How to Make Your Airbnb 100% Green
Because your next guest stay shouldn’t cost the planet a thing!
As demand for eco-conscious travel continues to grow, Airbnb hosts around the world are taking on a bold new challenge: turning their listings into sustainable accommodations. With tourism responsible for up to 8% of global carbon emissions, the short-term rental industry has both an opportunity—and a responsibility—to lead the change.
So we’re posing the question: Can you make your Airbnb 100% green?
What a Sustainable Airbnb Actually Looks Like
Going “green” is more than just swapping plastic for paper. A truly eco-friendly Airbnb listing touches every part of the guest experience, from energy use to the sheets on the bed. Here’s what it might include:
- Energy: Powered by solar panels or renewable energy providers.
- Water: Low-flow faucets, water-saving appliances, and rainwater collection systems.
- Materials: Reclaimed wood furniture, organic linens, and non-toxic paints.
- Waste: Clear recycling and composting, zero single-use plastics.
- Transport: Bicycle access, EV chargers, and proximity to public transit.
- Community: Support for local eco-vendors and farm-to-table suppliers.
Think of it as designing a stay that not only delights your guests—but respects our planet.
✅ The Ultimate Airbnb Green Checklist
Whether you're starting from scratch or leveling up your eco-efforts, here's your checklist to build a more sustainable stay:
🌞 Energy Efficiency
- Install LED lighting throughout.
- Use a smart thermostat (like Nest).
- Opt into a green energy plan or install solar panels.
🚿 Water Conservation
- Install low-flow toilets and showerheads.
- Collect rainwater for gardening.
- Educate guests with friendly water-saving tips and signage.
🛏️ Eco-Friendly Materials
- Choose 100% organic cotton sheets and towels.
- Furnish with upcycled or sustainably sourced materials.
- Use non-toxic, low-VOC paints.
🚫 Waste Reduction
- Stock plastic-free shampoo and conditioner tablets like EarthSuds.
- Replace single-use mini toiletries with refillable dispensers.
- Provide labeled compost and recycling bins.
🚲 Green Guest Transportation
- Offer bikes, scooters, or transit passes.
- Install an EV charger if possible.
- Share walkable maps and car-free guides.
🛍️ Support Local, Support Green
- Provide a guidebook to local farmers’ markets and eco-shops.
- Offer a welcome basket with local organic snacks and fair-trade coffee.
- Partner with nearby eco-tours or zero-waste businesses.
How to Market Your Eco-Friendly Airbnb
Once your green upgrades are in place, make sure guests know about them by:
- Using keywords like eco-friendly, sustainable, and zero-waste in your title and description.
- Highlighting your use of brands like EarthSuds, which offer plastic-free, travel-ready personal care.
- Featuring photos of your compost system, refillable products, or local partnerships to build trust and inspire.
The Bumps Along the Way (And How to Fix Them)
We get it—going fully green can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to tackle common challenges:
- Cost: Start small. Many changes, like swapping to LED bulbs or switching to EarthSuds, are low-cost with long-term savings.
- Location: Urban hosts may not have room for solar but can still cut waste and water use.
- Guest Behavior: Make sustainable choices easy and intuitive. Use signage, welcome guides, and even offer small green incentives.
No listing is perfect, but every step counts. Download the EarthSuds Green Checklist to track your progress and build a greener guest experience.
Ready to elevate your listing and reduce your footprint?
Start with your bathroom. EarthSuds single-use shampoo, conditioner, body wash and hand soap tablets are plastic-free, travel-friendly, and luxurious. They’re the easiest first step toward a 100% eco-conscious Airbnb.
