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Sustainability, climate planning, community giving. How we look after the place that looks after us.
Sustainability
René grew up surrounded by forests in the province of Utrecht in the Netherlands and Nelleke grew up in Apeldoorn. Her father was the director of national parks for the region which included the parklands ‘de veluwe’ and ‘de apenhuel’, so both spent a lot of time in nature. But it was the beautiful tropical, yet cool climate of the Atherton Tablelands that drew them to this area. Since arriving in the early sixties, they have spent a lot of time in the Queensland bush, camping by rivers, fishing and of course fossicking. They have always adopted a ‘leave only footprints behind’ approach to the natural world around them.
Today, they live in a single bedroom bali style home with large sliding doors that rarely close. They live in harmony with insects, snakes, spiders, bats, possums and wallabies. They have always taken a keen interest in the world around us and the environment that we live in.
René and Nelleke’s daughter Ghis takes that approach to another level. She and her husband live off the grid on a farm and actively observe sustainable living practices in everything they do. Since taking over management of The Crystal Caves in 2014, Ghis has improved the day to day efficiency of the operations starting with a new track lighting system that replaced hundreds of 150 watt incandescent spotlights to 4 watt led lights that reduced the electricity output to a third. The roof was insulated with wool batts and energy efficient air conditioners replaced old models. Over the years, many renovations have taken place and any building materials that come out of the building are donated to the local men’s shed or recycled into fixtures and fittings in the shop. All our display benches are made from an internal wall framing and our glass display cases are from a closed down décor shop in Spence street, Cairns.
In 2023, we signed up to the ecoBiz program which is funded by the Queensland Government to support businesses to further improve their energy, water and waste efficiency and we are getting down to the nitty gritty of the little things to continue to care for our planet.
Sustainability at Crystal Caves
Newspapers, not bubble wrap
We ask suppliers to package goods in newspaper instead of plastic.
Limited bin liners
We minimise the use of plastic bin liners across the building.
Kraft paper carry bags
Long before plastic bags were banned, we were already using paper.
Recycled-content print
All our print collateral uses recycled content from sustainably managed sources.
Double-sided printing
We print double-sided. If we print at all.
No printed eftpos receipts
Less paper waste at the till. We skip the receipt unless asked.
Recycled guidebooks
Guidebooks and hygiene bands are returned, cleaned and recycled.
Cardboard becomes packaging
All paper and cardboard is recycled into packing material.
Rechargeable headlights
We use rechargeable Ledlenser headlights instead of disposables.
Quality Tourism Accredited
A formal recognition of our operating standards across the business.
As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, The Crystal Caves has recently installed 67 × 440W solar panels on our roof to further reduce our carbon footprint and reliance on grid electricity.
This project is part of our involvement in the ecoBiz sustainability program, a free initiative by the Queensland Government helping businesses like ours reduce energy, water, and waste while lowering emissions and operational costs…
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67
Panels
440W
Per panel
29.5kW
Total system
Climate Risk Statement
At The Crystal Caves, we understand that climate change presents real risks to the environment, our community, and the way we do business. As guardians of a collection that celebrates the Earth’s natural wonders, we take our role in protecting the future seriously.
We are committed to identifying and managing climate-related risks – both physical, such as extreme weather events and long-term changes in our local climate, and transition risks associated with the shift to a lower-carbon economy. These considerations are integrated into our planning to ensure we stay resilient, responsible, and ready for change.
To support this, we’ve developed an immediate, short-term, and long-term climate action plan. This phased approach allows us to respond quickly where needed, build sustainability into our daily operations, and work toward broader, future-focused goals.
By aligning our operations with sustainable practices and staying informed, we aim to not only minimise negative impacts but also embrace opportunities that support long-term growth – while continuing to share the beauty and wonder of our planet’s geology with future generations.
Sponsorship
The Crystal Caves donates vouchers, goods and cash to over 80 charity organisations across the entire region. From schools and kindergartens, to sporting and fishing clubs and some delightfully specific clubs like the Cassowary Coast Poultry Club, the Ravenshoe Seed Savers and the Tableland Competition Car Club. And while we love the gratitude, in line with our sustainability commitments, we always ask that the organisation does not use their hard earned funds to mail a physical, laminated certificate of appreciation.
Personally, René and Nelleke have a soft spot for any dog related organisations and donate generously to dog charities as well as ongoing donations to the Royal Flying Doctors, Angel Flight and Cancer Council.
$150 per week
Our entire team are obsessed dog people. René and Nelleke have bred pedigree cocker spaniels and currently spoil a ginger spoodle. The idea of any animal doing without food or medical attention breaks our heart. We are a proud rescue partner and sponsor of Remote Animal Assistance.
$500 per month
In March 2006, our region endured the devastating impact of Cyclone Larry, noted as the most formidable cyclone to strike Queensland in nearly a century. The farming community of the Tablelands was particularly hard hit. Ghis and Adrian were harvesting avocados when the cyclone’s unexpectedly rapid and destructive passage devastated their crop and livelihood. Amidst widespread losses among all farmers in the area, Ghis initially felt overwhelmed by a sense of every person for themselves. However, witnessing firsthand the remarkable efforts of the Red Cross during this crisis rekindled her faith in community support. Since then, Crystal Caves have remained a dedicated supporter of the Red Cross.
$250 per month
Both Ghis and Nelleke are avid readers. In 2002, Ghis received Bryce Courtenay’s novel “Matthew Flinders’ Cat” as a gift. After reading it, she passed it on to her mum, and once they had both finished, they discussed the novel and pondered whether the Salvation Army, prominently featured in the story, was based on real events. A quick Google search confirmed their suspicions. Impressed by the Salvation Army’s impactful work in the homelessness sector, Nelleke began donating regularly.
Community
We recognise the importance of staying connected to our industry and as such we are very active members of the following organisations
Follow Along
Behind the scenes inside the caves, new arrivals in the shop, and the latest from the team.
