Keeping it Green: 10 Eco-Friendly Road Trip Tips

Here at Escape, we hear amazing feedback from returning Escapees about how well-kept and clean the US National Parks system keeps our public lands. Keeping it green is important, and we know you’ll agree it deserves to remain that way. We’ve highlighted our top 10 eco-friendly road trip tips with a few suggestions that you can do to help.

Our Top Eco-Friendly Road Trip Tips

1. Recycle and compost as you travel. Recycling rules and availability vary from state to state, so read before you discard. Cans and bottles can always be recycled.
2. Use marked campsites and pullouts whenever possible to reduce damage to natural areas/habitats. Don’t blaze your own trail to get to that perfect spot.
3. Minimize the use of disposable cups, dishes, and utensils. These purchases can seem convenient at the time, but they add up to create an overwhelming abundance of trash.
4. Seek out and follow all fire rules and regulations. These vary wildly from park to park. NEVER start a ground fire while car camping (also known as dispersed camping) in National Forest areas.
5. Use non-toxic cleaning supplies. Biodegradable soaps are the best, but remember that just because they are biodegradable doesn’t mean you should wash a bunch of your dishes or take a “shower” in the river. To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
6. Use the natural environment to your advantage. In hot environments, seek out natural shade and/or utilize Escape awnings instead of the vehicle A/C. In colder climates, park in the sun.
7. Minimize water usage, especially in the desert. It’s a precious resource and should be treated as such.
8. Please use public toilets and facilities. When these are not available, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
9. When purchasing bottled water, select large gallon (3.8 Litre) plastic jugs and avoid the single-use versions.
10. Always utilize “Gray Water Dump Stations” when emptying your Escape Campervan receptacle. They’re free to use at every RV and National Park in the USA.

When you’re aiming for an eco-friendly road trip, it all comes down to simple things. Be respectful of your surroundings. Clean up after each stop, be aware of how you dispose of your waste. Take that extra step to leave each place better than you found it.

If you’re looking to take a road trip the year, book your Escape Campervan. We believe in sustainability, and each Escape depot has recycling to better assist you in doing your part to keep America beautiful.