Since the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) launched its “Plan it Green” program three years ago, more than 100 campgrounds and RV resorts across the country have made a formal pledge to adopt environmentally friendly practices, while informing their guests of the benefits of doing the same.

But in an effort to encourage even more parks to participate in the program – and to adopt a greater number of green practices – ARVC said it has partnered with the Woodall’s North American Campground Directory to formally recognize qualifying parks with a “Green Friendly” icon next to their listings in the GoCampingAmerica.com and Woodalls.com travel planning websites as well as the 2011 print edition of the Woodall’s directory.

“Some parks have adopted environmentally friendly practices on their own initiative, but many are pledging to adopt green building and recycling programs with encouragement from our association,” said Linda Profaizer, president and CEO of ARVC, which currently recognizes green parks with a “Plan it Green” logo on their GoCampingAmerica.com listing. The association also holds an annual awards competition for green parks.

Profaizer said campgrounds are a natural fit for environmentally friendly initiatives, since most parks are located in scenic locations that encourage enjoyment of nature and the outdoors.

While parks that participate in the “Plan it Green” program are required to adopt a minimum of three eco-friendly practices, such as offering recycling programs for their guests, planting trees to offset carbon emissions or avoiding the use of chemicals that are harmful to the environment, parks that want to be designated “Green Friendly” through the association’s partnership with Woodall’s must have at least nine of 18 criteria, such as energy-efficient light bulbs; motion sensors for lighting in bathrooms and clubhouses; non-tonxic, biodegradable cleaning products; tankless water heaters; and on-site organic composting.

Parks that wish to be considered for “Green Friendly” recognition through the ARVC-Woodalls partnership will be evaluated by Woodall’s representatives who visit their parks during the coming months. Parks that don’t feel they can meet nine of the 18 criteria for “Green Friendly” recognition are encouraged to take ARVC’s “Plan it Green” pledge, in which parks promise to adhere to at least three of the criteria, such as offering recycling to guests, avoiding products or chemicals that are harmful to the environment, and planting trees to offset carbon emissions.

Parks that meet the criteria and would like to pledge to “Plan it Green” are encouraged to e-mail Grant Barnette at gbarnette@arvc.org.