of the area.
That's such a good point! I love asking locals where they eat.