Nowadays, people are becoming more environmentally conscious regarding how their daily activities affect the world. As a host, incorporating sustainable living in your stay will appeal to eco-conscious tourists.
Your goal is to create a welcoming and comfortable space for your guests. But how can you make your rental eco-friendly without compromising convenience and fun for your guests? Here are some practical sustainability tips for hosts looking to promote eco-friendly practices.
Adopt Energy-Saving Options
According to research, leaving a 60-watt light bulb on for eight hours daily will cost you upwards of $900 at the end of the year. Consider switching to energy-saving bulbs throughout your property. You can install LED lights or use motion sensor light bulbs in the corridors and washrooms.
Also, if you can, fit your rental with smart thermostats to regulate heating and cooling systems efficiently. Educate your visitors on the need to save energy by placing witty notes on the benefits near switches, on the fridge, and on the microwave.
Ditch Paper Use Where Possible
You can embrace digital communication to reduce the paper trail in and around your property. Consider curating digital guides and brochures instead of paperback welcome books. You can also get a screen to display house rules, amenities, and emergency phone numbers.
Also, provide tote shopping bags to prevent visitors from using single-use plastic bags. Encourage the guests to wash and reuse the bags rather than buying a new one every time they go out.
Proper Waste Management
Waste management can be a huge concern, especially if you allow guests to cook in your rental. However, you can curb this menace by providing sustainable waste management solutions. Start by providing Airbnb supplies like hand towels to prevent the use of paper towels in the kitchen and washroom areas.
Invest in waste-labeled collection bins to separate all of the trash collected around the waste. This will make management and disposal easier. Consider composting organic waste from your kitchen to divert it from landfills.
Encourage Water Conservation
You can conserve water around your rental by installing low-flow taps, showerheads, and toilets. Consider setting up a rainwater collection unit complete with a filtration system. This way, you can reduce your water bill by using the rainwater in the kitchen, washroom, and laundry.
Regularly inspect the plumbing system around the house for leaks and clogs. Being proactive will help you detect leaks early on and prevent water wastage.
Community Engagement
Liaise with the local community and support environmental initiatives. These activities can be as simple as planting trees to educating the locals about the importance of adopting sustainable habits. You can partner with local businesses that share similar views on eco-friendly practices.
Educate your guests on the importance of protecting the environment. Challenge them to adopt better habits in exchange for incentives. For example, discourage them from buying water in plastic bottles by providing a refillable water dispenser in the living room.
Wrapping Up
These tips can help reduce the carbon footprint of your hosting business. Always be on the lookout for smart devices that can help conserve energy around your vacation rental.