I’M LIVING AND WORKING FROM AN OLD CAMPER VAN
Self-sufficient eco-living has grown in popularity since lockdown began. Here, two women tell Elizabeth Archer why they love being off-grid
Charlotte Holroyd, 35, is an ethical branding consultant and lives in
Stockport, Manchester
People are often surprised when I say I live part-time in a campervan, but for me it’s the perfect way to get in touch with nature and be kinder to the planet.
I’ve always been conscious of my impact on the planet, as I work as a branding consultant for ethical businesses (creativewilderness.co.uk), but living in Stockport meant I made use of the conveniences of the city. I’d visit coffee shops and co-working spaces in the day to work. And I felt I had to go on a holiday abroad each year rather than a staycation.
When the pandemic hit, I was forced to work at home. I started paying attention to where my food was coming from and began growing my own vegetables, like kale, rocket and tomatoes, as well as baking my own bread.
I tried to buy food from local producers, rather than food flown in from other countries, too.
Lockdown made me realise I needed a lot less space to be happy. That’s when I started thinking about getting a campervan. I watched YouTube videos of people who lived in vans and decided to give it a go.
I bought an old VW campervan and modified it so I could live fully off-grid. It has a small water tank, a propane cooker, a diesel heater and a portable toilet.
Some of my friends were a bit perplexed, and I had to explain to my clients that I would only be contactable at certain times because I might not have a phone signal. But everyone has been very supportive.
When I can, I escape somewhere remote. When I wake, I make a cup of tea with the kettle on the stove and open the van doors to look out on to the view. I take a swim in the nearest lake or stream and use eco-friendly soap.
Wherever I go, I spend a few hours picking up litter, to help give back to the place where I’m staying. And, lockdown restrictions permitting, I try to support local businesses by popping in for a coffee or a pint.
In the evening, I often make a fire with a special fire pit that doesn’t leave a trace on the ground. I cook dinner using food I’ve brought in refillable glass jars, and things I’ve foraged, like blackberries or seaweed. After dinner I settle down to read a book. Since getting the campervan, I’ve become more aware of how much waste I create.
Lockdown has given me time to reflect on my impact on the planet. I think it’ll be harder for us all to be eco-friendly when it ends but I hope our focus on the planet is not a fad.
‘‘ It has made me realise that I need a lot less space to be happy