9 Ways You Can Make Your Airbnb Vacation Rental Eco-friendly

Going green is not just the right thing to do. It offers businesses — vacation rentals included — a range of benefits from cutting costs in the long run to improving brand reputation and attracting new customers.

According to Airbnb, 88% of its hosts worldwide incorporate green practices. This includes over 94% of hosts in the UK and over 90% of hosts in North America. Hosts are also seeing the benefits of offering a broad range of unique homes that allow guests to immerse themselves in nature, from eco-lodges in rainforests to cave homes.

Top Tips to Make Your Airbnb Eco-friendly

1. Conserve energy
2. Save water
3. Reduce waste
4. Say no to plastics
5. Use planet-friendly products
6. Choose plant decorations
7. Encourage use of public transit
8. Grow a garden
9. Provide sustainable experiences

Why Should You Care about Being an Eco-friendly Airbnb Vacation Rental?

Sustainability and impact on the environment are a growing concern for travelers as knowledge of travel’s significant carbon footprint has become common knowledge.

According to Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report 2022, 78% of global travelers intend to stay in an eco-friendly vacation rental while 46% of global travelers have stayed in a sustainable accommodation over the past year. Meanwhile, 19% of global travelers perceive sustainable properties as stylish and trendy while 16% believe they are perfect for posting on social media.

And travelers are spending accordingly–the number of stays at eco-friendly homes on Airbnb increasing by 141% from August 2018 to 2019. Best of all, environmentally-friendly properties won’t just increase your bookings - they can also cut down meaningfully on costs.

How to Make Your Airbnb Vacation Rental More Eco-friendly

1. Conserve energy

Making your Airbnb property more energy efficient will not only reduce your carbon footprint but also help you save money.

Installing LED lighting will reduce your power bill, and because they last a lot longer, you won’t need to change them as often. Smart thermostats and smart lighting can be programmed to switch off when not in use. Opting for clean energy like solar to power at least part of your vacation rental will pay dividends in the long run, as will purchasing energy-friendly appliances.

2. Save water

Installing low-flow showerheads, faucets and toilets can minimize water use. Just make sure to choose quality appliances that still provide adequate water pressure.

Depending on your location, rainwater harvesting is another option to reduce water usage and can be used to water your garden and flush toilets.

3. Reduce waste

Choose to compost food waste left by guests. As a bonus, you can use it for your own garden, or donate it to a local community garden. Minimize paper usage by using digital communication channels and a digital guidebook instead of printed materials. Make recycling easy for guests by labeling the bins clearly.

4. Say no to plastics

Opt for glass containers and metal cutlery over plastic items. Provide a water filter and reusable water bottles to discourage guests from single-use plastic water bottles. Choose to refill your toiletries, such as hand wash, shampoo and conditioner rather than constantly replacing mini-sized plastic bottles. You can even provide guests with reusable shopping bags or partner with a local business to upsell cute canvas bags.

5. Use planet-friendly products

Eco-friendly cleaning products are non-toxic so they are also better for your guests’ health, as well as the Earth’s. Guests, particularly families with small children, will also appreciate having products they are comfortable using. They also don’t contain chemical perfumes that some people are allergic to.

Opt for environmentally-friendly toiletries, sustainably produced linens and towels and biodegradable garbage bags.

6. Choose plant decorations

Plants make great indoor décor. Plus they purify the air. Giving guests the option to water the plants while they stay at your home can also help them feel more engaged and happier in your property, leading to better reviews.

7. Encourage use of public transportation

According to the Booking.com report, 52% of travelers deem “lower-to-no carbon dioxide emissions” through their choice of transportation a key part of what constitutes ‘sustainable travel’.

Provide your guests with the information they need to use public transportation in the area, including timetables, maps and even firsthand advice so they can use the eco-friendly options over hopping in a cab. Providing bikes is another option to reduce emissions while also giving guests a more fun way to explore the destination.

8. Grow a garden

Growing a garden that has a variety of plants – not just ornamental flowering plants – will contribute to sustaining insect and plant life in the area as well as impress your guests. Allowing your guests to partake in the fruits, vegetables and herbs you grow when they cook will also add to the uniqueness of your property. Make sure to include photos in your listing.

9. Provide sustainable experiences

Collaborate with local experience providers to offer guests unique and authentic experiences focused on the environment. These can range from helping local environmentalists to protect turtle eggs from poachers to touring a rural farm. Your guests will appreciate your advice and access.

You can also partner with providers to provide your guests with special offers and discounted rates that will earn you a commission.

Green Property, Green Balance-Sheet

In the current climate, the benefits of making your Airbnb eco-friendly are obvious. From making your property more energy efficient to minimizing waste, it not only has a positive impact on the environment but also your bank balance — in the long run.

Trying to incorporate all the steps at once can feel overwhelming though so figure out how you want to begin and continue to progress on becoming kinder to the planet.