4 Ways to Make Your Vacation Rental More Sustainable

Living a sustainable lifestyle minimizes the negative impact you have on the natural world by contributing to reduced waste, conserved energy and lowered carbon dioxide emissions. Abiding by green principles is not only good for the planet — it can also help you stay healthy and save money. Consider implementing the following tips to move towards sustainability at your vacation rental.

1. Using Renewable Energy Sources

Using renewable energy sources is a wonderful way to preserve the environment and do wonders for your wallet. Solar power and wind generators are two types of alternate energy sources that are particularly popular renewable energy sources.

Solar Power

Solar power doesn’t release any pollutants, so it’s a great way to be eco-friendly while also saving money on your utility bills. Some additional benefits include:

• Solar panels can convert energy straight into heat can heat water and/or swimming pools easily.
• Solar panels provide electricity long after the sun goes down because of the storage batteries in the panels.

Wind Generators

Wind generators produce energy as the naturally occurring wind spins the turbine. Some things to keep in mind include:

• The amount of energy produced by wind power each day will vary. However, wind power is free and tends to significantly reduce electricity bills.
• Your local utility company may have rules against using wind energy. With this in mind, be sure to review local legislation before implementing wind generators on your property.
• Wind generators are costly to purchase, however you can find several cost-effective choices on Amazon.com. Nevertheless, electricity savings far outweigh initial costs in the long run.
• Many municipalities provide tax breaks for using alternative energy. Make sure you review local legislation to determine whether such tax breaks apply to you.

2. Recycling & Waste

Another step in the right direction of sustainability is to switch from regular plastic trash bags to biodegradable ones certified compostable. The average plastic trash bag takes 10 years to disintegrate in a landfill. Biodegradable certified compostable trash bags take 3 to 6 months to decompose. It’s a small change that can have a big positive impact on our earth.

Providing a recycle bin on the premises is one of the easiest eco-friendly upgrades to make to your property. Studies have shown that placing a recycle bin within close proximity to your trash can will encourage guests to recycle. Inform visitors which items can be placed in the bin with a simple sign. 

For more ideas on how to make your vacation rental eco-friendly, download our guide.

3. Give Back to the Community

Purchasing items from local businesses cuts down the carbon footprint exponentially. Just think about all the cardboard, gas emissions, and waste that goes into shipping one item. If you can purchase items like soaps, detergents, bath bombs, and even coffee locally, you are helping the environment and potentially cross-promoting local businesses. 

Not only is purchasing products from local businesses a way to give back, but donating money to non-profits and community projects helps as well.

4. Encourage Guests to Buy Local

Consider adding a page in your welcome book that details your favorite shops and restaurants. This can help encourage your guests to purchase items from local people rather than chains and mass-produced shops.

Get into the Green Scene

Sustainable living benefits us all. Go green to save green! For more ideas on how to be eco-friendly, download our guide. And, remember to take time to check on your vacation rental insurance so your property is fully covered and up to date. To learn more about protecting your rental business through CBIZ Vacation Rental Insurance, request a free quote today!

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.

Spring Maintenance Tips for Vacation Rentals How Premises Losses Can Result in Severe Costs for Your Rental Business