"CARBON FOOTPRINT" LEFT BY RVs LESS THAN AIR/HOTEL TRIPS
Preliminary results of a new study show that RV vacations are more environmental friendly than flying and staying in a hotel, in terms of carbon emissions.
RVIA Public Relations commissioned PKF Consulting, an internationally recognized travel and tourism consulting firm, to compare the “carbon footprint” of vacations in various types of RVs with trips to the same locations by plane, renting a car and staying in a hotel, or by personal car with hotel accommodations.
Using a carbon calculator methodology devised by Conservation International, PKF compared the carbon dioxide emissions of airline/rental car/hotel vacations to vacations in folding camping trailers, travel trailers, Type C and Type A diesel motorhomes, with a higher level of carbon emissions indicating a more adverse environmental impact.
The preliminary data indicates that the RV vacations analyzed have a lower carbon dioxide emissions level than the airline/rental car/hotel vacations, whether taken by Type A diesel, Type C, travel trailer or folding camping trailer for a week, 10 days or two weeks.
A recent Harris Interactive poll found that a plurality of U.S. adults believe that a hypothetical family that takes an RV to Yosemite National Park and stays in a campground is having a more environmentally friendly vacation than a family that flies, rents a car and stays in a hotel.
"The new PKF environmental impact study of RV vacations confirms scientifically the public’s intuitive sense that RV camping vacations are environmentally friendly," said RVIA Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Gary La Bella.
RVS ARE GREENER THAN YOU THINK
GO GREEN! According to preliminary results of a new study show that RV vacations are more environmental friendly than flying and staying in a hotel, in terms of carbon emissions.
RVIA Public Relations commissioned PKF Consulting, an internationally recognized travel and tourism consulting firm, to compare the “carbon footprint” of vacations in various types of RVs with trips to the same locations by plane, renting a car and staying in a hotel, or by personal car with hotel accommodations.
To view the rest of this article as well as other articles as to why RVing is a better choice for the environment
As Americans become more aware of the need to live a sustainable, green lifestyle, RV manufacturers are working to meet the challenge with design innovations and technological advances. Every year manufacturers introduce a variety of new features to enhance the RV experience and meet the consumer wants. This year is no exception. The California RV Show at the Fairplex (L.A. County Fair, Hotel, Exposition Complex) in Pomona provides RV enthusiasts with the place to preview the newest and best built RVs on the market today.
A myriad of different RV models, layouts, and features provide an incredible array of options and price ranges. In short, there is an RV for every taste and budget. Running the gambit from economical small trailers to deluxe luxury coaches, today’s RVs are far different than those of years ago. In fact, if you come right down to it, the very first RV was actually a covered wagon and there is definitely no comparison.
With the current trend toward all things green becoming more desirable, manufacturers are innovating with new materials and technology to make RV travel more earth fiendly. Lighter gross weight vehicles, smaller light-weight trailers that can be towed by smaller SUV’s and trucks, solar-powered living space and supplemental solar power are available from a number of manufacturers. Winnebago and Fleetwood offer motorhomes built on a Dodge Sprinter chassis for increased miles per gallon. Country Coach has an all electric coach house and EPA low emissions diesel engines are featured in all their motorcoaches. In fact, the entire RV industry has made significant strides in recent years to develop diesel systems that are cleaner and more efficient. Thanks to state-of-the-art diesel engines, cleaner-burning fuels, effective emissions-control systems, and advancements in the fuel injection system, it would take 60 truck chassis RVs sold today to equal the soot emissions of one 1988 truck chassis. Data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that the level of diesel particulates in the air fell by more than 37 percent during the 1990s.
Coachman RV is testing a full-size motorhome that is powered by biodiesel fuel and has an electrical system that operates on solar power. In addition, they are also testing a Sportscoach® Elite that employs a hydrogen generating system to produce a portion of its fuel.
In addition to new technology, RVing is actually are much greener than one would think. Because of limited space, RVers tend to shop only for what they need, conserve on water, use rechargeable battery power, plus they use old fashion solutions like awnings, fans and natural breezes.
