Sustainable Road Trip Tips
This piece originally appeared in the Summer 2018 issue of Paprika Southern. To see this feature in print, plus an interview with artist Lisa D. Watson, no-cook healthy summer recipes, Palm Springs-inspired summer fashion, and much more, order a copy now, or become a subscriber so you don’t miss out on a thing.
If you're hitting the road this summer, there's no reason you can't also make sure your road trip leaves as little carbon footprint as possible, and every reason to. We've compiled some ideas to help you make your summer travels more sustainable. Give these simple ideas a try the next time you take off for parts unknown!
Sustainable Road Trip Tips
Photographed by Siobhan Egan / Styled by Bevin Valentine Jalbert / Contributions by Lisa D. Watson / Special Thanks: Blair Wagner / Napkins: Dot & Army
DO bring re-usable drinkware, like travel coffee mugs and glass or metal water bottles. You can fill a large sports jug with filtered water at home and refill your water bottle along the way. Not only will you save plastic by not buying disposable water bottles, you'll also save money in the long run.
DO look for recycling bins at rest stops, just in case you have to have that can of soda.
DO bring healthy snacks. Fill your own containers with nuts and dried fruit from the bulk bins, and bring fresh fruit like apples, oranges, berries, and peaches, too. Bento Boxes, which come in stainless steel, are great for dividing up snacks. By bringing your own snacks from bulk bin purchases, you won't be wasting plastic and other packaging on individually wrapped snacks.
DO bring re-usable utensils, like napkins, forks, spoons, knives, and stainless steel straws.
DON'T accept a plastic straw or plastic bag if you can avoid it.
DO seek out local farmers' markets on your trip. You can visit www.ams.usda.gov/local-food-directories/farmersmarkets to find options along your route.
DO visit local eateries. Use greenease.co to find local restaurants that use sustainable practices. You can also use the app to find restaurants that offer options like gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan-friendly, and more.
DO get your vehicle tuned up before you hit the road to make sure you're getting the best possible gas mileage. You can check your car's carbon footprint at terrapass.com/carbon-footprint-calculator.
DON'T carry any unnecessary weight in your car. If you have unneeded items stored in your trunk, take them out before your trip.
DON'T use a rooftop cargo box if you can avoid it. They can reduce your gas mileage by 25% or more.
DO use cruise control when safe to help improve your gas mileage.
DON'T idle when you don't have to. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, idling for even 10 seconds will use more gas than restarting your car in modern cars. Unless you're unable to open your windows for fresh air, if you're waiting outside a rest stop or stuck at a drawbridge, go ahead and turn the car off, until it's time to move again.*
*Be safe! It's hot in the South and you should always make sure you have fresh air to breathe. Only turn off the car when it is safe to do so, you can open your windows, and when you won't overheat. Never leave a child or pet in the car.
To see this full feature in print, order your copy of the Summer 2018 issue of Paprika Southern now!
The Summer 2018 issue of Paprika Southern features Palm Springs-inspired summer fashion, an interview with artist Lisa D. Watson, no-bake summer recipes, natural summer hair inspiration and remedies, summer road trip destinations that will lead you to a deeper story of the South, and much more.
Paprika Southern is a quarterly publication dedicated to inspiring creativity and intention in everyday life. In our pages you will find lush visuals and thoughtful writing, as well as a commitment to inclusivity. We offer a curated view of the most innovative creatives, trends and art of the South, and we invite you to join our journey.
