RVing green is second nature at Florida's state parks

NICEVILLE, FL - The recreational vehicle (RV) travel season is in full swing and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging Floridians and visitors to RV green. For frequent outdoor travelers, being eco-friendly is second nature, but many may not realize that RV travel can be green too. With nearly 50 state parks offering RV camping accommodations, it's easy to RV green in one of Florida's state parks.

"With an RV friendly park located in every region of the state, enjoying Florida's outdoors by RV is a great way to experience the real Florida," said DEP's Florida Park Service Director Mike Bullock. "We encourage RV users to consider these green tips when operating recreation vehicles to experience natural Florida in comfort and protect our state's precious natural resources simultaneously."

The environmental benefits of RVing can be vast if the appropriate measures are taken to reduce energy, water usage and waste creation. According to RV Living Magazine, RVers would have to drive 12,430 miles in a year to equal a typical home's energy usage- that means they would have to cross the country four times in one year to compare to an average home. Plus, RVs have less space to heat and cool, saving energy and money, too.

Some tips to RV green include:

• Lighten up - For better fuel mileage, remove unnecessary weight from the vehicle. This could be unused items in closets and storage compartments, or even large amounts of drinking water, which weigh 8.2 pounds per gallon.
• Plan ahead - Fuel consumption, travel time and additional costs can also be reduced by planning trips in advance and avoiding backtracking.
• Consider alternatives - When purchasing an RV, consider choosing an engine that can utilize biodiesel, which is manufactured from renewable resources. Also installing solar panels to power up the vehicle's appliances can eliminate 90 percent of normal generator use.
• Save energy - If solar panels are not an option, save energy other ways by turning off the electronics when they're not being used or simply using the RV generator and electronics less in general.
• Keep it clean - Whatever is brought into a campsite should come back out. When stocking up the RV for a trip, try to avoid products that utilize unnecessary packaging and use reusable storage bags.
• Recycle - Recycle plastic containers, paper products and cans along the way. Used engine oil, tires and batteries can also be recycled at many municipal facilities.
• Save water - A water-saver showerhead will not only reduce water usage but will save energy too.
• Clean green - Use non-toxic, natural cleaning products when cleaning up after a trip.

Nearly 50 state parks throughout Florida accommodate RVs with average lengths between 30 and 50 feet. Lake Louisa State Park in Lake County even accommodates RVs up to 115 feet in length. To locate state parks with RV camping accommodations, visit: http://www.floridastateparks.org/CampCabinLodge.cfm. Campsites can be reserved by visiting www.ReserveAmerica.com or via phone at 1-800-326-3521.

The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation's best state park service, Florida's state park system is one of the largest in the country with 160 parks which are open 365 days a year. Florida's state parks, which span more than 700,000 acres and include 100 miles of sandy white beach, provide an affordable outing for people of all ages.

From swimming and diving in Florida's rivers and springs to birding and fishing or hiking and riding on natural scenic trails, Florida's state parks offer year-round outdoor activities for all ages. Battle reenactments and Native American festivals celebrate Florida's unique history, while art shows, museums and lighthouses offer a window into Florida's cultural heritage. Florida's state parks are also home to the 2008 Best Beach in the nation. Caladesi Island State Park, located off the coast of Southwest Florida in Pinellas County, was honored with this coveted award.

For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.