For example, think about your water usage at home. Typical morning showers use approximately 2 gallons per minute and the average shower is 5 minutes. This translates into consumption of 10 gallons of water. In an RV, knowing that water and waste tank capacity is limited, RVers take short showers and use less than 4 gallons each. RV toilets flush with a few cups of water, compared to a home toilet that takes many gallons. Meals are simpler, so there are fewer dishes to wash. Propane water heaters are small and only turned on to heat water for a few minutes a day around shower and dish washing times – compared to heating water 24 hours a day at home.
Conserving fuel is another important aspect of green RVing. Drivers who travel at the speed limit, get better fuel mileage. According to the Iowa Energy Center, over 50 percent of the energy required to move a vehicle down the road is spent overcoming aerodynamic drag (pushing air out of the way). When driving faster, the aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance increase. Consequently, the fuel economy decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Each 5 mph over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas. (Note: Energy Center’s cost savings are based on an a fuel price of $2.91/gallon, so with higher fuel prices the fuel penalty for speed is even more dramatic.)
Another mpg enhancing trick is lightening your vehicle’s weight by reducing the contents. RVers permanently stock the rig with the basic necessities and safety equipment and only add the “extras” as they are needed for an outing – then take the extras out of the RV and store them at home. There is no need to carry your holiday decorations around 12-months a year! Travel with empty gray and black water tanks. Evaluate if you need a full tank of fresh water. Every 100 gallons of liquid weighs about 800 pounds A lighter load, no mater how you achieve it, means better gas mileage.
Another choice RVers make is to shop at local farmers markets, road side stands, etc. not only is the produce fresh, but buying locally helps support the local economy and the foods typically have less packaging, which translates into less trash.
All in all, with the new RV technology and all the things RVers do to live a more sustainable lifestyle, RVing is actually greener than you’d think.
RV TRAVEL – A HEALTHIER CHOICE
RV travelers do more than just hit the road in their vehicles. RVing families get outside and walk, bike, jog, rollerblade and hike — whether it’s down small-town streets, over miles of trails, or through landscaped campgrounds.
According to RVIA’s Campfire Canvass survey of owners, 70% of RVers say they are more active on RV trips than other vacations. Not surprising. RVers are sociable people who walk throughout the campground to meet their “neighbors” and talk about the newest vehicle innovations. RVers also say they specifically travel by RV to participate in outdoor activities like hiking and nature walks. The most recent Campfire Canvass survey shows what activities top the list for RVers — 76% like to hike/walk, while 48% enjoy biking. However you look at it, RVers are on the move.
But cardiovascular benefits are not the only health dividends to be had. According to an anthropological study of RV enthusiasts, RVers said they were both physically and mentally healthier and happier than their non-RVing counterparts. In fact, a study conducted by a health psychologist at SUNY Oswego found that taking vacations reduces the risk of heart disease, and, that spending quality time with a spouse or significant other actually lowers a person’s blood pressure. RV vacations are great pressure valves to let off the built-up steam of everyday life.
Increasing activity while on the road, escaping stress, recharging batteries, and bonding/reconnecting with family members all help to explain why RVers feel happier and healthier than if they didn’t RV. In addition to enjoying time with the family members they bring along, 60% of RVers report that they make trips to relax and to catch up by visiting family and friends.
RVs reduce vacation stress by allowing travelers to control their own schedule and timetable, by keeping the family relaxed in familiar surroundings, and by making spur-of-the-moment getaways possible by leaving the RV packed with the staples needed to head out of town with little planning. And, since rest contributes to overall physical health, sleeping in a familiar, comfortable bed plays a major role in recharging the body’s batteries, something most travelers say they can’t obtain by staying in strange hotels along the way.
The fact that RVers can continue to adhere to their diets and solid nutritional habits is also a factor in their healthier lifestyles. Maintaining everyday eating patterns is something not easily accomplished while waiting around airport terminals, staying in hotels, and eating in restaurants. RVs make mealtime decisions easy because not only are they equipped with on-board pantries and cabinets for non-perishable storage, ovens/stoves and microwaves for cooking, and refrigerators/freezers to store your favorite meal ingredients, but also, RVs boast ample power and storage for food processors, blenders, convection ovens and other preparation essentials.
So stock the RV pantry and frig, grab your gear, a pair of comfortable shoes and your favorite traveling companions, and hit the open road because good health can’t be found in a bottle, but it can be found in an RV campground.
