Want to reduce your footprint while exploring the open road? These simple eco-friendly vanlife tips will help you travel sustainably without sacrificing adventure.
February 16th, 2025
Let’s be real: we all love the freedom of vanlife—rolling into a new town, parking under a sky full of stars, and waking up to the sound of birds instead of a 7 AM alarm. But let’s also be honest—vanlife isn’t always the most eco-friendly lifestyle. Between gas-guzzling road trips, single-use plastics, and questionable waste disposal… well, Mother Nature is giving us side-eye.
Good news: you don’t have to ditch the van to travel green. With a few smart swaps, you can keep your adventures rolling without leaving a mess behind. Here are 10 easy ways to make your vanlife more sustainable—without sacrificing comfort (or your coffee).
Running a gas generator is like playing music through a cassette tape—outdated and not great for the planet. Instead, go for solar panels to power your van. They’re silent, clean, and—bonus—won’t make your rig sound like a construction site.
Portable solar panels? Great for flexible setups.
Roof-mounted solar? Ideal for full-time vanlifers.
Either way, harnessing the sun = less reliance on fossil fuels. 🌞
If you’re still buying single-use plastic water bottles, we need to talk. A good water filtration system (like Berkey or LifeStraw) + a reusable water bottle = game changer.
Pro tip: Many national parks, campgrounds, and even Vanly hosts have potable water refill stations. Your wallet (and the planet) will thank you.
Your van guzzles fuel like a teenager guzzles energy drinks. So, optimize your driving habits:
🚗 Slow down. Driving at 65 mph instead of 75 can boost fuel efficiency by 10-15%.
🚗 Keep your tires inflated. Underinflated tires = more drag = more gas money.
🚗 Plan your routes wisely. Fewer detours = less fuel burned.
Saving gas = saving money = extra tacos. Simple math. 🌮
You know what’s overrated? Plastic forks that snap mid-bite. Instead, swap to reusable cutlery, plates, and coffee cups.
✔️ Bamboo utensils
✔️ Stainless steel straws
✔️ Collapsible silicone bowls (because space-saving = everything in a van)
Less waste = happier planet = happier you.
Grabbing strawberries in December? Kinda weird, right? Instead, shop at local farmers' markets and eat what’s in season. It cuts down on emissions from long-distance food transport and—bonus—fresh produce just tastes better.
Also, fewer processed foods = fewer wrappers. We see you, sneaky granola bar wrappers.
Less stuff = less waste. Simple.
Vanlife already forces you to downsize, so take it a step further:
Thrift instead of buying new. (Your future self will high-five you.)
Choose multi-purpose items. A cast-iron pan? Works for pancakes and campfire nachos.
Donate what you don’t use. Someone else can rock that sweater you’ve worn twice.
Being a minimalist = less weight in the van = better fuel efficiency. Win-win.
Standard shampoos and soaps are loaded with chemicals that are not lake-friendly. Instead, opt for:
🚿 Biodegradable soap (Dr. Bronner’s = classic)
🚿 Shampoo bars instead of plastic bottles
🚿 DIY natural deodorant (if you’re feeling ambitious)
And, if you’re feeling really eco-conscious: switch to reusable cloth wipes instead of paper towels. Bold move.
Let’s be real: trash happens. But how you deal with it? That’s where you level up.
Compost your food scraps. If you have the space, a small compost bin can keep organic waste out of landfills.
Recycle smart. Know what’s recyclable in different states—rules vary!
Repurpose containers. Mason jars for bulk food, old coffee cans for storage—get creative.
The less you throw away, the less you have to worry about where to dump it. Efficiency = everything in vanlife.
National forests, leave-no-trace campgrounds, and private properties on Vanly that prioritize sustainability? Yes, please.
Avoid staying in places where overnight parking could harm ecosystems.
Pick sites that allow for responsible waste disposal.
Bonus points for off-grid stays that use solar power or composting toilets.
Vanly makes it easy to find eco-conscious hosts who offer safe, responsible overnight stays—so you don’t have to guess if your parking spot is legal or sustainable.
We’ve all seen that campsite—the one littered with snack wrappers and questionable toilet paper trails. Gross.
Follow the Leave No Trace principles:
✅ Pack out what you pack in
✅ Camp at designated spots
✅ Respect wildlife (don’t feed the raccoons, no matter how cute they look)
Leaving nature better than you found it? That’s the real flex.
Going eco-friendly isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making smarter choices that add up. Small changes (like using a reusable coffee cup or driving a little slower) can make a big impact over time.
And when it comes to finding safe, sustainable places to park overnight, Vanly is a great way to support private landowners who prioritize eco-friendly stays—think off-grid cabins, solar-powered campgrounds, and organic farm stays.
So, next time you hit the road, ask yourself: How can I make this trip just a little greener?
Your van, your wallet, and the planet will all be better for it. 🚐🌍
P.S. Got your own eco-friendly vanlife hacks? Drop them in the comments—we’re always down for more sustainable travel tips!