Recreational activities in natural areas make people care about the environment and want to protect it much more. The people who own camper vans are often the most active outdoor enthusiasts. Their vans let them spend time in the beautiful natural places they love the most.
However, many conversion companies and individuals choose to use cheap materials that are bad for the environment and people’s health. In some parts of building a camper van, green materials can be used. As a sensible van lifer, you should definitely opt for these sustainable camper van conversions. They will reduce pollutants and won’t harm your health.
In this article, we will discuss such conversion tips. By the end of it, you can realize that, with some simple considerations, your conversion van be both durable and sustainable.
Top 5 Sustainable Camper Van Conversions Tips
We all have to make the choice to do something about environmental problems. As people who love the outdoors, camper van owners should choose conversion materials that are good for the environment. With some ideas, this task can be easy.
So, here are the five best strategies for a sustainable camper van conversion.
1.Eco-Friendly Flooring
Flooring is one of the first materials in a camper van build, depending on your floor plan. It can make or break your van’s sustainability. That’s because many flooring options contain toxic or unsustainable materials.
Recreational vehicle floors are subjected to extreme temperature swings, heavy foot traffic, and dirt and grime. Most van owners and builders will not sacrifice performance or appearance for eco-friendly flooring.
Thank goodness there are eco-friendly camper van flooring options. Marmoleum is one of them. This durable flooring material is made from linseed oil, which comes from flax seed. Marmoleum releases no harmful gases or chemicals and is non-toxic.
Besides, biodegradable materials like cork can also be great for flooring. It also resists mold and mildew naturally.
2.Sustainably Harvested Lumber for Camper Vans
If you like to hike, bike, or enjoy the beauty of America’s forests in other ways, then you should care about protecting them. So, you should fight against harmful logging methods like clear-cutting. And buying wood that is grown without environmental harm will be a powerful action.
Building a camper van usually involves a lot of wood. Of course, wood is not green just because it comes from the ground. It is very important to know where the wood in your van comes from.
Lumber might be harvested using methods that harm the earth. Sustainably harvested wood can be an excellent choice here. It is of the same quality and will last just as long as regular lumber.
Using FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)-certified pine wood is highly recommended. You can trust these products to come from well-managed, socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable forests.
3.Use Natural, Non Toxic Oils and Soaps to Seal Or Stain Hardwood
Simply use natural oils and soaps to seal or color your van. A lot of commercial wood products are made from plastic or oil. After a few years, they turn the wood an ugly yellowish-orange color. Besides, they are also bad for your skin and lungs.
Try using natural oils and waxes that are safe for food instead. For instance, linseed oil soap is a natural and eco-friendly option. This advice works for any painting you want to do.
The majority of modern paints are made from petroleum. They hurt your health and make it hard for wood to breathe. Linseed oil-based paints or chalk-based paints are better options. They soak into the wood and keep the wood’s natural look. Besides, the fumes from linseed oil paints do not give you headaches.
What if you choose to put a butcher block on your kitchen counter? Then you should also use a sealer that is made from natural materials. This is especially important if you like to cook on the counter.
4.Wool Insulation for Walls and Ceilings
To keep your walls and ceiling warm, use sheep’s wool. Wool from sheep is a natural insulator that does not give off any gases. It does not grow mold or rot.
Also, it can soak up as much water as 33% of its own weight and then release it back into the air when it is dry. Because of this, wool will keep condensation from building up against the walls. Condensation would rust your van.
Wool is also great to work with because it is safe. You do not need to wear any safety gear. To use sheep’s wool as insulation, make sure you get a product that has not been mixed with synthetic fibers. That’s because mold can grow on those fibers.
5.Sustainable Products for Mattresses and Seat Cushions
Memory foam, synthetic latex, memory gel, and other chemical-based mattresses and seat cushions should be avoided. This is probably the hardest tip to follow. That’s because a lot of “mattress in a box” companies spend a lot of money advertising their products.
Memory foam has become common in the mattress business. According to their websites, they are the height of scientific comfort, and their special design will help you sleep better.
Sadly, all of these mattresses and seat cushions are made from petrochemicals. Then they are wrapped in a fiberglass “sock” to keep them from catching fire. None of these are good for your health or the environment.
If you want to avoid harm, choose natural alternatives like cotton, wool, coconut, 100% natural latex, or horse hair.
Conclusion
When you choose van life, you are committing a large portion of your life to the outdoors. So, it’s very important to make sustainable choices to convert your camper van for your own and the environment’s welfare.
Using eco-friendly materials like marmoleum for the flooring can be a great option. Besides, sustainably harvested lumber should be preferred over regular wood. Opting for only natural oils and soaps can reduce toxicity. Lastly, using wool for insulation and sustainable products for mattresses can help the environment.
If you are confused with so many considerations, relying on a professional company can be the best bet. And HighLand Vans can greatly help you customize the van the way you want. Contact us today and witness the magic.
