Class B Motorhome Enthusiasts are Adding a Splash of Green to their Vacations

RVs going green? Many people think RVs are large, gas guzzling polluters. But with more and more studies being done, it turns out RVs leave less of a carbon footprint than traditional traveling involving planes and hotel stays. Not only that, manufacturers have jumped on the green bandwagon and are developing travel trailers and pop-ups that weigh less and can attach to mid-weight cars. For those hitting the road and looking for greener campgrounds, you won't have to look far. More and more campgrounds are working towards an environmentally friendly standard.

As far as choosing which kind of RV would best fit into an environmentally friendly lifestyle, it might be time to give Class B Motorhomes a second look. Class B Motorhomes are built more like a van than an RV, so the gas consumption is a lot less than with a traditional RV. Not only that, but the ease of maneuverability makes them popular in any campground. If you're headed to a green campground, you may want to consider one approved by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC). Over a hundred campgrounds have embraced the Plan-it-Green program. ARVC has now teamed up with Leave-No-Trace to provide campers with more education on green camping.

For a campground to be approved by ARVC, they have to comply with at least nine of the listed standards:

1. Bathrooms and club houses have motion sensors

2. Energy efficient light bulbs are used

3. Cleaning products are both non-toxic and biodegradable

4. Park uses water saving shower heads and/or auto turn-off taps

5. Park provides recycle bins for cans, paper, glass and plastic.

6. Energy Star products or other similar energy saving products are used

7. Guests are given 'Leave No Trace' tips and an eco-friendly education

8. Parks landscaping consists of wood chip, pebble, paved, or grass paths and is used to decrease soil erosion

9. Park has "Reduce Water Usage" signage to guests around the park

10. Timers are used on lighting, heaters and/or coolers

11. Park uses Solar Power or Wind Power

12. Park uses Low Flush toilets or waterless urinals

13. Park use of Grey Water (if allowed in state)

14. Park utilizes On-Site Organic Composting

15. Park minimizes paper use by sending emails when possible in regards to reservations and notices

16. Geo-thermal heating/cooling are employed

17. Park plants new trees frequently

18. Park has converted to a tank-less water heaters

RV News Service reports the ARVC's 'Plan it Green program which was created only three years ago has had over 100 campgrounds signed up for their plan, in which they promise to use green methods in their campgrounds and work with educating their visitors as to the benefits of going green.

KOA's are part of the group of campgrounds that are treading lightly on the earth. In both Flagstaff and Carlsbad, eco-friendly practices have been incorporated. Flagstaff, Arizona's KOA is using solar power and has planted native landscaping that they water with recycled rainwater. Wind is captured by a windmill to provide energy for the campground.

Not to be outdone, Carlsbad's KOA has a wind turbine and their pool is heated with a solar water heating system. These touches are earning them recognition not just within their organization, but with the campers staying there.

With so many choices for Class B Motorhome enthusiasts and other RV owners, having the green distinction is the perfect way to create a positive camping atmosphere. What people learn at green-campgrounds will trickle down into their own lives as they learn easy, positive ways to be gentle on the earth.

Want to find out more about Class B Motorhome, then visit Beaudry RV Company's site on how to choose the best RV for your needs.