It’s that time of year, school holidays are upon us and the winter season is in full swing in the southern hemisphere.
The beauty that surrounds us in Australia includes the beautiful whale migration up the east coast of Australia (visible from the beaches along the northern rivers coast line!) to the snow falling in our alpine regions.
There’s no better time to get into nature; take a hike, grab your layers and go camping or picnic in your own backyard.
Here’s some eco-inspiration to help you to keep your trips sustainable this winter!
- Pack A Picnic
Picnics are synonymous with laughter and spending time with friends and family. Good company shared over delicious food out in nature - what could be more fun?!
Kids can get creative by packing their own picnic lunch with our Mini CrunchBox or OG CrunchBox complete with their insulated CrunchCases. Make it an adventure, even if you're only going to sit in the garden to eat it!
Check out this Oat & Date bar recipe from Boob to Food.
- Take a Hike
We are blessed with an incredible array of outdoor opportunities in Australia. The term “forest bathing” or shinrin-yoku became popular in Japan in the 1980's, and describes the simple past time of literally bathing in nature.
It has been proven to reduce anxiety, spark creativity and consciously connect to our surrounding. (If you can find a waterfall or coastal path and add in the soothing sounds of water you'll be doubly relaxed!)
Take your reusable water bottle along with you and take any rubbish home with you when you leave.
Check out some options in NSW here
- Go Camping
Yes we know the temperatures have dropped but see it as an adventure (or just head north!)
Australia wouldn't be Australia without it's camping. Stradbrooke Island, Magnetic Island, Wilson's Prom, we truly have some of the best camping spots in the world (yep we said it!).
Pack your sustainable travel essentials like your Cooler Bags for all of your food and drinks, your Food Flasks for coffee in the morning and a hot chocolate in the evenings and your Dish Bar and Pot Scrubber to clean up before you head back home.
Our Bars and Stainless Steel Travel Tins make the perfect companion and will never ever leak! Zero waste, and one less thing to worry about. Yay!
- Re-establish your Veggie Garden
There's not many things that beat walking outside and picking your own fresh veggies straight from the garden! The change of season is always a great time to get outside, prepare your soil and get ready for the next round.
Planting our vegetables allows us to gain a deeper understanding of where our food comes from and the importance of composting. Composting our scraps is one of the best things we can do for the planet. If you're interested in starting, check out our composting blog here.
With Australia being so vast we'd suggest doing your own research in your area but we found this great guide from About The Garden to get us started;
Enjoy the process of nurturing your vegetable patch and savour the delicious and nutritious rewards of homegrown produce during the winter months in Australia.
- Respect the Local Environment and Culture
As you explore your chosen destination, it is crucial to show respect for the environment and the local culture. Stick to designated hiking trails to minimize damage to fragile ecosystems, dispose of waste responsibly, and refrain from disturbing wildlife. Supporting local businesses not only contributes to the local economy but also allows you to experience the cultural richness of your destination. Embrace the significance of local traditions and practices, gaining a deeper understanding of the place you visit.
By incorporating these five eco-friendly ideas into your winter holiday plans, you can create unforgettable experiences while minimizing your environmental impact. Let the beauty of Australia inspire you to make sustainable choices, leaving a positive footprint on the places you explore. Whether you're enjoying a picnic, hiking in nature, camping under the stars, tending to your veggie garden, or immersing yourself in local culture, remember to cherish and preserve the wonders of our remarkable planet.
