The Green Guide to Winter Road Trips: Eco-Conscious Tips for Snowy Adventures

Travel

Mar 9

The effects of climate change are tangible and felt around the world. For winter travelers, in particular, it can be worrying that the warming of the planet is leaving less time to enjoy cold, snowy months doing their favorite activities. A large number of people want to help mitigate the negative effects of climate change, and taking eco-conscious road trips is one way to do so. Even in the middle of winter, it's possible to travel with sustainability in mind.

The Importance of Sustainable Travel in Winter

The benefits of more eco-friendly traveling, in general, include less carbon emissions, preservation of wildlife and habitats, and boosting the local community's economy. Plus, you can feel good about your trip, knowing you contributed to climate action while still having fun. In many cases, this means that you are helping out your specific travel destination.

For winter travelers, in particular, climate change can have an impact on the availability of season-specific activities. Skiing and snowboarding, for example, rely on snowpack. The increasing warmth of Earth's surface has led to below-average levels of snowpack. There are fewer snowfall events due to global warming, and tourism for these winter sports can be negatively impacted by this change.

Sustainable practices across the board can contribute to preserving these valuable winter landscapes. Eco-conscious travelers that enjoy snowy adventures play a role in this preservation. You can even foster a deeper connection with nature through responsible winter travel. Learn how so with the following tips.

Navigating Wintry Conditions Safely

You can’t travel sustainably if you don’t travel safely. Many people don’t realize that climate change causes winter storms, although less frequent, to be more severe. You can expect to see heavier snowfall and more frigid temperatures, which can make for slippery to outright treacherous conditions for driving. And when it’s warmer than usual outside in the winter, mudslides and flooding can impact road conditions. Make sure you are prepared before heading out on your wintry excursion, even if you’ve done the same route dozens of times before. Global warming has made it so that wintry conditions can change at any point, so it’s best to be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and gear you need to stay safe.

Gear up your Vehicle for Winter Weather

Installing winter tires on your vehicle can increase traction and prevent slippage. If you’re putting on used snow tires, check for adequate tread. You can also look into snow chains or socks if you are looking to save money or decrease how often you have to purchase tires. After all, rubber tires and the environment are not exactly friends — synthetic tire production and disposal contribute significantly to pollution in the air, soil, and bodies of water.

You should also make sure your windshield is clean, you have ice-resistant wiper fluid, and your lights are in working order. If anything adverse happens, make sure you have packed emergency supplies in the car like first aid kits, warming blankets, water, and non-perishable food items. This may seem excessive, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Brush up on your Driving Skills

It’s also important to brush up on your winter driving skills to keep you, your passengers, and other drivers safe on the road. Some tips include leaving earlier, taking your time, keeping more distance from other cars, and braking gently. Also, you can try to practice mindfulness and remain respectful of other drivers. Putting unnecessary pressure on them by honking or tailing them can cause accidents.

Reduce Distractions

Additionally, you should try to reduce distractions. It’s harder to navigate wintry roads, so the more focused you are on the road, the better. Invest in car tech that is unobtrusive and alerts you of any imminent dangers. Some cars even have assistive tech that can correct any lane shifts or brake for you when too close to other objects.

Maximizing Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency in cold weather can also be an issue, leaving you with a potential 15% lower gas mileage range if it’s 20 degrees Fahrenheit outside. Luckily, adopting certain eco-friendly driving habits that are simultaneously safe in winter conditions —such as minimizing rapid accelerations and driving slowly — can mitigate the impact on mileage.

If you have a hybrid or electric vehicle (EV), however, you’ll have additional concerns as EVs operate differently in cold weather. The cabin of the vehicle and the battery both have to remain warm, putting significant strain on the EV. This can lower its range by about 25% in cold temps. To mitigate this, try:

Activating eco mode;
Preconditioning your battery;
Wearing warmer clothing to avoid heating up the inside of your car excessively;
Using heated seats.

All EVs have regenerative braking, charging your battery a bit when you brake. Use gentler, more frequent braking to help your range.

Packing Mindfully

Selecting eco-friendly winter gear can also minimize the environmental impact of your journey. Try opting for sustainable materials and products that prioritize durability. This not only ensures warmth but also reduces the need for yearly replacements. When it comes to packing, adopting a minimalist mindset by packing light can ease the burden on your car and minimize waste. Choose versatile items that serve multiple purposes, like reusable utensils or food containers.

Choosing Eco-Conscious Accommodations and Activities

Beyond the road, your winter activities have an environmental impact. Research lodging and amenities that are good for the environment, whether they use energy-efficient lighting or sustainable building materials. You can also practice sustainability when staying there, like turning off lights and recycling waste.

Whenever possible, it’s nice to support local conservation efforts and initiatives. You can even incorporate these into your itinerary, adding some eco-friendly fun to your winter trip.

Balancing Sustainability and Winter Magic

Vacations and holidays can be regenerative for you and the environment. Treating your winter travel destination just as well as you would treat your own home is a way to connect deeply with your surroundings while minimizing your carbon footprint and wastage. Staying safe and responsible on the road to your wintry escape is a surefire way to start off the trip on the right foot. Then, you can hit the slopes with your eco-friendly winter gear and feel the cold air rush past you, reminding you of how you helped better the environment during your magical trip.