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.
For a campground to be approved by ARVC, they have to comply with at least nine of the listed standards:
1. Park uses motion sensors for lighting in bathroom and club house
2. Park has switched to energy efficient light bulbs
3. Park uses non-toxic biodegradable cleaning products
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. Park uses energy saving products in their campground like Energy Star products.
7. The campgrounds educate guests about Leave No Trace ethics and eco-friendly tips
8. Soil erosion is minimized with the use of wood chip, pebble, paved or grass paths
9. Park encourages guests to 'Reduce Water Usage' with posted signs
10. Park has one or more of the following: lighting, heaters and/or coolers with timers
11. Park uses Solar Power or Wind Power
12. Park uses Low Flush toilets or waterless urinals
13. In states where it's permitted, Grey Water is used
14. On-site Composting is used
15. When possible, email confirmations are used over paper confirmations for reservations and notices
16. Geo-thermal heating/cooling is used
17. Trees are planted often
18. Tank-less water heaters are used
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.
Flagstaff, AZ is a great example of a successful eco-friendly campground. They have solar power and use their rainwater instead of hose water for their landscape, which is made up of native plants. Windmills help capture energy.
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.
Having a green RV park is a great way to differentiate from the thousands of campgrounds that are spread out across the US. Hopefully, someday there will be more green campgrounds than regular ones for Class B Motorhome enthusiasts to choose from.
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.
For a campground to be approved by ARVC, they have to comply with at least nine of the listed standards:
1. Park uses motion sensors for lighting in bathroom and club house
2. Park has switched to energy efficient light bulbs
3. Park uses non-toxic biodegradable cleaning products
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. Park uses energy saving products in their campground like Energy Star products.
7. The campgrounds educate guests about Leave No Trace ethics and eco-friendly tips
8. Soil erosion is minimized with the use of wood chip, pebble, paved or grass paths
9. Park encourages guests to 'Reduce Water Usage' with posted signs
10. Park has one or more of the following: lighting, heaters and/or coolers with timers
11. Park uses Solar Power or Wind Power
12. Park uses Low Flush toilets or waterless urinals
13. In states where it's permitted, Grey Water is used
14. On-site Composting is used
15. When possible, email confirmations are used over paper confirmations for reservations and notices
16. Geo-thermal heating/cooling is used
17. Trees are planted often
18. Tank-less water heaters are used
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.
Flagstaff, AZ is a great example of a successful eco-friendly campground. They have solar power and use their rainwater instead of hose water for their landscape, which is made up of native plants. Windmills help capture energy.
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.
Having a green RV park is a great way to differentiate from the thousands of campgrounds that are spread out across the US. Hopefully, someday there will be more green campgrounds than regular ones for Class B Motorhome enthusiasts to choose from.