There’s a Native American saying, often attributed to Chief Seattle (1786–1866): "We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”
That means we owe it to every generation after us to keep this blue-and-green planet as beautiful as we found it.
And that goes for camping too — maybe even especially for camping. The spot we "borrow” for a night or two will soon be used by someone else. It’s only fair that we leave it as clean and peaceful as we’d hope to find it ourselves.
The campervan lifestyle is, at its core, about love of nature and the freedom to escape crowded tourist spots.
When you travel by van, you become part of nature — you sleep under the stars, cook by the river, wake up to the scent of pine.
That’s why it’s so important to make sure those little pieces of paradise we visit stay just as pure for the next traveler.
1. Sort Your Waste — Wherever You Are
Life on the road isn’t much different from life at home — we all cook, eat, and create waste.
Even if every campground doesn’t have recycling bins, you can easily set up a mini sorting system in your van: one small bag for plastics, one for paper, and one for organic waste.
When you stop at a gas station or the next campsite, just empty them into the proper containers.
Reusable cloth bags are perfect for recyclables, and biodegradable liners are a clean, affordable option for organic waste.
2. Store Food Smart
Every cubic inch in your van counts — so think efficiently:
• Keep perishable foods in airtight containers to stay fresh longer and avoid unwanted smells.
• Store dry goods like rice, pasta, and cereal in glass jars or metal tins with tight lids.
• Plan your meals ahead to avoid overbuying and excess packaging that’s hard to recycle.
A little planning means less waste — and more space for adventure.
3. Clean Without Chemicals (or Wasting Water)
Along with your partner or kids, water is your most precious travel companion.
Save it wisely — and skip harsh cleaning agents that harm nature and your van’s surfaces.
• A mix of vinegar and baking soda works wonders on cooktops or bathrooms.
• A microfiber cloth and a splash of water often do the trick.
• For biological needs, modern eco-toilet systems with sealed waste bags make cleanup simple and hygienic.
Every drop counts — especially when you’re far from civilization.
4. Think Local — and Act Local
For those of us who aren’t total hermits, one of the best parts of vanlife is discovering places and meeting people.
Whenever possible, skip the big-box supermarkets and shop at local markets, farms, or small stores instead.
You’ll get fresher food, fewer miles on your groceries, and you’ll help support the communities that make our travels possible.
5. Leave Every Spot Better Than You Found It
Let’s end where we began. It’s simple: if you see a plastic bottle, a can, or a piece of paper, pick it up — even if it’s not yours.
Saying "It’s not my mess” doesn’t cut it when we’ve agreed this planet is borrowed, not owned.
Always pack out your trash, and if you’ve had a campfire, make sure it’s completely extinguished before you leave.
These may sound like small things, but not everyone does them. If we each take tiny, consistent steps, we can make a huge difference — and ensure the world we love stays a little more beautiful tomorrow than it was today.
Because, as we like to say at Mega Mobil, A true camper leaves nothing behind — except a good impression.