Because not every “eco” sign means sustainability.

You’ve seen them: hand-painted signs boasting “Eco Site!” “Green Travel Stop!” or “Earth-Friendly Facilities!”
And maybe they are. But maybe they’re not.

Greenwashing is when sustainability becomes a marketing aesthetic, not a measurable practice. And for vanlifers who want their travel to match their values, it pays to look a little closer.

Here’s how to spot the difference between greenhearted and greenhyped:

Vibes vs. Evidence
A few upcycled barrels and a compost loo don’t make a site eco-conscious.
Ask: Do they share specific practices or just buzzwords?

Look for:

• Clear water and waste systems
• Named certifications or affiliations
• Info on how they give back to the land or local economy

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Language Clues Matter
“Eco” and “sustainable” are unregulated terms. Anyone can use them.

Watch for phrases like:

• “We care about the planet” (but offer no substance)
• “Carbon-neutral” without a methodology
• “Off-grid” without energy transparency

Credible sites are often modest but honest. They show their working.

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Follow the Money
Does the site favour local suppliers, seasonal food, recycled materials—or just sell branded “green” merch?

Green business isn’t about image—it’s about impact.

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Ask Fellow Travellers
Check forums, ethical travel guides, or the Sustainable Stop community for firsthand reports. Often, the people who’ve been there can tell you:
“Genuine stewardship here,” or “Looked green, felt grey.”

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Handy links:

Spotting Greenwashing in Travel

• Greenwashing in Sustainable Tourism – Earth Changers – A deep dive into what greenwashing looks like in the travel industry, how to identify it, and why it matters
• Campground Sustainability Guide – Waste Free Wilderness – Practical tips for evaluating campsite sustainability beyond the buzzwords
• Go Green: Eco Camping and How to Camp Sustainably – Campsited – A friendly guide to what real eco practices look like on the ground

Sustainable Travel Ethics & Campervan Culture

• Sustainable Travel Tips for Campervan Owners – Campervan Insurance UK – A UK-based guide to aligning vanlife with low-impact values
• Eco-Friendly Practices for Camper Van Owners – Platinum Wave Automotive – Covers energy, water, and waste systems with practical examples
• Boho Life: Sustainable Practices for Eco-Friendly Campervan Travel – A values-led breakdown of daily habits that support real sustainability

In the end, it’s not about cynicism, it’s about discernment.
Because the more we reward real sustainability, the more it grows.