Going green is the new black.
Although it may seem expensive, there are many simple and affordable changes you can make in your vacation rental.
In this article, we list a few eco-friendly alternatives to include in your Airbnb that will help you reduce your carbon footprint as a vacation rental owner.
Why Use Eco-friendly Alternatives?
Better for the Planet
By taking simple steps, you can significantly reduce the amount of waste produced by your Airbnb. Therefore, opting for eco-friendly alternatives in your home is much better for the environment.
Cost-Effective
By using reusable towels and avoiding single-use toiletries, you can significantly save money on supply costs. Therefore, not only will you be helping the environment but you’ll also be saving money as an Airbnb host.
Airbnb Marketing
Many Airbnb guests are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint during their travels. Therefore, marketing your Airbnb as ‘green’ can attract like-minded guests to stay at your home.
5 Eco-Friendly Product Swaps
1. Reusable Paper Towels
Instead of providing traditional paper towel rolls for your guests, opt for reusable ones. You can designate a basket for guests to throw their dirty towels in and wash them once their stay is over. To let guests know to not throw away these towels, place a sign on the countertop. Check out this curated list by The Spruce Eats of the top reusable paper towels. This list provides a wide variety of options in materials and price points. You can even find a pack of five reusable kitchen wipes for as low as $1.99.
2. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tools
Products such as sponges, trash bags, detergent pods, and more can all be found in eco-friendly forms. For example, there are compostable trash bags instead of the traditional plastic ones. Additionally, detergent pods can be found with non-toxic and biodegradable materials. Instead of providing the traditional version of cleaning items, opt for their eco-friendly alternatives. For a handy list of sustainable household products, Public Goods has compiled their best products. This website breaks down the contents of its products and explains their environmental impact.
3. Non-Toxic Toiletries
Items such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and hand soap have inexpensive and eco-friendly alternatives. Rather than having parabens and sulfates which are usually found in traditional soaps, these are made with non-toxic ingredients. The best part is that many of the available options are very inexpensive. Public Goods compiled a wide range of non-toxic toiletries. Almost any imaginable product from toothpaste to travel soap can be in its sustainable form.
4. Natural Sheets
Another simple and budget-friendly way to be more sustainable in your Airbnb would be to use natural bedding and sheets. There are many additional benefits to using organic bedding. For example, it is higher in quality and hypoallergenic. Therefore, use this type of bedding to be more cost-effective in the long run. It can also provide a more luxurious experience for your guests. Choosing organic fabrics can help you avoid pesticides, insecticides, and other chemicals that are harmful to guests and the environment. Sustainably Chic has compiled a list of organic bed sheets with a wide range of price points to browse.
5. Reusable Food Containers
For travelers who are especially cautious of their food waste, consider including reusable, glass food containers for them to use. This is one way to eliminate single-use plastics and aluminum foil, which sustainable guests will appreciate. This will also save you money in the long term by reusing quality containers instead of purchasing new materials.
6 Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Curated by Airbnb, here’s a list of energy-saving upgrades you can make to your vacation rental to reduce waste and save on costs.
6. Remind Guests to Unplug Devices When Not in Use
Almost half of the energy used by mobile phones comes from chargers that are plugged in when they’re not being used.
7. Adjust Your Water Heater
While the standard temperature for a water heater is 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius), lowering it to 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit (48-54 degrees Celsius) can help save energy and costs on your gas or electric bill.
8. Check Your Lightbulbs
Using the lowest possible wattage can produce less heat and decrease your energy consumption over time. Energy-efficient light bulbs, like CFL and LED, also use less energy and last longer than incandescent options.
9. Weatherproof Your Space
Install weather stripping on doors and insulate windows to help save on heating and cooling costs
10. Buy Smart Thermostats With Automated Controllers
Wifi-enabled thermostats can allow you to regulate the temperature based on guests’ arrivals and departures.
11. Evaluate Your Appliances
When it’s time to buy new appliances, opt for ones with high energy-efficient ratings.
3 Additional Recommendations
12. No Single-Use Toiletries
In addition to providing non-toxic toiletries, avoid having single-use options. Instead, purchase a mounted shower dispenser for guests to use. Single-use toiletries create unnecessary plastic waste. Additionally, purchasing a large number of toiletries can increase the supply costs of running your Airbnb. Therefore, opting for a mounted soap dispenser that can be found on Amazon for as little as $20 would be an effective alternative.
13. Conserve Water
Since water is one of the most important natural resources, you should encourage your guests to conserve water wherever possible. Consider leaving a sign for your guests to shorten their shower length or turn off the faucet while brushing their teeth. You can also install low-flow faucets that reduce water use. Reducing water usage will also save you money on your water bill.
14. Recycle Bin
Last but certainly not least, we recommend including designated recycle bins for your guests. This is another simple yet effective way to encourage sustainability in your Airbnb. Having different bins for paper, plastic, and cans to make it clear for your guests to dispose of their waste.
In conclusion, implementing eco-friendly products and services in your Airbnb will not only help the planet but can also cut down costs and market your home. For more information on eco-friendly cleaning products, click here. This article provides helpful tips for Airbnb cleaners and hosts looking to go green.
