Tread Lightly
Embracing the Tread Lightly ethos is easy and rewarding. Before you act ask yourself whether your actions will upset the natural balance. It really is that simple.
When the natural balance is disturbed no one wins. Campsites become litter strewn, historical sights degraded and waterways polluted. It is easy to think that "my actions will not make a difference", but they do.
To tread lightly please follow these simple suggestions:
- Load of Rubbish: Rubbish transforms wilderness into an unsightly mess. Take your own plastic bag to carry out all rubbish, including cigarette butts, and pick up any you find. Never bury rubbish or discard in fireplaces.
- When Nature Calls: Exposed toilet paper and human waste is an eyesore and a health hazard. Use a toilet if available, or go as far as practical from water and campsites and bury waste as deep as possible. If burying is impossible pack it out; special hygienic bags are available for this purpose.
- Wash Time: Detergents and soaps pollute the water and harm aquatic life. Wash yourself and dinner dishes as far as practical from water sources. Use detergents only when necessary and preferably apply sunscreen after your swim.
- Dinner Time: Fire scars the earth and can cause bushfires. Use only official fireplaces, observe fire bans and never collect wood from the bush. Use a fuel stove for cooking.
- But It's Cute: Feeding animals can make them sick or turn them into aggressive scavengers. Secure food against foraging animals and never feed wildlife.
- Let It Be: Everything in our parks is protected by law. Never disturb or remove plants, animals or historical artefacts. Respect Aboriginal and European cultural sites and private property.
- On Track: Leaving formed tracks causes erosion and tramples plants. Keep on the track, even if it is muddy, and never take shortcuts. Camp only on designated tent sites.
- Sounds of Nature: People visit the wilderness to commune with nature, not to endure loud voices or radios. Show consideration for other visitors.
Other resources
Information on fire bans and restrictions...
Visit the South Australian Country Fire Service
A great read to take with you...
For a practical guide to travelling "green" in Australia, check out Tread Lightly by Robin Stewart. This is an indispensable guidebook for all kinds of Australian travellers. Whether you travel in a car or a motorhome, camp out or stay in a hotel or caravan park, Tread Lightlyshows you how to protect and respect the places you visit while still having a great holiday.
Information online...
For more information on treading lightly visit: Leave No Trace Australia.