Do you want to travel sustainably in a camper? In this article you will learn strategies for how to reduce your carbon footprint and achieve a Net Zero and climate positive camping experience you and your family.
Embarking on a 38-day camper trip across the Southwest United States is a dream for many families. Covering nearly 5,000 miles and visiting 12 states promises unforgettable experiences. However, such a journey also raises concerns about environmental impact. While the best way to avoid emissions is to simply not take the trip, this article aims to demonstrate how you can still travel sustainably in a camper and live an eco-friendly lifestyle with a little effort and cost.
Our goal is to achieve a net zero and climate-positive camping experience. Now let’s dive in!
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Native Southwest Trip an overview a 38-day, action-packed road trip through the Southwest
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Achieving Net Zero
Net Zero or Carbon Neutral camping refers to achieving net-zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by balancing the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere with an equivalent amount of CO2 removed or offset. So, how do we achieve net zero camping in a camper? We first need to understand what our greenhouse gas emissions are and where they come from. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, causing global warming and climate change. Here are the primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions during a camping trip:
- Vehicle Emissions
- Electricity at campsites (shore power)
- Propane & Generator Use
- Campfires
- Plastic & Waste Decomposition
- Food Production
Understanding these sources allows us to implement strategies to reduce and offset our emissions, helping us achieve a net zero camping trip. Let’s take a closer look!
Disclaimer: Is it TRULY sustainable travel?
Let’s be honest: travel generates carbon emissions. However, as humans, we have an innate desire to explore our world. The Covid lockdowns taught us that travel is essential for our well-being. To ensure the survival of nature, it is crucial for people to experience its value firsthand, as this inspires them to protect it.
And while purchasing offsets buys our way out, net zero camping on a cross country trip is simply not possible without them. So we are going to do the best we can.
Offsetting Gas Emissions from Our SUV
Driving a gas-powered SUV might not seem ideal for a net zero camping trip, but it’s important to consider the full picture. Electric cars, while beneficial, wouldn’t necessarily emit less CO2 if purchased specifically for this trip since there is a significant amount of emissions generated from the the creation and disposal of a vehicle. Since we already own our gas vehicle, we’ll focus on offsetting the emissions from our current vehicle.
Compared to flying, driving can reduce emissions. For a family of four, flying would generate a larger carbon footprint than driving the same distance. Plus, driving offers a more intimate and flexible travel experience, allowing us to explore hidden gems along the way. To offset our SUV’s emissions, we can invest in carbon offset programs that plant trees or fund carbon removal projects, ensuring our trip is as eco-friendly as possible. How do you travel?
What’s the most eco-friendly way to travel?
Travel experience aside, when comparing emissions for a family of four. The hardcore eco-adventurer would bike 5,000 miles. Since we don’t own an electric car and the train doesn’t drop off at the National Parks, we will be using our existing Car.
Assumptions: Car: 14 mpg (towing) @ 8.89 kg CO2/gallon. Electric car: 0.11 kg CO2 / mile depending on electricity source. Airplane: .21 kg CO2 / mile / passenger. Train: .14 kg CO2 / mile / passenger. Bicycle: 0.02 kg/CO2 / mile and Walking: 0.04 kg/CO2 / mile due to food production.
Cleaning Up Energy Usage in Our Camper
To reduce emissions and achieve a net zero camping trip, we are committed to using clean energy sources wherever possible. Our setup includes a 100-watt solar panel and an upgraded lithium battery, which we will charge primarily through solar power and shore power.
Solar Power and Battery: The solar panel will help keep our battery charged, which in turn powers essential appliances within our camper, such as lights and fans.
Shore Power: When we are connected to shore power at campgrounds, we use it to run high-energy appliances like the air conditioner, microwave, and refrigerator. While the source of this shore power may vary, it is often a mix of renewable and non-renewable energy.
Backup Generator: In remote areas where shore power is unavailable and solar power is insufficient, we will need to use our generator only when absolutely necessary.
Propane-Powered Stove, Refrigerator and Furnace: Our camper’s propane-powered stove, furnace, and refrigerator are essential for convenience and comfort but also contribute to emissions. To mitigate this, we connect to shore power when possible to power the refridgerator and use an electric heater in place of the furnace.
READ MORE:
Change Makers are people doing amazing things in sustainability. Below are a handful of organizations I personally admire, in their efforts to help the planet. I can’t wait for you to learn more about them.
