Class B Motorhomes Parking in Greener Spaces
While going green is a relatively new concept for most, the RV contingency is jumping on the bandwagon whole-heartedly. Class B RVs have long been popular for their smaller size and relatively small gas consumption compared to other RVs. Manufacturers are working on more lightweight models and models that will work with small to mid-size cars, thus expanding their audience. RV companies aren’t the only ones going green. Campgrounds are becoming more and more progressive in their design and customer service.
Eco-friendly campgrounds are popping up all over the place with campers and Class B Motorhome enthusiasts soaking up the new green amenities. One organization, the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) has set up a list of criteria for campgrounds to qualify for their green certification. The program, called Plan-it-Green offers advice on how to go green and has set up a standard for the industry.
If a campground wants to be certified as a Green Friendly Park, they need to have at least nine of the below in place, if not more:
1. Park uses motion sensors for lighting in bathroom and club house
2. Park has switched to energy efficient light bulbs
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 energy saving products are used
7. Park offers eco-friendly and ‘Leave No Trace’ tips and education to our RVing & Camping guests
8. The landscaping consists of wood chip, pebble, paved or grass paths in order to reduce soil erosion
9. Signs stating ‘Reduce Water Usage are posted around the campground
10. Timers are used on lighting, heaters and/or coolers
11. Park uses Solar Power or Wind Power
12. Waterless urinals and Low Flush toilets are employed
13. Park use of Grey Water (if allowed in state)
14. On-site Composting is used
15. Park sends email confirmations rather than paper confirmations (office/reservations/notices)
16. Geo-thermal heating/cooling is used
17. Trees are planted often
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.
The benefits reach all around. For campgrounds like the KOA in Flagstaff, AZ, solar power, recycled rainwater and native landscaping just make sense. Using a windmill to capture the wind’s energy saves them money and is easier on the earth.
The result of their hard work was the KOA’s 2009 President’s Award. The award is given based on customer ratings, and inspections of quality of the operation as well as the staff that work there. In Carlsbad, another KOA has gone green. They utilize a wind turbine and heat their pool with a solar water heating system.
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.
Automotive Connections:
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