Travel'n Green

The Caravan and Camping Industry Association of NSW (CCIA) has launched a new environmental initiative - Travel’n Green.

Travel’n Green is based on the CCIA’s Gumnut Awards certification program which recognises holiday parks and manufacturers and dealers who integrate environmental best practice within their businesses.

The new initiative is designed to encourage us all to be more environmentally sensitive when we are away in our caravans and motorhomes.

Here’s what they reckon we can do to help play our part in protecting the planet’s future and helping to ensure our grandchildren have a decent world to live in.

• Take shorter showers (4 minutes or less)
• Only use chemicals in your RV waste holding tank that are formaldehyde free
• Do not pour oils down the sink
• Wash your recreational vehicle on a grassed area
• Always use a plug when washing your dishes
• Use phosphate free washing detergents (detergents labelled NP)
• When washing dishes in a camp site use the sink or bucket and make sure your detergents are flushed away at least 30 meters from creeks or waterways

• Recycle glass bottles, paper and cardboard (no cardboard containing food stains or plastic coating), plastic bottles, and metal tins
• Don’t be a tosser – even small items such as bottle tops and cigarette butts, metal tins, plastic bags chip packets, bread bags, shopping bags and bottles really choke up the environment. Ensure you dispose of them properly
• Re use containers
• Self contained vans and motorhomes should always dispose of their
  holding tank waste in designated dump points
• Think before you buy and 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

• Put on a jumper before you turn on the heater
• Save energy and money when you go on holidays by turning off all appliances at the power point (except the fridge)
• Turn off appliances at the power point when not in use
• Use a fan before you use the air conditioner
• If you need to use the air conditioner or heater make sure all doors and windows are closed and turn off the air conditioner when you leave
• Open a window and let the natural breeze cool the car before you turn on the fan or air conditioning
• Plan your trips to reduce your fuel use
• Ride a bike or walk 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
  

• Learn about the history and indigenous cultures of the area
• Support local charities and community organisations
• Shop at local businesses
• Buy local produce where possible

• 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
• Be careful when 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

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