While going green is a relatively new concept for most, the RV contingency is jumping on the bandwagon whole-heartedly. Class B RVs have long been popular for their smaller size and relatively small gas consumption compared to other RVs. Manufacturers are working on more lightweight models and models that will work with small to mid-size cars, thus expanding their audience. RV companies aren’t the only ones going green. Campgrounds are becoming more and more progressive in their design and customer service.

Eco-friendly campgrounds are popping up all over the place with campers and Class B Motorhome enthusiasts soaking up the new green amenities. One organization, the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) has set up a list of criteria for campgrounds to qualify for their green certification. The program, called Plan-it-Green offers advice on how to go green and has set up a standard for the industry.

If a campground wants to be certified as a Green Friendly Park, they need to have at least nine of the below in place, if not more:

1. Motion sensors are used in bathrooms and club houses

2. Park has switched to energy efficient light bulbs

3. Cleaning products are biodegradable and non-toxic

4. Water saving shower heads and auto turn-off taps are used to save water

5. Bins are provided for recycling

6. Park uses energy saving products in their campground like Energy Star products.

7. Guests are given ‘Leave No Trace’ tips and an eco-friendly education

8. Parks landscaping consists of wood chip, pebble, paved, or grass paths and is used to decrease soil erosion

9. Park encourages guests to ‘Reduce Water Usage’ with posted signs

10. Timers are used on lighting, heaters and/or coolers

11. Solar Power or Wind Power are employed

12. Park uses Low Flush toilets or waterless urinals

13. Park use of Grey Water (if allowed in state)

14. Park utilizes On-Site Organic Composting

15. When possible, email confirmations are used over paper confirmations for reservations and notices

16. Geo-thermal heating/cooling is used

17. New trees are planted often

18. Park has converted to a tank-less water heaters

Campgrounds have shown an enthusiastic response with over a hundred joining ARVC in the three years since it was founded. Because campgrounds pledge to be kind to the earth and educate people as to how they can reduce their carbon footprint, it’s a win-win situation for all.

The benefits reach all around. For campgrounds like the KOA in Flagstaff, AZ, solar power, recycled rainwater and native landscaping just make sense. Using a windmill to capture the wind’s energy saves them money and is easier on the earth.

As it should be, their efforts have been rewarded with the KOA’s 2009 President’s Award. Campgrounds are given the award based on customer satisfaction and surveys as well as an inspection of service and professionalism. Arizona isn’t the only KOA going green. In Carlsbad, their wind turbine and solar water heating system for the pool are bringing them positive notice.

With so many choices for Class B Motorhome enthusiasts and other RV owners, having the green distinction is the perfect way to create a positive camping atmosphere. What people learn at green-campgrounds will trickle down into their own lives as they learn easy, positive ways to be gentle on the earth.

Looking to find the best deal on Class B Motorhome, then visit www.BeaudryRV.com to find the best advice on RVs.

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