Chilean rafting guide Rodolfo Rada has transformed his passion for rivers and river conservation into an innovative environmental education tour via his camper van powered solely by recycled oil.
By Francisca López Espinoza
Originally from Punta Arenas, Chile, Rodolfo Rada is a passionate rafting guide, in love with the rivers and nature of Patagonia. With an extensive career organizing rafting and kayaking expeditions on South America's rivers, Rada, 43, has found a unique way to merge his love for adventure with his commitment to the environment: Educamper, a camper converted into a mobile classroom that runs on recycled oil and is designed to bring environmental education to schools all over Chile.
Rada's innovative project has become a national media sensation as he crosses the country to educate young people through workshops at schools about the importance of recycling, waste separation, composting, alternative energy use and other eco-friendly practices while at the same time introducing them to sustainable tourism. His colorful vehicle, a 2004 Kia Frontier 4 x 4 motorhome painted with illustrations depicting a free flowing river and an idyllic mountain landscape, was adapted by Rada to run on recycled cooking oil and is equipped with solar panels and a composting system. For sure, he also travels with his rafting equipment.
Rada says the inspiration for creating Educamper came from his concern for Patagonia's rivers, many of which are threatened by pollution and hydroelectric projects. As a rafting guide, he has witnessed the damage caused by these activities and decided it was time to act. “I wanted to create a tool that would not only be educational, but also help young people understand that we can take care of our rivers and at the same time live sustainably,” he says.
Educamper grew out of Rada's passion for river conservation in Patagonia. “I wanted to create a tool that would not only be educational, but also help young people understand that we can take care of our rivers and at the same time live sustainably.”
Educamper has two fuel tanks: one for diesel, which it uses only to start the engine, and another for recycled oil, which allows it to travel long distances without relying on fossil fuels. The system demonstrates how it is possible to reduce environmental impact through innovative solutions.
He hit upon the idea for using recycled oil as the fuel on one of his previous travels. He discovered he could save large amounts of money on fuel by using this resource that is usually thrown away.
Rada's journey
One of Rada's first long environmental education tours was in 2006 with “Maria,” a 1987 Volvo 240 that he bought for only $850 dollars. With “Maria” he undertook an epic 50-day journey from Canada to Panama. Rodolfo and his team financed the adventure by organizing a university rafting race and, along the way, held free summer camps for young people, teaching them how to be rafting and kayaking guides and promoting environmental conservation.
However, “Maria” was not without her mechanical challenges. During the trip, they faced a host of problems; once, they had a major scare when the brakes failed while descending a dangerous road in Oaxaca, Mexico. But the team's adventurous spirit did not falter through their difficulties, and the people they met along the way not only offered assistance, they left messages and signatures on the car, making “Maria” a symbol of camaraderie and solidarity.
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“Maria,” a 1987 Volvo 240 that he bought for only $850 dollars.The trip marked a before and after for Rodolfo, as he met Seth and Tyler, two travelers who showed him how their truck worked with burnt cooking oil. Inspired by this technology, Rodolfo decided to incorporate it into his future projects. Thus was born a year later “Laura," a 1987 Volkswagen Golf that Rodolfo adapted to run on recycled oil. With “Laura," he undertook a new expedition from Canada to Mexico, traveling 7,000 kilometers in 90 days.
From then on, Rodolfo made the use of recycled oil a cornerstone of his environmental activism. “Laura” became a vehicle not only for transportation, but also for awareness, carrying a message of sustainability and climate change to every place he visited. This project was a success and paved the way for the creation in 2012 of the next vehicle: the "Ecomicro."
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The Ecomicro, a 1987 Mercedes Benz microbus also powered by recycled oil.The Ecomicro, a 1987 Mercedes Benz microbus also powered by recycled oil, carried the message of sustainability from Chile';s capital Santiago to Puerto Williams on Navarino Island, the southernmost town in the world. The initiative was a success in the local communities, standing out for its educational approach and it attracted dozens of volunteers along the way.
The Educamper tour
Today, Rada, a longtime rafting guide, organizes outings to nearby rivers during his visits to schools and rural communities, offering young people the opportunity to go rafting and learn about river ecosystems. “The reaction of the kids when they get on the raft and see the river from the inside is incredible. It's an experience that connects them to nature in a way they can't experience in the classroom,” he says.
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Rada visits schools across Chile spreading his message and taking kids out on the river. “The reaction of the kids when they get on the raft and see the river from the inside is incredible. It's an experience that connects them to nature in a way they can't experience in the classroom.”
The project also has a strong activist component, supporting communities in Patagonia whose rivers are threatened by hydroelectric dam projects. Educamper also is convincing more and more schools to recycle their oil.
Altogether, the reception to Educamper has been incredibly positive. Teachers and school principals consistently praise the project for its ability to motivate students and raise awareness about the environment. This innovative vehicle offers an immersive experience in nature, where young people learn in a practical way how to protect and care for the environment.
The project is doing so well that Rodolfo is already working on expanding his fleet. His current goal: to have several Educampers touring Chile and, over the long term, touring the entire South American continent
For more info on Educamper, visit www.educamper.cl
