According to a 2015 study carried out in Italy by Paolo Fiamma, traveling in motorhome would be more environmentally friendly and less polluting than spending a holiday in a hotel. But what about it in the reality, do ecology and motorhome can go together?
Are you traveling in an eco-responsible way?
Whether you travel in motorhome with the aim of an ecological approach or not, the respect for the environment and the protection of nature are combined with this mode of travel. Without knowing it (or yes), you always are aware of it: discovery of the local territory, management of resources, organization of waste, etc.
Do you follow the ecology and motorhome movement?
With the current ecological challenge, the motorhome is not «spared» by the phenomenon. Regulations are increasingly moving towards the globalization of Low Gas Emission Zones (LEZ) and the future ban on diesel and gasoline vehicles. (Emission standards).
Which traveler are you?
The motorhome driver is one of the travelers with the lowest ecological footprint in comparison with tourists by car, plane, boat… Of course, if we compare with walking, scootering or cycling, it is not the same (laughs). Do not forget to encourage travel with family or friends; trips with a lot of people make it possible to limit wastes.
🧮 How to calculate your ecological footprint 👈🏼
What vehicle do you use?
In all trueness, the motorhome is a vehicle that basically consumes a lot of energy (fuel, water, gas, electricity) to work. However, it turns out that we consume less when traveling in this type of vehicle than by staying at home in a house or in an apartment.
Indeed, the diesel engine offers better efficiency, but would not it be wiser to find alternatives to fossil fuels? Hybrid, electric, hydrogen, LPG, …
👉🏼 Some examples of advances in terms of motorhomes: the e-home of Dethleffs, the Sprinter F-CELL of Mercedes, the Stella Vita and a lot more…
Where do you usually stay?
When you stay at a hotel, for example, energy expenditure is high and unfortunately too often wasted. Laundry machines too frequent, lights constantly on, heating or air conditioning poorly adjusted… And moreover, you keep using your car for your movements which increases your CO2 emissions!
Compared to classical holidays, motorhome stays can reduce polluting emissions by up to 52%. If you choose the «car + hotel» option, the motorhome alternative reduces this figure even further, up to 65%.
*Source : « Unità Abitative Mobili », study by Paolo Fiamma (professor at the University of Pisa) 2015
What resources are needed?
In motorhome (as in a house), all energy is used to operate the vehicle but also the interior equipment. However, many tips exist to travel in a more ecological way in motorhome. If you want to do this, all you need to do is manage your resources and keep an eye on your water, gas and electricity consumption.
To reduce power consumption: ⚡️
- Install low-consumption LED bulbs
- Opt for solar panels to be autonomous
To minimize water use: 💧
- Take quick and short showers
- Do not let the tap water run
- Reuse wastewater as much as possible
To limit the impact in terms of fuel: ⛽️
- Drive in a smooth way and at the same speed
- Avoid overloading your motorhome not to consume too much
To control gas consumption: 💨
- Think before turning on the heating (or reducing it)
- Lower the fridge temperature
- Dress well and warm day and night
Which food to choose?
To combine ecology and motorhome, we invite you to favor local gastronomy with huge restaurant chains (often fast food types). Local restaurateurs consume less energy by cooking fresh, seasonal and nearby produce and will appreciate just as much (even more) making you discover local products.
In short, ecology and motorhome can be put together! But you still need to watch your attitude and try to go for the greener alternative.
Hoping that our article «ecology and motorhome» has pleased you a lot!
In order to remind you, always keep in mind the RESPECT charter of the motorhome traveler:
Respect nature
Eschew crowds of people
Stay in the appropriate places
Promote local commerce
Ensure that you are always polite and discreet
Communicate with others
Try to keep all of these commitments
In your opinion, ecology and motorhome: is it the perfect combo?
You can also check out our other blog posts on the same topic: «the environnement and motorhome», «10 tips for greener travels».
And do not forget, enjoy your trip in motorhome, caravan or van with CaraMaps!