As wilderness enthusiasts, we know that exploring the great outdoors is an incredible experience that comes with a responsibility to protect and preserve our natural environment. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to create eco-friendly trailers that minimize the impact of our adventures on the planet. Over the years, we’ve learned that there are many features and factors that make a trailer more sustainable, from lightweight construction to green power sources. By incorporating these features into our trailers, we’re able to offer explorers a more environmentally conscious option that allows them to fully experience the beauty of nature without compromising its future.
Appreciating nature
Experiencing and appreciating nature is essential to leading a fulfilling life. One of the main reasons we design and manufacture mobile habitats is to enable people to connect with nature in a way that is comfortable and sustainable. We understand that the purpose of camping and adventuring is to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of the outdoors.
That’s why we strive to give you “everything you need, nothing you don’t” with our mobile habitats. Our trailers are designed to help you feel like you’re immersed in nature, not just inside a closed-off trailer. We believe in providing the essentials while leaving out the excess, so you can experience nature in its purest form. Our habitats provide a comfortable and secure space to rest, recharge, and enjoy the surrounding beauty without taking away from the experience.
Features that make trailers eco-friendly
There are lots of factors and features that make some trailers more environmentally friendly than others. Ranging from the weight and materials of a camper to the electronics included, these can have a big impact on how sustainable it is. Let’s discuss some of the most notable features:
Lightweight construction
Using materials that weigh less but retain durability and strength, such as aluminum or fiberglass, can reduce the overall weight of the trailer or camper. This construction, in turn, results in better fuel efficiency for the towing vehicle and reduced carbon emissions.
Eco-friendly materials
On that note, sustainable materials can make a trailer more eco-friendly by minimizing its environmental impact. Even better, they’re often more durable and require less maintenance, reducing the need for replacements and further reducing waste.
Aerodynamic design
An aerodynamic design can make a trailer more eco-friendly by lowering drag and improving fuel efficiency. When a trailer has a smooth and streamlined shape, it creates less wind resistance and requires less energy to tow, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions. For instance, TAXA’s habitats are usually around the same height and width as tow vehicles, maximizing the aerodynamic compatibility between your car and trailer.
Sustainable charging
Solar panels can be installed on the roof of the trailer or camper to provide sustainable power, decreasing the need to rely on grid power or generators, which can be both costly and environmentally harmful. This allows campers to use electrical appliances, such as lights, fans, and refrigerators, without relying on traditional, non-renewable energy sources.
Energy-efficient appliances
The appliances, heating/cooling systems, and other electronics in a trailer can also have a large influence on its energy consumption. The Truma Combi Eco, for example, is a combination furnace and water heater that operates on propane and electricity, providing both warmth and hot water while using minimal energy. When used in conjunction with other energy-saving features, such as LED lighting and solar panels, you can make a significant improvement in the overall sustainability of a trailer.
Other tips to make your adventures more eco-friendly
Beyond the camper or trailer you bring, there’s plenty that you can do before and during your adventures to minimize the carbon footprint you leave. Here are some of our top suggestions:
- Plan a fuel-efficient route – before you hit the road, start by considering how you’re getting to the destination; prioritize highways at off-peak hours so you’re not constantly braking and accelerating (also try to avoid unnecessary hills).
- Reduce water usage – use low-flow showerheads and faucets, take shorter showers, and turn off the tap when brushing your teeth to avoid water waste.
- Conserve energy – use energy-efficient light bulbs (like LEDs) and turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
- Choose the right spot for the weather – if you’re camping someplace warm, set up your trailer in the shade; if it’s cold outside, look for a sunny spot. Doing this will reduce the energy you need to use to heat or cool the camper.
- Minimize waste – reduce, reuse, and recycle as much as possible; use reusable bags, bottles, and containers, and avoid single-use items.
- Opt for eco-friendly products – choose environmentally friendly products like biodegradable soap, cleaning products, and toiletries.
- Wash all dishes at once to save water – building up dirty dishes for a few days will conserve your water usage compared to washing only a few dishes every day.
- Practice Leave No Trace – follow the Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment. Pack out all trash and leave campsites and trails cleaner than you found them.
- Eat sustainable food – look for locally sourced, organic, and sustainable food options, and avoid products with excess packaging.
- Pack what you need, leave what you don’t – by being practical about what you’ll actually use on each trip, you’ll save weight and time. This is one of TAXA’s mottos to encourage adventurers to connect with the outdoors rather than just observing it.
- Try boondocking – this means camping without electrical, water, or sewage hookups, and can therefore be one of the most eco-friendly ways to camp with your trailer. Just remember to Leave No Trace!
TAXA & environmental sustainability
From choosing the right camping trailer with eco-friendly features to practicing sustainable habits during your trip, you can help protect the environment while enjoying all it has to offer. As a company that cares deeply about the environment and the impact we leave on the planet, TAXA is committed to being a sustainable corporate citizen and leading by example in our industry. Our habitats are designed with sustainability in mind, from the materials we source to the innovative features that make our trailers eco-friendly. For instance, our TigerMoth and Woolly Bear campers are all-electric, making them excellent options for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint while adventuring. By making small changes and choosing environmentally responsible options, we can all play a part in preserving our planet for generations to come.
