As "green" becomes a household term and carbon emissions data turns into water-cooler conversation, Americans have become increasingly concerned with their impact on the environment - particularly their travel habits.
"Americans love to travel, and to stay home because of environmental concerns is simply not a solution," says Mike Smalley, vice president of operations for Cruise America. "All long-distance travel methods create emissions, but RV rental offers a viable means for families to vacation - affordably, comfortably and without excess waste."
To illustrate the real environmental benefits of a motor home vacation, consider the appliances in your home that consumes energy on an average day:
· Heating/Air Conditioning
· Stovetop cooking
· Microwave cooking
· Lights
Also include the things that require water:
· Dishwasher
· Sinks
· Showers and Toilets
All of these items are available for use in a motor home, but by their very design they require less energy or water to operate than what you will find in your home. As such, just by travelling in a motor home, your family leaves a far smaller ecological footprint than you would if you just stayed home.
They also move more passengers and cargo than your average car. It is far more environmentally sound to have a group of friends travel together in an RV to a tail gate party or camping then it is to have them each drive their own cars and meet up separately.
"When customers use our discount mileage special to plan RV camping trips for cooler climates, they also save on energy bills by turning off the air conditioning at home," Smalley says. "Besides saving money on utilities, reducing energy consumption also helps families become more environmentally friendly."
Or consider this: According to an article in the May 7 edition of The Nation, the effects of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released by jets during air travel are around 270 percent higher than those of average emissions caused by driving the same distance, making air travel, "one of the most destructive things we can do," writes George Monbiot, the article's author.
"When compared with flying," says Smalley, "RV vacations are actually an energy-saving option, producing fewer carbon emissions on most trips and often leading vacationers to travel shorter distances."
RV rentals are available in compact, standard and large sizes, sleeping from four to seven people and offering a kitchen, bathroom and living area. For vacationers who'd rather drive their own vehicle, Cruise America also offers camping trailers for rent with no mileage charges, as well as motor home sales at locations across the U.S. and Canada.