Trillium Sustainability: Incredible educator, mentor and environmental community organizer.
Tess Coop: Host of the Atlanta Green Market and Sustianability Showcase. Boosting local, sustainable, small businesses in Atlanta.
Climate Techies: Local meetups and resources for people who want to climatize their career. I personally met many people through this meetup that helped me in my journey.
Climate Fresk: Local workshop for raising awareness about the causes and effects of climate change.
Minimizing Plastic Waste
Minimizing plastic waste is crucial for a sustainable trip. Using reusable water bottles, dishes, utensils, and towels is a simple yet effective way to reduce plastic consumption. When disposables are necessary, opt for compostable plates, utensils, and paper towels. By prioritizing reusable and compostable items, we can significantly cut down on plastic waste and its environmental impact.
Measuring the Emissions
Measuring progress is crucial. We’ll use the Commons app to track CO2 emissions. This app converts credit card transactions into emissions and categorizes by travel, food & drink, utilities, etc. giving us a simple picture of our carbon footprint. By continuously monitoring our progress, we can make informed decisions and adjust our actions to minimize our impact.
Measuring CO2 is never perfect! The app relies on a vetted framework of assumptions to help estimate carbon emissions for each transaction. For example, CO2 for travel takes gasoline purchases and divides by the published cost per gallon for that gas station to determine CO2 emissions. Another limitation is that, although it can see a grocery store transaction, it cannot determine what was purchased, and therefore the specific carbon emissions of that product, instead uses a ‘market basket’ approach.
Purchasing Verified Carbon Offsets to Achieve Net Zero Camping Trip
Despite our best efforts, emissions are inevitable. In order to achieve a net zero camping trip, we’ll need to purchase verified carbon offsets. These offsets support projects that reduce greenhouse gases, such as reforestation, environmental cleanup or carbon removal projects. By investing in these projects, we can abate the carbon emissions we cannot eliminate, ensuring our trip is net zero.
The Commons app has a curated list of verified carbon offset programs that are available to purchase. To simplify, we will track and offset emissions in the app. When selecting carbon offsets, it’s crucial to ensure Carbon Integrity. Meaning offsets are verifiable, enforceable, meet additionality requirements, permenant, and transparent. We encourage you to learn more about each carbon offset program you invest in, here are the ones we selected. Read about them here.
Climate Positive Camping Experience
Practicing Leave No Trace Principles
A key component of our sustainable travel plan is adhering to Leave No Trace principles. These guidelines help minimize our impact on natural environments and ensure we leave the places we visit better than we found them. Key principles include:
- Planning ahead and prepare
- Traveling and camping on durable surfaces
- Disposing of waste properly
- Leaving what we find
- Minimizing campfire impact
- Respecting wildlife
- Being considerate of other visitors
During our hikes and stays at national parks, we will actively collect trash found around campsites and trails to contribute positively to the environment.
Connecting with Nature through Awareness and Education
Creating a nature-positive mindset involves fostering a deeper connection with the natural world. This can be achieved through:
- Educating ourselves and our children
- Participating in ranger-led programs or nature walks
- Practicing mindfulness and gratitude
- Sharing our knowledge and sustainable practices
By engaging with nature through education and awareness, we cultivate a respectful and protective attitude towards the environment, ensuring that our travels benefit both us and the places we visit.
Eco-Friendly Tips for Sustainable Travel
- Choose eco-friendly transportation
- Be energy efficient
- Use renewable energy sources
- Pack light
- Choose sustinable materials
- Stay at locally owned green hotels or camp
- Bring reusable water bottle and utensils
- Conserve water
- Eat and shop locally
Wrap Up
Traveling sustainably in a camper is not only possible but also rewarding. By setting a goal of carbon-neutral camping, we can enjoy our family adventure across the Southwest with a clear conscience. This involves measuring and offsetting our emissions from travel, energy use, and food and drink. We will implement strategies such as using solar energy to charge the camper battery, minimizing plastic waste, and efficiently using propane-powered appliances. Practicing Leave No Trace principles and connecting with nature through awareness and education further ensures that our trip leaves a positive impact on the environment. With a little effort and mindful planning, we can create lasting memories while protecting the planet for future generations.
How do you travel sustainably? Do you have ideas on achieving Net Zero travel?
