Caravan & Camping Industry Association NSW
Caravan & Camping Industry Association NSW (CCIA)

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Steps to make a difference

Gumnut & Environment

New South Wales is blessed with breathtaking natural
wonders, unique communities and diverse cultures.

In order to preserve these areas for the future, we need to minimize our
impact and reduce our travel footprint. There are a number of
simple steps you can take to ensure your journey has a positive effect
on the environment and the local community:

Water Conservation & Pollution Prevention
  • Only use chemicals that are formaldehyde free in your RV waste holding tank
  • Do not pour oils and fatty liquids down the sink or in waterways.
  • Wash your recreational vehicle on a grassed area
  • Conserve water and always use a plug in the sink or bucket at campsites when washing dishes
  • Use phosphate free washing detergents (detergents labelled NP) and flush away wastewater at least 30 meters from creeks or waterways
  • Take shorter showers (4 minutes or less)
  • Report leaky taps and showers to staff
Reduce Waste
  • Always dispose of holding tank waste in designated dump points
  • Think before you buy - choose products that have less packaging, are made from recycled materials, can be recycled and do not contain harmful chemicals
  • Use your own reusable shopping bags and refuse plastic bags
  • Reuse containers
  • Recycle all glass and plastic bottles, metal tins and paper and cardboard (no cardboard containing food stains)
  • Don’t litter and dispose of waste properly– even small items such as bread tags, bottle tops and cigarette butts, really choke up the environment.
Save Energy
  • Save energy and money when you go on holidays by turning off all appliances at the power point (except the fridge)
  • Plan your trips to reduce your fuel use
  • Open a window and let the natural breeze in before you turn on the fan or air conditioning
  • Ride a bike, walk or use the local transport to go to the shops and local attractions
  • Wash your clothes on a sunny day and hang them out to dry
  • Turn off all lights and power points when you leave a room and turn off appliances at the power point when not in use
  • Use a fan before you use the air conditioner
  • Put on a jumper before you turn on the heater
  • If you need to use the air conditioner or heater, close all doors and windows and remember to turn off when leaving.
Support the Local Community
  • Shop at local businesses and buy local produce where possible
  • Learn about the history and indigenous cultures of the area
  • Support local charities and community organisations
Protect Flora and Fauna
  • Do not feed wildlife. Wild animals normally feed on a variety of natural diet foods. If fed, wild animals can become too assertive with humans. Feeding animals
    processed food can also cause them health problems
  • Try to avoid driving at dusk and dawn as this is when most wildlife is out and about. If you need to drive, drive slower and keep an eye out for animals crossing the road.
  • Stay on designated tracks to avoid causing erosion and degradation and introducing weeds to sensitive areas.
  • Check with your park about accommodating  pets before travelling and never take domestic animals into National Parks
  • Obey all conservation zone rules and do not remove any flora or fauna from protected areas, marine reserves or national parks.