5 Tips on How to Make Your Airbnb Home Eco-Friendly
If you’re planning to be away from home for the holidays, renting your property to travelers can be the perfect way to make use of your extra space. But, you don’t have to come back to a high power bill and a full waste bin. Whether your home is already eco-optimized or you’re looking to reduce your impact, here are a few easy ways to lower your home’s carbon footprint.
Use sustainable products
Some items can’t be taken off your shopping list, but there are always better alternatives when it comes to minimizing waste and environmental damage. Even disposable products such as tissue paper and coffee filters can be swapped out for a biodegradable option. When you’re stocking up the house for a guest, make sure that all of your plastic, paper, and glass items are recyclable and responsibly produced.
Provide easy-to-use recycling bins
The best way to help your guests reduce waste is to make it easy for them. People will think twice about tossing out their empty water bottles and soda cans if they can just simply separate their materials. By keeping clearly marked receptacles for glass, plastic, paper, compost, and other recyclables, you can lower the amount of waste that is produced in your home.
Stay up-to-date on maintenance
If you’re behind on maintenance for your electrical fixtures or insulation, you could be wasting energy – and money – without even realizing it. For example, swapping out your incandescent lights for LED bulbs can help you save up to 80 percent on both energy usage and cost. Also, consider installing double-pane windows or touching up the seal on your existing doors and windows to lower the amount of energy that’s required to regulate the temperature in your home.
To even further prevent energy waste, install a metered thermostat to keep the temperature at a moderate level. Bundling up or shedding a layer or two is an easy way to make yourself more comfortable without increasing your energy use.
Double check the toiletries and cleaning products.
If you plan on providing cleaning supplies and other personal products such as soap and shampoo, choose responsibly. Many common household cleaners contain harmful chemicals, such as ammonia and bleach, which makes its way from our private drains to our public waterways. Even toiletries can include parabens, waxes, and other additives that are dangerous for both plant and animal life. Opting for natural formulas that are free of toxic chemicals and ingredients is a simple but impactful way to make your home a more eco-friendly lodging option.
Rethink disposable containers.
Many of us regularly use single-use items in our daily routines. Everything from coffee stirrers to individual seasoning packets can be swapped out for a low-waste option. Stock your kitchen with sustainable dishes and appliances and get rid of anything that requires you to throw something away after each use. Ditch the coffee pods and grab a French press instead. Offer cloth towels and napkins to cut back on paper use. Keep some reusable shopping bags around as a better alternative to plastic. Take a look around and see what is necessary, what can be changed, and what you can do without.
With just a few changes, you can drastically improve your home’s efficiency while also providing a comfortable and convenient environment for your guests.