Sustainable Holidays: Smart Tips For A Greener Road Trip

Sustainable Holidays: Smart Tips For A Greener Road Trip.
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Sustainable Holidays: Smart Tips For A Greener Road Trip. Photo by Karsten Würth on Unsplash

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Sustainable Holidays: Smart Tips For A Greener Road Trip

Thinking of going on a long drive to your chosen summer destination? You’re not alone as a June 2024 survey reveals that 57 percent of Canadians would rather spend five hours on the road than go on a plane to travel. Road trips are a great way to personalize your travel experience since they allow you to have more control over your itinerary. They also enable you to make stops and visit places while you’re on your way to your summer destination.

But perhaps, the best thing about a road trip is that it’s actually a greener way to travel since driving a car results in fewer carbon emissions compared to going on a cross-country flight. Want to make your travel even more sustainable? Consider these tips for a greener and more enjoyable road trip.

Drive an Electric Vehicle

Driving a convertible or a tricked-out 4×4 may be fun, but if you want to have an eco-friendly road trip, consider driving a roomy all-electric vehicle. Research shows that electric cars are so much better for the environment than a conventional car as gasoline cars emit more than 350 grams of carbon dioxide per mile, compared to full-electric vehicles which emit only 200 grams of carbon dioxide. Choose a compact electric vehicle that’s easy to maneuver if you’ll be passing by small towns with narrow roads. If you’ll be sticking to highways or main roads, pick an all-electric SUV so you can have more room. Better yet, see if you can rent an electric camper van and camp your way to your summer destination. 

Pack Food and Drinks in Reusable Containers

If you ask a seasoned road tripper what to bring during long drives, it’s likely that they’ll tell you to have food and drinks in the car. Making frequent stops at convenience stores or shops to buy food can have an impact on your budget, so bringing a packed lunch and snacks is a more cost-effective way to keep the hunger pangs away. It’s also more environmentally friendly since most of the food from convenience stores and fast food chains come in plastic wrappers or single-use containers.

Eating during meal times and having some snacks while you’re on the road can help to maintain your energy and prevent hypoglycemia, which can result in drowsiness and blurred vision. So, plan on bringing a cooler and fill it with sandwiches, some hard-boiled eggs, protein bars, sliced fruits and veggies, and some water and fruit juice. For a hearty and satisfying lunch, make an olive-oil based pasta with fresh basil, parmesan cheese, and garlic. You can also bring some coffee in a thermos if you need a quick pick-me-up later on. Pack everything in reusable containers, and use insulated containers or jars to keep food cold or hot. 

Know Your Route

Some people think that it’s okay to just hit the road without following a particular route. Getting lost while you’re on your road trip may bring unexpected and fun experiences, but if you don’t know the way to get to your destination, backtracking or driving around in circles will create more pollution. A week before your road trip, plan your route in such a way that you can stop by a couple of interesting places before arriving at your destination. This will give you and your companions a stress-free time on the road and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time. 

A road trip is an exciting and eco-friendly way to travel. Make your road trip even greener by following these tips, and you’re sure to have a better, more cost-effective, and enjoyable time on the road. 

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