Hi everyone,
The below information has been translated from the French-speaking Community Center (see original topic here), and written by @Katy-and-Vincent0. It is the result of discussions within France’s Community Board, made up of local club leaders across the country. They put together a proposal to help make guests more aware of how they can be more responsible towards the environment while travelling, and would like to open a debate and encourage more ideas to be shared on the matter, so we thought this is a question we could open up to everyone.
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Hosts receive thousands of visitors, not all of whom are aware of the eco-gestures that can help preserve the environment.
We all observe behaviours that could be improved (lights on all day, heating at full blast, bins full of plastic waste...). What if we, Airbnb hosts, decided to pass on messages to our guests?
Awareness points (non-exhaustive list)
Lights left on
Excessive heating or air conditioning on with open windows
Devices left on standby
Unlimited water consumption (bath/shower)
Tap water vs. bottled water, etc.
What kind of message should we be delivering?
Do not guilt guests, but instead be kind and benevolent
Highlight simple actions that are easy to remember
Use examples implemented in the accommodation in which the traveller is staying
How do you pass it on?
We are all different, we all have different listings, practices and guests, and a general brochure, even at local level, does not seem appropriate.
We are thinking about tools - stickers, postcards, magnets - that everyone could use to raise awareness among their guests: a message in the bathroom about how long to shower for, one on the front door for the light, another above the sink for tap water, etc.
A few examples
"We don't need plastic bottles, local tap water is delicious."
"Tap water is excellent, it doesn't take 300 km to get here and doesn't cost tons of fuel!"
“On the way out, I turn off the air conditioning so as not to heat up the planet.”
“I save my towel for tomorrow, it's water and electricity saved and the planet protected!”
“To go to the market, I borrow the bags I have at my disposal: it's less plastic in the oceans!”
“I turn off the television completely: it's 3 to 20 watts of savings! The planet and Brian say thank you :))”
Some easy-to-apply suggestions for your home
LED bulbs that significantly reduce power consumption
If you provide "goodies", avoid single-use plastic, mineral water bottles (prefer tap water or a filter jug), local products - easier in the countryside! -, etc. ... and mention it on arrival!
Leave eco-responsible cleaning products (there are more and more of them available!) and white vinegar is fantastic!
Share ways of exploring the area: by bicycle, on foot, by carpooling, etc - Carpooling services and apps for example are often unknown to guests from abroad and very practical in case of problems on train lines.
Let’s carry on the conversation, as this is relevant for locations around the world. 🙂
How do you think hosts can encourage guests to be more eco-conscious? Do you already apply some of the tips above, and is there any you would add to the list?
Thanks,
Stephanie