Living sustainably is bigger than just recycling and using reusable shopping bags. But, aside from driving around in a—likely—old vehicle releasing toxic fumes into the environment, van life can be one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly ways to live and travel.
This goes for anyone travelling in a vehicle. Whether it’s a Recreational Vehicle, Sprinter Van or even a hatchback car. I’m sharing tips on how to live the most sustainable eco-friendly van life anywhere in the world. Because our impact does effect the future and it’s important to take responsibility for what we can.
One of the most important factors of living a sustainable eco-friendly van life is to be aware of what you’re purchasing and why. Many people that choose to live in a van is because they want to live minimally. Living a thoughtful and sustainable life go hand-in-hand with eco-friendliness. But, it’s not about getting rid of everything. It’s just about being more practical with your own space and resources.
Below are the top ways to live a sustainable eco-friendly van life! If you think I missed anything or would like to add, please share in a comment below!
Table of Contents
Reusable Bags of all Sorts
Keeping a plastic bag or two out of landfill is always a positive, but there’s more to reuse. Go another step with reusable produce bags and bulk bags. If you have or know someone with a sewing machine, they’re also really easy to make.
Living in Western Canada, soft plastic was the most difficult type of plastic to recycle. And, most of the time it had to go in the trash. It’s not always possible to stop buying soft plastic, but choose your battles and go with reusable bags whenever possible. It’s easiest to live this way with van life because instead of forgetting the bags at home, you’re almost always with your home.
Check out my guide to learn how to make your own reusable produce and bulk bags to reduce the use of single-use plastics.
Not crafty enough to make your own bags? Check out these organic cotton produce bags from Amazon, which are packaged in cardboard!
Up-cycle and Re-use Containers
Think twice before throwing away that old spray bottle or glass jar. Many stores are popping up that will refill any container with new household products. This can include beauty, cooking, and cleaning products, among others. Although many of these stores are in big cities, the beauty of van life is that it’s common to drive through big cities often.
These household-based single-use plastics (or other containers) are often less talked about, but still can create a big impact if differed from landfills. Up-cycling and reusing containers is one step to removing the need for as many single-use containers in your van.
Purchase Reusable and Refillable Items
On the note of up-cycling and reusing containers, some are just not meant to be reused. This is when purchasing reusable and refillable items is even better. It can be as simple as salt and pepper grinders, or more thought through to higher-quality bottles for cleaning products.
These can still be re-used, but when there isn’t a store to refill these items, you can purchase larger-sized salt, pepper or soap to refill said containers.
Salt and pepper grinders and an economical and sustainable way to reduce waste in your van. These are my go-to grinders which are refillable.
Buy Used Whenever Possible
Second-hand shops are the best places to find high-quality gear for cheaper prices. This doesn’t just include a salt grinder. Think large mason jars, Tupperwares, clothing, furniture and even outdoor gear. It may be used, but it’s still usable.
Buying used generally promotes a good cause but provides the customer with a high-quality product at a used price. It’s the best place to buy things for van life which may break or be lost—all while staying on budget.
Consider Solar Energy
In terms of electrical energy and van life, solar energy is easy and ultra-sustainable and eco-friendly. Depending on your battery and energy consumption it may be possible to live entirely on solar energy, held through a battery. When that isn’t possible, setting up some electrics and fuses from your vehicle’s battery to charge your second battery.
Solar energy is important for a sustainable eco-friendly van life because you don’t rely on other energy sources, such as paid campgrounds for electric. Or generators that rely on fossil fuels. This means it’s possible to live off-grid and longer—especially with a camp fridge.
Check out my easy solar energy set-up to learn how to install solar energy for your own van life.
BYO Containers and Cutlery for Eating Out
Living in a van makes it a tad easier to BYO cutlery and containers for eating out. While it may be more common for bringing a reusable cup for a to-go coffee, the new normal should be bringing containers for takeaway. And straws, and cutlery. Whether it’s eating at a music festival, or grabbing takeout for a beach picnic, it’s always possible to offer your own containers for the restaurant to put it in.
This compact reusable cutlery set is a great option for van life and eating out. All while being sustainable.
Single-use plastic straws, plates, containers and cutlery don’t need to end up in landfill. Especially so when we have the ability to use higher-quality products that aren’t single-use. If you don’t have the time to bring your own containers or cutlery, consider dining in instead.
Reconsider What it Means to Recycle
There’s a lot more to recycling than you might think. Recycling is a business of it’s own and that doesn’t always make it the most sustainable option. It’s frustrating learning about the amount of goods that go to recycling plants that can’t actually be recycled.
However, self-educating on these subjects are important and remember there’s more than just single-use containers that can be recycled. Lightbulbs, batteries, electronics and even clothing can be recycled instead of thrown in the trash. Focus on recycling with brands or companies that insure the products is taken care of so that it doesn’t end up in a landfill somewhere down the line. With van life there’s often more ways to find recycling centres.
Van Life Water Management
One of the biggest differentiating factors from van life to living in a home (that doesn’t move) is water management. Instead of purchasing pre-packaged water containers or water bottles, be more eco-friendly by refilling your own containers.
It’s also important to be cautious of where you’re dumping water. The regulations surrounding an adequate distance between running water and dumping is dependant on local legislations or national parks. If you’re not sure, it’s better to save it than risk harming wildlife, or destroying nature. Cities or dump spots are the most equipped spots to dump water.
Check out this water tank as an example of a better way to store water rather than single-use options.
Watch Your Waste
Waste management is a huge global issue. I’m not going to get too into that, but for living a sustainable, eco-friendly van life, it’s important to watch your own waste. This list is filled with options to reduce waste, but at the end of the day, there will always be some waste. How you manage that is what makes the difference.
Aside from purchasing less garbage in the first place, make sure what you purchase is easier on the environment. Try to reuse garbage bags if they’re still functional, or re-purpose other bags. I’ll often use chip bags or other plastics as garbage bags to prevent them from being single-use. And I pay extra for plant-based garbage bags so the environment can break down the materials easier.
It’s easy to stop thinking about garbage as soon as it leaves our hands, but thinking about its entire journey is important.
For more van life tips, check out how to choose a camping fridge, how to travel without a fridge and how to properly install fairy lights into a van.
Gabby
Wow, this was so interesting to read! You really opened my eyes in my aspects. I’ve been trying to live a more eco friendly life but still have SO much to change!
Much love always,
GABBY | http://www.gabbyabigaill.com
Gabrielle Lakusta
Thanks Gabby, glad you enjoyed the tips!