What practices do you follow to reduce waste in your listing?

[Elisa]

Hello everyone 😊,

I hope you’re having a great week!

Sustainability is becoming an important part of hosting. Small changes can make a big difference. Replacing single-use toiletries with refillable options, providing clearly labeled recycling bins, and offering durable, eco-friendly amenities can all help reduce waste. 

Informing guests about your efforts encourages them to participate, creating a positive impact for the environment and your listing.

What practices do you follow to reduce waste in your listing?

I’m looking forward to reading your thoughts!

Warm regards,
Elisa 🌻

[Andrea6232]

Ciao @Elisa 

Venice is a very unique city, even when it comes to garbage collection, which is not only done by boat but also door-to-door with an employee who rings your doorbell!

Andrea

[Elisa]

Ciao @Andrea6232 😊, 

Thank you for commenting here!

That’s fantastic, how many times per week do they come?

[Andrea6232]

@Elisa  every day except Sunday

[Elisa]

@Andrea6232

Thank you for letting me know. 😊

Venice is such a wonderful city for this as well, I really appreciate it!

[Greystone0]

Hi @Elisa  -  we installed a water filtration system that provides filtered water to a tap at the sink and is attached to the water line into the fridge that dispenses cold water and ice cubes. So all of this is meant to fully replace any need for bottled water. 

Our local water is actually considered very clean and drinkable but we noted that our guests were always bringing bottled water and our plastic recycling was just crazy in terms of volume to be managed. We installed a multi filter system to sort of pre-emptively provide a filtered alternative for any future drinking water issues.

We have this info referenced in our Welcome Guidebook (we have a photo of our system along with background info) and suggest that if a guest did bring bottled water to just leave in their car . We also end up with lots of left over, unopened plastic water bottles that we don't have room to just store forever nor do we wish to toss.

[Elisa]

Hi @Greystone0 😊, 

Thank you for commenting here!

I love the water filter. How often do you need to check if everything is working properly?

[Greystone0]

Hi @Elisa  -  this water filtration system has three unique filters (each does a different thing) that will need to be replaced over time.  Other than replacing the filters, this system hasn't needed further support. And in this case, the filters should last approx a year and so the upkeep is minimal. 

We are in our home about once a month and so we check these things and manage each time (replace batteries, filters, all the things as needed). In the case that we are not available, our crew can manage this task too. 

thanks for the conversation!

[Elisa]

Hi @Greystone0 😊, 

Thank you for letting me know! This is so interesting.

How long do the three filters usually last?

[Wendy-May0]

@Elisa 

Hi Elisa! That is such a great point. Guests really do notice when you put in that extra effort to be sustainable, and it definitely makes the stay feel more premium.

I have been looking at ways to make listings stand out more lately, and I think highlighting those eco-friendly amenities with some sharp, close-up photos would be a brilliant selling point. It is also a good time to tweak titles for the season, maybe focusing on the outdoor spaces now that it is getting warmer, or a cosy retreat vibe for the winter.

I have found that being really specific in the bio about distances to local spots and clearly stating who the property is best for helps a lot with bookings too. It is also worth keeping a close eye on pricing compared to the local competition just to stay ahead.

[Elise43]

We are really intentional in our listings about both modeling and teaching environmental stewardship. We buy safe, sustainable products, and educate our guests about them. Guests have opportunities for composting, using handmade and ethically sourced products, and we try to connect our guests to local businesses with environmental missions. On our home property, guest learn about our biodynamic farming practices, too. 

And we remind them a lot to leave the bottled water at home-- our water is amazing, which is why so many breweries and wineries land here in Nelson County, Virginia.

[Elisa]

Hi @Elise43 😊, 

It’s so nice reading you here.

I love how much you care about this topic and the positive impact it’s having on your listings.

Have you been using this approach since the beginning on Airbnb?

[Tariq52]

Hey Elisa,

Thanks for getting me to think about this 🤔. I have laundry balls (wool balls), in the dryer at at times for my guests. I also offer strong reusable grocery bags --- something I saw at an Airbnb I stayed at and thought it was great! 

Looking forward to seeing what others are doing to reduce waste.

Tariq

[Elisa]

Hi @Tariq52 😊, 

Thank you for sharing this comment here!

That’s a great idea to offer reusable grocery bags.

Do you give them as gifts, or only provide them when guests stay at your property?

[Tariq52]

@Elisa  So far I just have a bunch in the home that are easily accessible, but I like the idea of giving them as gifts, since they end up going missing most of the time any way!