Eco-friendly Overlanding: How to Overland Whilst Being Kind to the Environment

More and more people are starting to find joy in overlanding. It is a different way to see new places, but also to recharge your batteries. During overlanding trips, people

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More and more people are starting to find joy in overlanding. It is a different way to see new places, but also to recharge your batteries.

During overlanding trips, people end up spending more time in nature, talking to each other and bonding. They don’t use electronics all the time as they do at home, and they have to find places to camp and make sure they provide their own food. But people are also starting to become more aware of the impact they have on the environment. So, they want to take an eco-friendlier approach. 

Unfortunately, most overlanders use vehicles with diesel or petrol engines, which is not the most eco-friendly. Besides, they make campfires that send toxic gases into the air, leading to more pollution. Others leave their waste and garbage everywhere. But even during overlanding trips, you can do things that minimize the effect you have on the environment. This post will explain everything in more detail.

This is a guest post written by Ferenc Elekes from Overlandsite.com. Hey over to their site to learn more about Overlanding.

Overlanding allows you to take in the sights at your own pace
Overlanding allows you to take in the sights at your own pace

What Is Overlanding?

Overlanding is a type of trip that involves travelling in a large and strong vehicle In an overlanding trip, the destination is not the goal. Instead, Overlanders are focused on their journey and on connecting with other people, but also on discovering new beautiful places and being able to connect with nature. 

Journeys usually last from a few weeks to a few months, as people mostly take an international approach and decide to go through different countries in a single trip. In short, overlanding is all about exploration. 

Compared with other ways of touring, Overlanding is less harmful to the environment, particularly if those who are overloading adapt their behaviour. To be more specific, overlanders must still follow some rules even if they are in nature. This means that they must use their vehicles in such a way that they don’t cause damage to the eco-systems they're visiting. They must also refrain from going to protected areas, having too many campfires, or leaving their trash and waste behind. Environmentally-friendly overlanding means driving and exploring while respecting Mother Nature and making sure the effect on the environment is minimised.

Nothing better than setting up camp after a fun day of exploring
Nothing better than setting up camp after a fun day of exploring

What Are the Benefits of Overlanding?

Going on an overlanding trip can bring travellers many benefits, not only for the overlander themselves, but also for local communities and for nature. 

Overlanding gives the traveller the benefit of taking a break from their chaotic life and embracing nature and doing something different. There will be fewer distractions and less stress. People can connect on a deeper level during these journeys, since at home they may be too busy to do so. 

Moreover, overlanding offers the chance to explore new destinations and see the beauty of the world. It recharges your batteries and ensures that you have new forces when you return to your normal life. 

Overlanding is also a great way to meet people from different cultures and learn more about them. On top of that, throughout your trip, you can support local communities by engaging with local businesses and by eating local and organic produce.

Nature itself can gain something out of an overloading trip too. If the overlander is aware of how important it is to protect the environment, they will make sure to leave a place cleaner than they found it.

Overlanding brings the opportunity to engage with more local communities
Overlanding brings the opportunity to engage with more local communities

How to be an eco-friendly Overlander

There are several ways you can protect the environment whilst overlanding. Here are some tips.

Eat local and/or organic produce

You’ll support the environment if you make sure to buy locally grown food that uses less fuel for refrigeration and transport. Not only that, but you will eat healthier and support local businesses in the process too. 

Reduce your plastic use

Avoid buying products with plastic packaging and even try to avoid buying anything made from plastic altogether. Plastic isn’t easy to recycle, and it isn’t biodegradable either, which can negatively impact nature. 

Recycle

You can recycle the waste you produce by sorting it out. You can do so immediately after purchasing the products. Then, you can store all packaging separately, and transfer it into a low-profile recycling system that you can take with you on your journey. Later on, you can dispose of it when you find recycling bins. 

Pump up the tyres and slow down

The vehicle will run more smoothly if you make sure to have the tyres inflated to the maximum pressure. Also, if you slow down, you use less fuel, and there will be fewer carbon emissions. 

Use eco-friendly products

Instead of using chemical products from the store, you can use eco-friendly and biodegradable ones to clean toilets and benchtops, wash your clothes, or clean your vehicle. 

Final Thoughts

Staying eco-friendly while overlanding is possible with a few tips and tricks. So, follow the above advice and plan your new trip taking into consideration the environment and local communities besides your own entertainment.

This is a guest post written by Ferenc Elekes from Overlandsite.com. Hey over to their site to learn more about Overlanding.

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