A lighter footprint

Campers – and the campsites they visit – all share a responsibility to treat the environment with care, says Neels van Heerden.

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I'm one of those people who often remind myself how lucky we are to live in a country with such unique natural beauty. That's why it's so important for the local camping industry to actively work toward minimising its environmental impact.

The good news? An eco-friendly approach doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. There are plenty of simple, smart ways to make a campsite greener.

The most obvious is to make better use of solar energy. Solar panels on the roofs of offices and ablution blocks can cover a large chunk of a campsite's energy needs - from hot water to lighting in communal areas. And as a bonus, you become less dependent on the grid. Energy-efficient bulbs and appliances, along with motion sensors that switch lights on and off as needed, will also help cut costs.