Last July, Green Lodging News reported the opening of AutoCamp’s Yosemite property. What is different about AutoCamp is its lodging—primarily Airstream trailers. I asked an AutoCamp representative what is uniquely green about AutoCamp. Here are my questions and AutoCamp’s replies.
What is it about staying in an Airstream trailer that is more eco-responsible than staying in a hotel room?
Our guests use 50 percent less water than a typical hotel guest. This is because of low flow water fixtures, limited hot water capacity, and educational signage throughout the properties.
Airstream units require far less impact on the land compared to traditionally built hotels. This is because we aren’t digging deep into the land for permanent structures. Therefore, Airstreams can easily be removed without damaging the land.
Energy usage in the Airstreams is controlled through a smart power controller in each unit—30 amps per Airstream.
No daily housekeeping. AutoCamp offers housekeeping service by request only. Daily housekeeping increases water and energy uses.
How is the trailer heated or cooled?
Electrically powered HVAC units are built into each Airstream.
What is the source of the water and how is it dispensed?
This varies between property. Some tap into municipal water supply systems. If that is not an option, we use onsite wells.
Are there plastic water bottles offered to guests?
No, single use plastic water bottles are not offered on property. Reusable water bottles are available for purchase in the Clubhouse.
What is the shower experience like?
The Airstream and Clubhouse showers offer a spacious, spa-like experience with tile floors and high-quality natural bath and body products.
Are there the small single-use plastic bottles? Or, are soap, shampoo and conditioner dispensers available for use?
AutoCamp offers natural bath and skincare products by Ursa Major which are provided for guests in dispensers and also available for purchase in the Clubhouse. Bottles are refilled after guests check out.
Is there something about the bed, linens, the towels, the pillows that is eco-unique?
Each bed offers organic linens by Coyuchi. Unless requested, all bedroom linens and bath towels are changed out after each stay, rather than every day. This significantly cuts down on water and energy consumption.
What about the furniture?
Lauren Geremia of San Francisco-based Geremia Design led the interior design for AutoCamp Yosemite. In approaching this project, she eschewed campy camp tropes, instead taking cues for the material palette from the spectacular environs, mixing sophisticated contemporary lines with rough-hewn materials for a luxurious outdoor experience.
AutoCamp’s modern and fully wheelchair accessible X suites were designed by M-Rad, a Los Angeles-based design team specializing in bespoke design and fabrication. The X suites were manufactured by Plant Prefab in Los Angeles and feature Madera flooring.
How do the toilet systems work?
Each unit is equipped with a low flush toilet. Toilets are connected to our onsite plumbing system and waste is pushed out to public or onsite waste treatment facilities.
Are they all connected to a public sewage system? Or, are septic systems installed?
This varies between property. Our plumbing ties into public systems when available. Otherwise we use onsite wastewater treatment systems.
Are green cleaning products used for the cleaning of the spaces?
Our team uses Ecolab cleaning products onsite. Ecolab products are ethically sourced and sustainably made.
Give me a couple of examples of food and beverage items that are locally produced.
The Clubhouse at AutoCamp Yosemite hosts a complimentary continental breakfast bar every morning with fresh squeezed orange juice, coffee, tea and pastries from Sugar Pine Café in Mariposa.
The Clubhouse at AutoCamp Russian River hosts a complimentary continental breakfast bar every morning with fresh squeezed orange juice, coffee, tea and biscuits from Big Bottom Market.
AutoCamp strives to stock the Clubhouse shop with locally made food and drink options. Some examples of this include locally made wine, coffee, and cheeses.
In what ways are the larger common areas energy and water efficient? (lighting, heating and cooling, water fixtures, etc.)
Good Wood compressed firewood logs are used in personal fire pits to reduce smoke and fire danger.
A reusable water refill station is located in the AutoCamp Yosemite Clubhouse.
AutoCamp Russian River Clubhouse is open air. No HVAC used, only space heaters and communal campfires.
Are hand dryers used in public restrooms?
No. Compostable paper towels are used in our Clubhouse restrooms. All suites offer traditional hand towels.
