27th February 2025

How to Build an Eco-Conscious Team Experience in WA

Team experiences are more than just a break from the office. They shape the way we connect, collaborate, and engage with the world around us. And with sustainability becoming a growing priority for businesses, there’s a real opportunity to rethink how we approach team-building.

Rather than another boardroom workshop or high-energy corporate event, why not step outside? Western Australia’s landscapes offer the perfect setting for teams to slow down, reconnect, and do something good for the planet while they’re at it.

If you’re unsure where to start, we’ve put together a guide on how to create a meaningful, low-impact team experience—one that brings people together while treading lightly on the world around us.

Why Eco-Conscious Team Experiences Matter

Sustainability in business isn’t just about reducing waste in the office or cutting carbon emissions. It’s also about the way we interact with our surroundings, the experiences we create, and the choices we make when bringing people together.

Traditional team-building events often come with a hefty footprint—flights, catering waste, single-use plastics, and high-energy venues all add up. But by choosing outdoor experiences and integrating sustainability into our planning, we can create team-building moments that have a lasting impact—without leaving a lasting trace.

The good news? Creating an eco-conscious team experience doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, it can be a natural extension of the way we already connect with nature.

1. Get Outside, Responsibly

There’s no better way to refresh the mind and reset as a team than by spending time in nature. Swapping an indoor event for an outdoor adventure automatically cuts down on energy consumption and waste, but taking it a step further means being mindful of how we interact with the environment.

Choose Low-Impact Outdoor Activities

Western Australia is home to some of the most unique and fragile ecosystems in the world. From the towering forests of the Southwest to the rugged coastline of the Perth region, there’s no shortage of places to explore. But as visitors, it’s our responsibility to ensure we leave no trace.

Simple ways to minimise impact on your next team adventure:

• Stick to marked trails to protect native vegetation and prevent erosion
• Carry reusable water bottles and containers to reduce single-use plastic waste
• Leave what you find—resist the urge to pick flowers, remove shells, or disturb natural habitats
• Respect local wildlife by keeping a safe distance and not feeding animals
• Choose a guided experience with an organisation that follows Leave No Trace principles

A guided hike through Kings Park, John Forrest National Park, or Rottnest Island is a great way for teams to experience WA’s landscapes while learning about local ecosystems, cultural history, and conservation efforts.

2. Make It About More Than Just Your Team

A great team day doesn’t just benefit the people involved—it can also leave a lasting impact on the places we visit. Conservation-based experiences, like trail clean-ups, tree planting, or working with local environmental groups, turn a day outdoors into something even more meaningful.

Incorporate Conservation and Community Impact

Spending time in nature naturally builds a sense of responsibility for protecting it. When teams work together on projects that contribute to the environment, the sense of connection—both to each other and to the land—is even stronger.

Some ideas for adding impact to your team adventure:

• Join a community-led clean-up along Perth’s coastline, river trails, or bushland
• Get involved with tree planting or reforestation efforts in the Perth Hills, Swan Valley, or Peel region
• Support conservation projects in WA’s national parks through guided programs

Learning as Part of the Experience

Sustainability isn’t just about action—it’s also about awareness. Incorporating an educational element into your team experience can help shift perspectives, spark new ideas, and inspire change.

Some ways to integrate learning into your eco-conscious team event:

• Indigenous-led cultural walks that provide insight into traditional land management and bush medicine
• Eco-tours that explore WA’s biodiversity, conservation challenges, and sustainability initiatives
• Workshops with sustainability experts covering topics like regenerative tourism, native flora restoration, or zero-waste practices

Even the smallest actions—picking up rubbish on the trail, learning about native wildlife, or taking the time to reflect in nature—can create a ripple effect long after the experience ends.

3. Support Local, Sustainable Businesses

Sustainability isn’t just about what we do during an event—it’s also about who we support along the way. The choices we make when planning a team experience—where we eat, how we travel, and who we work with—can make a significant difference.

Choose Ethical & Sustainable Suppliers

Opting for locally owned, environmentally conscious businesses helps reduce emissions, supports ethical practices, and keeps money in the community. When planning a team experience, consider:

• Locally sourced catering – Instead of pre-packaged meals, choose picnic spreads featuring fresh, seasonal produce from WA farmers and sustainable suppliers
• Eco-friendly transport – Reduce your team’s carbon footprint by carpooling, hiring hybrid vehicles, or using public transport where possible
• Sustainable tourism operators – Work with businesses that prioritise conservation, waste reduction, and responsible travel practices

A team hiking experience could be followed by a meal at a café that prioritises organic, locally sourced ingredients or a stay at an eco-lodge that supports conservation initiatives. These small choices add up to a bigger impact.

Building a More Sustainable Team Culture

Creating an eco-conscious team experience is about fostering a culture of sustainability within your workplace. The lessons learned from time in nature—mindfulness, respect for the environment, and the value of community—can carry over into the way teams work together long after the day is over.

Bringing Sustainability into Everyday Work Life

• Encourage green commuting – Provide incentives for carpooling, cycling, or using public transport
• Reduce waste in the workplace – Implement composting, recycling, and reusable alternatives to single-use plastics
• Support ongoing conservation efforts – Offer volunteer days where employees can participate in local environmental projects
• Incorporate nature into work life – Encourage outdoor meetings, walking brainstorms, or quiet moments in green spaces

Sustainability isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making intentional choices, one step at a time.

The Future of Team Experiences: Meaningful, Sustainable, and Impactful

The way we approach team experiences is changing. More than ever, people are looking for opportunities to connect in a way that aligns with their values—choosing experiences that are not only enjoyable but also meaningful.

Whether it’s hiking through WA’s diverse landscapes, contributing to conservation efforts, or supporting local businesses that are doing good, eco-conscious team experiences are a way to bring people together while making a positive impact.

And at the end of the day, the best team-building moments aren’t just about where we go—they’re about the mark we leave behind.