Green Glamping Credentials
In these less than optimal economic times the off-grid life seems rather more appealing than at times of prosperity, especially if you’re not a fan of the composting toilet, or of looking into generating your own biogas from waste products. When we are forced to face the reality of the costs of living with the modern conveniences we are used to, however, off-grid living becomes something we may aspire to (if we don’t already have dreams of The Good Life).
Ground source heat pumps and solar panels are a possibility for many people and cut down on the expense of heating water and central heating or generating electricity as well as being better for the environment in the long term. While many people have installed these products, they’re also still connected to the mains supply as the thought of being reliant on renewable energy can be frightening.
Green glamping holidays are a fantastic way to try out life with some of the strategies and products that make living comfortably with no reliance on the mains supply of electricity, water or gas possible. Many glampsites rely on some source of renewable energy, or have other green credentials like composting toilets or mixed water sources – with mains drinking water but rainwater harvesting for showers. This encourages more responsible use of water as no-one wants to run out and have to arrange the refilling of a tank just because you washed up with the tap running down the plughole, or left it on while washing your hands.
We’re not suggesting everyone rips out their toilet and replaces it with a separating compost loo, or even a mixed “hot” compost style; having the land and space to deal with the waste is a consideration and this just isn’t possible for urban living. When you consider that a dry composting toilet saves 52 litres of water a day per person, the idea of flushing once every second or third use becomes more appealing – more so when you see the change on your water bill.
Solar power for lighting and device charging is also something lots of sites offer – not only does this keep their outgoings at a level where the glamping business is still viable, but it encourages guests to be more aware of the power they are using. This is a great mindset to carry home too, making us think more about whether we still need that device plugged in, or whether the lights need to be on in the kitchen when everyone’s in the living room.
Finally, composting and recycling are something nearly everyone can do (composting in a flat might not be logistically possible!) and most glamping sites encourage guests to be responsible about their waste products, especially if vehicle access is limited on-site as someone then has to lug the rubbish away. Some sites compost all waste food, even cooked and raw meat, while others stick with green waste (teabags, egg shells, veg peelings and paper, for example) but everywhere will require guests to recycle. Your local council may have a food waste scheme, or a neighbour might appreciate the extra compostable material for their bin if you don’t have the space or desire to compost on your own property.
If you’re thinking of making lifestyle changes to become more eco-friendly, or even try out bigger changes like going off-grid for all your power or for waste water, then a green glamping holiday is ideal for giving you the flavour of The Good Life without the immediate commitment. You might even be so enamoured with the lifestyle that you set up your own green glamping business and go fully off-grid yourself!
