Sustainable travel options are in demand more than ever, as energy costs continue to rise and there is an increasing need to protect the environment. As a host, there are a number of things you can do to make your vacation rental property more sustainable. Take a look at how you can encourage guests to be eco-friendly when travelling, and how you can be a more environmentally conscious traveller.
By Kate Wilkinson, Content Marketing Executive
What is sustainability?
Sustainability is the practice of using natural resources, like energy and materials, in a way that meets our current needs without compromising future generations. Understanding how to minimise environmental impact by taking steps such as using renewable energy sources, conserving water and reducing waste is hugely important going forward. Reducing our carbon footprint is important because it allows us to protect the environment while still meeting our needs. By using sustainable practices in the travel industry, we can ensure that future generations have access to the same resources that we have today.
Sustainable international travel
According to the Expedia Sustainable Travel Study, majority of travellers will be looking for sustainable options when traveling in 2023. When it comes to sustainable international travel, the key is to be mindful of the impact your travels have on earth’s resources. Choose destinations that are making conscious efforts to become more sustainable and support local communities by choosing locally-owned businesses for food and lodging. Look for eco-friendly transportation options like buses or trains instead of aeroplanes or cars where possible. When you arrive at your destination, choose experiences that minimise environmental impacts such as hiking or biking instead of jet skiing or off-road driving.
How to live sustainably
Living sustainably starts with small steps. Choose sustainable materials whenever you can, like eco-friendly cleaning products and sustainable packaging. Cut down on your energy consumption by using smart home devices that track electricity usage or installing solar panels to power your property. Another way you can be more environmentally friendly as a host is to invest in water conservation efforts such as harvesting rainwater for use in your garden or investing in a grey-water recycling system.
Being an eco-friendly host
As a host, there are many ways to make sure that you’re providing guests with an eco friendly experience. For example, provide guests with reusable items instead of single-use plastics. You can also invest in renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines to power your property. Finally, make sure that any waste generated is disposed of responsibly by recycling or composting wherever possible. You can find more tips and product suggestions in our sustainable hosting guide.
Sustainable destinations
Eco houses are on the rise for guest bookings, as well as sustainable destinations. Gothenburg tops the GDS index, keeping its position as number one from last year’s rankings by maintaining a commitment to sustainability by investing heavily into local biodiversity and improved transportation systems. The Norwegian town of Bergen comes in second and has a history for being environmentally conscious. Bergen is leading by example with reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.Finally in third, the Danish capital Copenhagen with 87 percent, thanks to initiatives like renewable energy sources.
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