Simple steps on how you can do your bit towards making a difference, click the links to learn more:

waste

• Compost Revolution – Bokashi Bins, does your council subsidy?
• Tangaroa Blue – Waste Free Lifestyle Information
• Tangaroa Blue – Waste Free Cleaning Information
• Tangaroa Blue – Waste Free Home Information
• Tangaroa Blue – Waste Free Kitchen Information
• Tangaroa Blue – Waste Free Bathroom Information
• Tangaroa Blue – Waste Free Events Information
• Tangaroa Blue – Waste Free School Information

reduce, reuse, recycle

• Red Cycle – Learn about what you can and can’t recycle and where to send it
• TerraCycle – Eliminating waste by recycling the “non-recyclable” items, ie. coffee capsules.
• Brunswick Tool Library (BTL) – A lot like a book library, but you get to check out tools instead of books!
• Melbourne Repair Cafe – Repairing goods, sharing skills, reducing landfill & household spend, while celebrating community

shop

• Waste Free Shopping – List of places to help you shop plastic free
• Aussie Farmers Direct – Australia’s first independent grocery delivery businesses
• Your Grocer – Shop online locally, delivered to your door
• Flora & Fauna – Buying 100% Vegan, Ethical, Cruelty Free & Eco Friendly Products
• DIY Recipes – Toothpaste, Body Scrub, Facial Mask, Deodorant by Sea Shepherd

watch

• War on Waste – The ABC Documentary hosted by Craig Reucassel
• Wasted! The Story Of Food Waste – SBS Documentary hosted by Anthony Bourdain
• The True Cost – Documentary on who pays the price for our clothing?

Tangaroa Blue Foundation is an Australian-wide not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the removal and prevention of marine debris, one of the major environmental issues worldwide. (click to donate)

Greenfleet Australia connect people with real climate action. Greenfleet’s mission is to protect our climate by restoring our forests.  As an environmental non-profit, Greenfleet is the trusted carbon offset provider for thousands of leading organisations, businesses, councils, universities and individuals around Australia and New Zealand. Since 1997, we have planted more than 9 million native trees to restore forests and offset carbon emissions on behalf of our supporters. (click to donate)

Koala Clancy Foundation is a not for profit incorporated association and registered charity set up to support the wild koalas of the Western Plains of Victoria, particularly around the You Yangs and Brisbane Ranges west of Melbourne. (click to donate)

Sea Shepherd Australia is a non-profit conservation organisation whose mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. World’s leading direct-action ocean conservation organisation. (click to donate)

OzHarvest is Australia’s leading food rescue organisation, collecting quality excess food from commercial outlets and delivering it directly to more than 1300 charities supporting people in need across the country. (click to donate)

Foodbank is a non-denominational, non-profit organisation which acts as a pantry to the charities and community groups who feed the hungry. Foodbank is by far, the largest hunger relief organisation in Australia (click to donate)

At Autopia Tours we actively promote the protection of flora and fauna on our TBOT Port Stephens Beach Clean Tour.  It is our duty to ensure there is minimal disturbance to the region and the species that call it home.  Cultural sensitivity and respect for the traditional owners should also be shown at all times.  

Part of our responsibility is educating guests on minimal impact practices and the importance of ensuring the safety of wildlife and the environmental sustainability of the destinations we visit.

1. Autopia Tours would like to begin by paying our respects to the traditional owners of this country.  Please be conscious and respectful of the sensitivities of indigenous culture and the spiritual connection they have with the land at all times.

2. All our guides carry a current Level 2 First Aid certificate. Please report any accident or illness to your tour guide.  We recommend anyone with an existing medical condition to carry their medication with them on tour and to notify their tour guide at the beginning of the tour.

3. All buses are fitted with waste bins. No organic waste should be disposed of onto the ground. Although organic, items such as banana peels, apple cores, bread and other food scraps, are not natural/native to the region and can introduce pest species, diseases or harm to wildlife if found and eaten.

4. Autopia Tours promote the responsible service and consumption of alcohol and request that guests drink responsibly.  As this is a wine tasting tour, we recommend guests use public transport to and from their pickup and drop off points, or organise a designated driver for the day.

5. The natural behaviours of wildlife are to be respected and not interfered with. When viewing wildlife, people should take care to avoid rapid or sudden movements, which could frighten the animal, and should keep noise to a minimum and refrain from touching, petting or feeding all wildlife including birds.  Contact with people can introduce diseases to wildlife and can cause them to become aggressive.

6. People should remain on designated walking tracks, behind safety barriers/fences and follow all directions given by the guide/tour leader. Venturing off these can alter fragile ecosystems and can harm wildlife shelters and native vegetation.  There are other dangers to be aware of too, such as cliff edges, unstable rock formations, overhanging tree branches and slippery ground cover.  Remaining on tracks ensures safe visitation for guests and the environment.

7. Wildlife should not be handled or fed, unless by certified wildlife handlers.  Feeding wildlife can alter their natural foraging behaviour and can lead to disease or illness through contact with people and the introduction of foods that are harmful to their digestive system.  Feeding wildlife can also cause them to become aggressive towards people.

8. No flora or fauna should be removed from their natural setting. This includes dead wood, fallen leaves, flowers and so forth, as they form part of the ecosystem of the region and their removal could cause disturbance.

9. Wildlife that appears to be in distress, injured or in danger should be reported immediately to the appropriate authority, such as your Guide/Tour Leader, a National Park Ranger, Visitor Centre Staff or Wildlife Victoria Rescue Ph:1300 094 535.

10. If you are a smoker! We ask you to refrain from smoking whilst in the company of other passengers and limit it to designated smoking areas.  Smoking is not permitted on any of our vehicles, or in any type of accommodation including permanent campsites. We make frequent ‘comfort stops’ to allow free time for guests but cannot guaranteed smoke breaks. Please ensure you dispose of your cigarette butt responsibly and appropriately.

10. We recommend all passengers bring a water bottle with you on our TBOT Port Stephens Beach Clean Tour. Purchasing bottled water contributes large amounts of plastic into landfill.  Therefore, we ask guests to bring their own bottle, as there is access to water refill stations available on our vehicles.  Please ensure you stay hydrated throughout the tour to reduce the risk of sun exposure and dehydration.