Eco-Friendly Road Tripping
8 Tips for a Greener Getaway
Whether you’re chasing South African sunsets, mountain views, or our vast array of beautiful mountain passes, one thing’s for sure: your road trip doesn’t have to cost the whole Earth (literally).
Eco-friendly road tripping is more than just a travel trend; it’s a responsibility that fits perfectly between your reusable coffee cup and your GPS. With a few smart choices, you can cut down on your emissions while still revving up the good vibes. Here are 8 fun, simple, and practical ways to help you in this mission.
1. Plan Your Route Like a GPS Wizard
The shorter (and less congested) the route, the less fuel you’ll burn. Use your favourite map app to plan stops, avoid backtracking, and skip the “oops, wrong turn” detours that eat up petrol and patience. A great bonus is that fewer U-turns mean fewer silly arguments.
Beame Tip: If you lose track of where you parked in that quaint town, Beame can help you locate the area within a radius of where you stopped. Saving you time and stress-driven snacking.
2. Help Your Boot Out With Her Baggage
A lighter car uses less fuel with fewer emissions puffed into the atmosphere.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (2022), every extra 45 kg in your car can reduce fuel economy by as much as 1%. That adds up faster than your road trip snack budget. That’s like paying extra just to lug around your “just-in-case” shoes.
Be kind to your boot and ditch the dead weight (sorry, just-in-case espresso machine). Remember, in the world of eco-friendly road tripping, less is more and lighter is greener.
3. Drive Like a Saint, Not a Stig
Did you know that speeding, slamming to a stop, and sudden surges mean higher emissions?
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA, 2023), aggressive driving habits like rapid acceleration and hard braking can increase fuel consumption by up to 40%.
That’s like ordering a salad and then pouring gravy on it. So ease off the pedal, use cruise control, and take it as chill as the locals in your beach town destination.
4. May Your Cup Runneth Over, But Not Into a Landfill
You’ve heard it before, but it’s still an important message. Avoid single-use plastics and keep a separate bag for recyclables.
Rather, use reusable snack containers and water bottles. It’s both the responsible and classy thing to do. Plus, the contents will taste better (you know it’s true)
5. Local Is Lekker
Skip the big franchises and pull over for padkos at local farm stalls, wineries, and shops. Supporting local not only tickles your tastebuds, but it also shrinks your carbon footprint.
According to a 2021 report from the Center for Sustainable Systems, food typically travels over 2,400 km from farm to plate in industrial supply chains. That’s a long way for a lettuce leaf.
Why would you eat a shrink-wrapped sandwich from a chain store when there could be a farm stall nearby with homemade jam and a roosterkoek the size of your steering wheel anyway?
6. Pre-Trip Spa Day (For Your Machine)
Tyres, oil, and filters being in tip-top shape means fewer emissions. So be sure to do your vehicle health check in the days before you start your journey and give her any TLC she needs.
7. Trash Talkin’ – Keep It Clean, Folks
South Africa’s N3 Toll road crew collects a whopping 4,700 bags of litter every month between Joburg and Pietermaritzburg. That’s a LOT of wrappers hitching a free ride!
Needless to say, it’s something we should all want to avoid. Rather, keep a small trash bag handy, stash your rubbish, and toss it into a proper bin when you find one.
8. Let Beame Join the Journey
Consider the Beame app as your invisible co-pilot, helping keep your vehicle safe while you’re out living your best life. You won’t believe how much NOT buying a new car cuts down on your emissions.
We may not sing road trip anthems, but we’re always on your side, waiting in the wings in case you need us.
Why We’re All About Eco-Friendly Road Tripping
Whether you’re heading to the Drakensberg or dashing to Durban, the above tips will help you cruise lighter on the planet and heavier on the joy.
At Beame, we’re passionate about the journey, your safety, and the environment. We’re here to make eco-friendly road tripping easier by giving you peace of mind with our vehicle recovery tech, and peace in your heart knowing you’re doing your bit for the planet.
