How to create a sustainable short term rental

[Jennifer-And-Paul1]

My husband and I have just opened up our first airbnb. My initial desire was to have it be environmentally friendly and sustainable. That has proved challenging because we don’t live near the Airbnb and so buying large items like furniture, etc. it’s hard to find companies that are also good for the environment. We are testing out different paper towels and toilet papers, etc. that are sustainable and using soap shampoo’s etc. also there are sustainable but wondering if anybody else has any ideas. Thanks everyone 🙂 Jenny.

[Laurelle3 · Accepted solution]

@Jennifer-And-Paul1 yes I can see you have a challenge before you by not loving nearby. 

This is one way we are able to contribute to our trying to achieve a sustainable Airbnb.

You could use solar panels as @Felicity11 mentioned and a battery for electrical storage and using LED lights. In summer,autum and spring you could use solar lights for outside lighting.

Have you thought of a water tank for the garden or washing machine. I you can use grey water it can be recycled for the garden or for toilet flushing.

I dont know if the location has recycled bottles and cans which can reduce waste. Having plastic containers for leftovers or using what I call a plastic hat for going over dishes to save on plastic wrap. Yes dispensing and filling up pump bottles for hand and body washing from bulk supplies.

What you do need is a good Co Host, managemt team to work with or be inclined to assist you with your products while you are absent.

[Felicity11]

welcome and I am so excited to hear about what you are aiming to achieve.  The trend for sustainable tourism is growing and guests are noticing the steps we are taking to provide homes that create less emissions and waste.  

A few things we do in our listing are

1. we have rooftop solar
2. balance of our power is bought through a leading provider or clean energy
3. we offer our guests food containers to keep leftovers food in to use another time, 
4. we offer a compost bin
5. we suggest ways to regime left over food when guests depart
6. we refill all sorts of products in the cottage such as shampoo, conditioner and dishwasher liquid but also olive oil, salt and pepper.

well done on all you have done and i hope your guests appreciate it and other hosts are inspired to make changes to there listings to become more sustainable. 

[Kyle853]

Hi Jennifer and Paul,

I am a Cohost and I can help you out with getting your Airbnb up and running, and also help manage the day to day of running your airbnb if you need help. Please let me know if you'd like to further discuss the creation of your Eco Friendly Airbnb!

-Kyle Brewer

[Bhumika]

Hi @Jennifer-And-Paul1, It is so thoughtful of you to think this way and want to ensure that your listing remains environmental friendly and sustainable! This is a favourite topic for some of our Hosts, who advocate sustainable efforts in Hosting. I wanted to share a few existing guides by our Hosts @Felicity11 and @Jennifer3225, who have actively shared tips related to Sustainability.

• Using eco-friendly and recyclable items in a listing 
• How can we help guests reduce single-use plastic when they stay with us?
• Hosting Tips for Plastic-Free and Greener Vacations
• Tips for Eco- Friendly Cleaning

I also would like to invite  @Felicity11 @Jennifer3225 and our lovely member @Laurelle3, if they would like to share some of their suggestions and to-do list to help you in your efforts !

[Jennifer3225]

@ Jennifer-And-Paul1

There are a few Community Leaders who are working on a Sustainability Playbook for Canadians. 

Perhaps you filled out the survey already, but stay posted in 2023, November for a launch, and then in 2024 for some actionable items.

Stay in touch and always throwing in the workd Sustainable gets my attention.

[Helen3]

This is something you can brief in your local cohost to provide support with @Jennifer-And-Paul1