That's why Newcastle's Surfest has made it their mission to introduce environmental initiatives into the beloved surfing event and spread the message of conservation.

Surfest coordinator Warren Smith said while the group of organisers "are not experts" on the environment, he saw the event as a platform for other organisations to educate the community in that space.

For example, the event partners with Hunter Water, which provides free water fill up stations to discourage the use of disposable water bottles. The organisation also engages with attendees about water saving tips.

Take 3 is also heavily involved in Surfest, providing a presence at the event to educate people about picking up rubbish to keep it out of waterways.

And in the past the event has also partnered with the Surfrider Foundation, an organisation dedicated to the protection of Australia's beaches.

"We encourage people to listen to what they're saying and participate," Mr Smith said.

"The more people are encouraged to take pride in the environment, the better.

"Surfest is a surfing event but it's also seen as a positive vehicle to get messages out to the community.

"If someone comes to Surfest with an idea, we want to enhance it."

Over the years, the event has introduced more rubbish bins to further push the clean up message to the community.

Mr Smith said the event also tries to set an example for others by reducing its own footprint.

"When we arrive we want to make sure the beach is left in the same condition as when we leave, if we can't improve it," he said.

"We've still got a lot to learn, but that's where the younger generation is coming through. They will really take it forward."

Surfest's Ted Bassingthwaighte said while the event was only on for a few weeks, he hoped the environmental approach had a knock on effect in the community.

"If we don't do it in a small space, people really aren't going to think about doing it in a big space," he said.

"It really is a lifestyle."

Mr Smith said the environmental approach didn't happen overnight and was about continually trying to do better.

"It's just been a natural progression," he said.

"It wasn't deliberate.

"It's so important to take care of the coastal environment for the ocean and marine life.

"It's really wrong not to.

"Because it's what we live in, it's what we enjoy. It's about just trying to find that perfect world."