A few small tweaks to your roadtrip routines could make a big difference in protecting the environment and reducing water wastage. As our climate changes it’s become increasingly important to practice waterwise techniques in our day-to-day lives. There are some simple but clever changes that can be implemented… even while caravanning or camping in WA.
Being eco-friendly with your local surroundings and conscious of water usage while on the road is not only great for the environment, but it can also be more convenient for you as the water that you bring along with you will last longer and this means longer trips and more flexible adventuring!
Check your home before you head off
The first step starts before you even set off on your roadtrip adventures. Whether you’re taking off for the weekend or for weeks it’s a good idea to check around the house before you go.
- Make sure your irrigation system is working properly and set to water only once on your watering days. If rain is forecast, consider turning your retic off while you’re away.
- Do a quick sense check for leaks around the house. A small leak can waste thousands of litres of water if it’s not fixed. Water Corporation has a handy leak detection tool that is very handy.
- Turn off any appliances that use water, such as your dishwasher and washing machine. Turn appliances off at the wall to save electricity too.
Create a one-pot meal menu and meal prep
Eating well on the road can be delicious while still staying simple, hassle-free, and water-wise from the process of cooking right down to the clean-up.
If you prep meals before heading on your trip then it not only makes your holiday more relaxing, but it is also likely you have a more water and energy efficient process at home. Planning your meals ahead of time also means less food waste.
One pot meals like pastas, soups/stews and stir fries are a great way to keep it simple while using few utensils, pots and pans. And let’s face it, we all want less washing up anyway.
Make meal clean-up easy and efficient
Now that you have fewer dishes to do (winning!) there are plenty of ways to clean them up without sacrificing litres of water to do so. Scraping your plates before washing and wiping them down with damp cloth is a simple first step. This is better than opting for disposable plates and you can even try meals that have the plates built in, like tortillas or wraps!
When choosing cleaning products for an outdoors trip, try and choose products that limit chemical use. We suggest opting for natural, biodegradable washing products, soaps and toothpastes. Do not throw your dirty water directly on the ground once you’re done, those chemicals will be directly drained into the soil or can end up in water sources, damaging the natural environment. Take all grey water with you and dispose of correctly.
Wilderness Wash from Sea to Summit is an all-purpose cleaner that can be used as dishwashing liquid, laundry liquid, soap and shampoo.
Cleaning yourself can be efficient too!
Feel fresh throughout your day with biodegradable wet wipes and hand sanitiser and a bonus is that they fit perfectly in the glove box! In between a proper wash it will do the trick – you are camping after all and a bit of dirt under the fingernails is a sign of doing it right!
Keep showers quick and if you want to get real serious, you can save the initial burst of cold water in a container to use later on dishes… Dry shampoo is also a lifesaver to freshen up with ease.
Keep it loose with laundry
When you’re out on the road exploring the wonders of WA, it seems fair enough to let your clothes get a little dirtier than normal. It is best to only do laundry when necessary to minimise water consumption.
Harness the power of the SUN
Power your trip with solar panels to minimise dependence on generators and mains power. The sun’s renewable energy is silent, sustainable and allows you to enjoy an eco-friendly camping trip for as long as you want.
REDARC Electronics can power your adventure and you can find out more about the right power solutions for your trip, here.
Leave no trace
It’s a great rule of thumb to “take out what you take in”. Don’t forget to bring a cardboard box or biodegradable garbage bags to sort and collect your rubbish so you can dispose of it when you get home or at appropriate facilities nearby. Try and leave your camping spot as pristine and untouched as if you were never there.
Stay on track
We know the urge to go completely off-the-beaten track but some environments are more resilient than others. Whether you are picking a place to pitch your tent or going for a bushwalk, be mindful of fragile soils and young grasses. Trampling causes vegetation damage and soil erosion, and the time it takes for it to recover can take anywhere from one year to 25 years – so choose your locations mindfully.
Wash your vehicle and tow vehicle only when necessary
We all love a sparkling clean car but let’s face it, when you’re travelling it won’t be long before it gets dirty again. If you do need to wash your car, caravan, RV or boat, keep it minimal and use a bucket rather than a hose where possible.
Properly dispose of Greywater
Plan in advance and map out Dump Points along your route before heading off on your journey so you can properly dispose of greywater.
Greywater is wastewater from washing machines, sinks, and showers and it may contain a number chemical and physical contaminants that can be harmful to the environment.
Majority of Caravan Parks have a grey water drain and it is best to check with park reception if you are unsure. There are also some local Shires that offer dump points for RV travellers.
If you’d like to learn more about conserving water while on holidays, visit the Water Corporation’s WATERWISE page.
