Caravanners know the delights of the open road, and the wider population is catching on, too. Compared with the carbon emissions from an aeroplane, caravan holidays are one of the greenest kinds of trips available. Whether you already have your rig and are looking to travel more sustainably, or if you are new to caravans and haven’t got your kit yet, here are some areas to consider that will reduce your environmental impact.

Reuse and recycle, or go for state-of-the-art?
Your green choices start as soon as you begin looking for your dream caravan. Many manufacturers prioritise environmental considerations when designing caravans, using recyclable materials and sustainable manufacturing techniques. However, renovating an older caravan stops resources going into landfill and produces a more characterful end result. Whichever you choose, look for adequate insulation to keep living conditions pleasant in both the warm and the cold, so you don’t have to over-use the AC or heaters. Look for lightweight materials as the heavier the caravan, the more fuel you’ll use to tow it.
Stay local, buy local
While it’s tempting to head abroad for guaranteed sun, more miles means more environmental damage. Staying closer to home will reduce your carbon footprint. Check out camping areas that prioritise a sustainable approach and once you arrive, walk or cycle as much as possible. Wherever you end up, buy local produce over imported where possible. Look in local papers, notice boards or online for farmer’s markets where you can stock up.
Minimise your footprint
Think about your situation and needs, and try to see what steps you can take to have less impact on the environment. Harnessing the power of the sun is a great way to go green. Solar panels can be retrofitted into older caravans and will mean you’re less dependent on shore power at caravan parks. Even a simple string of solar-powered fairy lights will add light outside and can be picked up very cheaply. Reduce the rubbish you generate by choosing unpackaged where possible (for example fruit and vegetables) and bringing reusable water bottles and coffee cups. (This has the added benefit of minimising the amount of trash you have hanging around in the caravan, too.) Look to replace your old light bulbs with energy efficient options where possible.
Pack light
The heavier your caravan, the more fuel your car will need to use to tow it, and the more carbon will be emitted. Only pack what you need, streamlining the clothes, homewares and leisure activity equipment you take with you. When it comes to food and water, think about leaving your water tank empty and filling it once you get on site, and stocking up on food once you get there. Recycle what you can – drop this into the appropriate bins at your park before you head home, to avoid carrying the weight of your glass, tins etc on the return journey.
Getting competitively priced caravan insurance is vitally important to protect your valuable investment. At Britton Insurance we source the best possible price available to us for your individual caravan insurance requirements. We can even offer immediate cover on acceptance of the quotation (subject to terms and conditions). Our quotation team can source the best quotation available to us from across the insurance market. If you are happy with the price we quote, we can give you cover immediately.