How to Turn Your Vacation Rental into an Eco-Friendly Haven
Tips for an Eco-Conscious Rental
Every day, travelers become more conscious of their impact upon the environment, and this new eco-conscious attitude has spilled over into the hospitality industry Whether its traveling to greener destinations or choosing an eco-friendly vacation rental to rent during their stay, there’s no doubt that going green is a big boost to your marketing and branding.
For short-term rental owners looking for ways to take advantage of the benefits that come along with “greening” their properties, we’ve come up with five changes (ranging from simple to those that require more investment, like solar panels) to help your property stand out on short-term rental sites and attract more of these eco-friendly visitors.
#1: Make the Switch to Greener Disposable Products
One very easy way to enhance your vacation rental’s environmentally-friendly status is to make the switch over to greener disposable products. Every rental should provide the basics like toilet paper and paper towels for visitors, but it’s simpler than ever to find better, more environmentally-friendly options for guests that won’t break the bank.
While you’re shopping for your vacation rental, try to find recycled or lower-waste versions of any disposable products that you may already be providing to guests. Though this may only be a small change, it will help you get started on your green journey and show guests that you are committed to making the world a better place, one recycled product at a time.
#2: Upgrade to Eco-Friendly Appliances and Amenities
Another relatively simple way to appeal to eco-conscious guests is to implement the usage of energy-friendly appliances and amenities in your vacation rental. This can include things like upgrading to a more energy-efficient washer and dryer, installing a smart thermostat to cut down on heating and cooling costs, and switching over to a low-flow showerhead and toilet to conserve water. Once you’ve made the changes, be sure to update your short-term rental listing to inform guests about these upgrades and show off your new eco-conscious status.
#3: Purchase Locally-Made Goods to Cut Down On Your Carbon Footprint
Cutting down on the carbon footprint that your vacation rental takes up is as easy as switching over from brands bought at big box stores to locally-made products. Whenever possible, try to find products and brands that are manufactured nearby to help lower those carbon emissions, like purchasing soap made by a local artisan or upgrading to locally-made furniture for your short-term rental.
Even though this may seem like a small change in the grand scheme of the environment, guests will appreciate these more personal touches and have an easier time feeling at home, even far away from where they are currently living. A bonus of this is that if your guests truly enjoy these locally-made products, you can give referrals and recommendations to let them know where to purchase them. In turn, this can help you to build goodwill within the community that your short-term rental is located, all while pumping more money into your local economy.
#4: Plant More Trees on Your Short-Term Rental Property
For vacation rental owners who are more committed to turning their properties into eco-friendly wonderlands, planting a variety of native trees and plants on your property could be a great move to bring in those eco-conscious guests. Take some time to research what types of trees grow best in your area before you hire a company to come in and plant, and in just a few years’ time, you’ll have a gorgeous wooded property that will be even better for the planet than it was before.
Making big changes to your property in the name of environmentally-friendly measures can also benefit your vacation home in unexpected ways. Although planting trees or creating a garden might be a bit more expensive and time-consuming than just changing over to recyclables or upgrading appliances, these types of changes can make a bigger impact on guests and even bring up the value of your property by enhancing its natural beauty and curb appeal.
#5: Invest in Solar Panels
If you’re hoping to make a bigger and more positive splash on the environment in order to stand out on short-term rental sites like AirBnB, take a look into investing in solar panels. Eco-conscious travelers not only love the look of solar panels, but homeowners can also save a ton of money in the long run by cutting down on electrical, heating, and cooling costs.
Although investing in solar panels can be a big commitment for a vacation rental owner, in the long-term it can help bring up your property’s value and curb appeal. Best of all, this type of investment typically has a very long life, with most solar panel installation companies offering a 25-year warranty on their products. This means that you’ll be able to save money on energy costs, market your vacation rental as an eco-friendly option for years to come, and then be able to recoup those initial investment costs when you decide to move on and sell the property.
Going Green Doesn’t Have to Be Hard
Tapping into the growing market for eco-friendly and sustainable tourism might seem like a time-consuming journey, but there are always simple changes you can make to limit your property’s impact on the environment. However, if you opt to go bigger and take measures such as installing solar panels or planting a variety of native trees on your property, guests will take notice of these changes and, in turn, your marketing will reach an even larger group of people.
Take care on your environmental journey, and know this: any changes you make will help turn the world into a better place, and you should feel good about that.