Five ways to start camping responsibly
Australia is a beautiful country, and it is important for all travellers to do our part to take care of it. Camping responsibly is about being aware of how you can help keep our country a safe and clean place to visit — for everyone, and for generations to come. Here are five ways to start camping responsibly on your next trip.
1. Recycle your rubbish
While caravanning and camping, it’s a good idea to collect your rubbish and sort it into plastics, papers, cans and bottles. When you return home — or at the caravan holiday park — you can then make sure it goes into the correct bins and is recycled properly.
2. Reduce your carbon footprint
Understanding the effect your carbon footprint has on the environment is an important first step to becoming a more responsible traveller. A few simple things make a real difference on a caravan and camping trip:
- Reduce the weight of your van wherever possible to cut the amount of fuel you burn.
- Maintain the correct tyre pressure — for every half-bar under the recommended inflation, expect around a 5% increase in fuel consumption.
3. Make the most of solar
A portable, folding solar panel is perfect for recharging while you’re in camp. If you don’t want to invest the money or space in a large panel, even a small one that charges your smartphone or other devices helps. On longer trips, some campers install panels on the roof for maximum sun exposure and the ability to charge while driving.
4. Buy local
Visiting local grocery markets is a great responsible option: you buy the freshest produce, usually with less plastic packaging, while contributing to the local economy. Many regional economies depend heavily on visitor spending, and campers can be a great source of income for local businesses.
5. Support caravan holiday parks
Wherever you’re adventuring, contribute to the community through locally owned cafes and restaurants — and, importantly, by choosing to stay at caravan holiday parks. It supports the regions you travel through and helps keep them welcoming for the next traveller.