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The eco-evolution has reached short lets and it’s up to property owners to ensure they can keep up. This is a trend influenced by the rising eco-consciousness in consumers. People have begun choosing eco-friendly companies and have made a commitment to support them. This extends to travelling preferences.
According to statistics, 15% more people are making a conscious effort to be mindful of the environment. This includes choosing more sustainable homes to stay in.
If you can convert your property into an eco-friendly home, there’s a higher chance of getting more bookings and positive reviews. This will lead to better occupancy rates and higher rental returns.
Fortunately, there are many ways to make a property more sustainable and eco-friendly.
In this article, you’ll learn more about eco-conscious homes and 2 effective strategies to implement them: waste reduction and sustainable materials. Keep reading to learn more about transforming short lets into zero-waste environment-friendly properties.
Waste Reduction Strategies for Short-term Rentals
Did you know that approximately 18 million tonnes of waste are sent to a UK landfill each year? What’s even more alarming is the fact that most of these can be recycled, reused or repurposed as compost.
What does this mean? A lot of households fail to implement proper waste management. Don’t be a part of this statistic. Have an efficient waste reduction strategy in place to ensure that you’re minimising the negative environmental impact of your properties.
Here are some ideas that you can implement to support the global zero waste initiative.
Implementing recycling processes
Take the initiative to implement a recycling system in your rental properties. Start by providing separate bins for different types of trash. Put clear labels and photos of what should go to the bins. Segregate recyclable materials like paper, plastic, metal and glass. Separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials, too. Organic waste should also be kept separate.
Educate guests about the local rules for recycling waste. This will help them comply and avoid future issues for your property. Check with the local council for booklets you can display on your properties.
Eliminating single-use plastic
Another way to manage waste is to eliminate single-use plastic. Opt for reusable alternatives like glass or stainless containers. Provide reusable shopping bags that guests can use.
For toiletries, you can install refillable dispensers and put the shampoo, conditioner, dishwashing liquid, hand soap and other essentials. This eliminates or significantly reduces plastic waste.
Composting organic waste
Set up a bin in the property for organic waste. This can be used as compost. Make sure it’s well sealed and it can be collected regularly to avoid bothering guests once it starts to decompose. Collaborate with a local composting facility to dispose of the organic waste properly.
Provide guests with a guide to throwing organic waste so it can be used by community gardens or local farms. This reduces landfill waste and helps with sustainability initiatives of the local community.
These waste-reduction strategies can help property owners save on waste disposal while enhancing the property’s reputation as an eco-friendly accommodation. This can improve the property’s appeal which will attract more eco-conscious travellers.
Prioritise the Use of Sustainable Materials
Apart from reducing waste, you can also make your rental property more eco-friendly by using sustainable materials. Look for local suppliers for anything your property needs so you can also support the local community.
Here are some ideas to help you with this endeavour.
Choose furniture made of recycled or organic materials
Furnish your rental properties with furniture made from organic or recycled materials. Use pillow covers made of organic cotton or hemp fabrics. There are also sofas covered by similar organic fabrics.
You can also buy tables and chairs crafted from reclaimed or repurposed wood. Using these materials keeps them from landfills and reduces the environmental impact.
Opt for sustainable building materials
If you need to renovate or upgrade your rental property, choose sustainable building materials. Use low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint to reduce harmful toxins when repainting the property. This type of paint also improves the air quality indoors.
If your renovations involves construction projects, choose bamboo because it grows quickly - making it an ideal sustainable material. You can also opt for recycled or repurposed materials - like recycled metal or glass. Check with the builder or contractor to ensure that your choice of material won’t compromise the integrity of your property.
Use only green cleaning products
Buy only green cleaning products to clean your property. These products use biodegradable ingredients and are free from harmful chemicals. These are not only safe for the environment, it’s also safe for your guests.
You can easily identify these green products through green seals and eco certificates. Research sustainable manufacturers or brands and see what products they offer. You can buy from them and support their green initiatives at the same time.
Provide eco-friendly amenities
Choose eco-friendly amenities for your guests to use. Among your options include biodegradable toiletries that come in refillable dispensers. For the linens and towels, choose the ones that use organic cotton or hemp. Put reusable cloth napkins, stainless cutlery and glass containers. Guests can wash these and reduce waste as well.
Highlight all these amenities in your property profile so eco-conscious guests know that you’re making an effort to be more sustainable. This would ensure that you’re not just reducing your property’s carbon footprint and environmental impact. You’re also enhancing its marketing appeal to increase occupancy rates and maximise rental income.
Encourage Sustainable Living and Practices
The eco-evolution of short-term rentals is gaining traction and won’t subside any time soon. If you want to keep your rental property competitive to maximise booking rates, transform it into an eco-friendly haven.
Set up waste reduction strategies and choose only sustainable materials. This won’t just benefit the environment. You’ll also educate guests about the impact of the eco-friendly amenities and encourage them to practice sustainability back in their homes.
Implementing environment-friendly initiatives in rental properties becomes easier if you partner with an eco-friendly property management company like Opago. They can help you transform your short lets into sustainable homes and connect you to green companies to supply your amenities.
Contact us today to learn how we can become partners in this eco-friendly endeavour. We’ll help turn your rental properties into sustainable and profitable short lets.
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