Guests: “Travel-sized” usually means convenient, easily disposable packaging. Yet there are plenty of ways to be more eco-conscious when on the road. Our worldly guests have given us a few ideas on how to be considerate, smart, and still environmentally friendly while away from home. Rate Your Host’s Eco-friendliness Like what your host has done for the environment? Spread the love! Writing a positive review that focuses on their eco-friendliness encourages other guests to seek sustainable travel options and will prompt hosts to make more sustainable choices. Turn Off Lights, A/C, And Heat At Your Airbnb During The Day When you leave your Airbnb listing for the day, turn off the lights, heat or AC, and unplug electronics like cell phone chargers to help your host lower their utility bill and save the environment. Refer to your host or the House Manual to learn how to operate unfamiliar systems. Energy-consciousness improves your guest rating, too! Pack A Reusable Water Bottle Exploring a new city is thirsty work, packing a reusable water bottle reduces trash and leaves more money in your pocket. Disposable plastic bottles are a common but avoidable source of trash. Support Local Environmental Groups Volunteering can be a great way to travel off-the-beaten-path while mingling with the locals. Seek out organizations or projects that protect and restore the natural environment in the destinations you visit. Participating in beach cleanup or invasive plant pulling gives back to your destination and invites interesting conversations with locals. Ask your host or refer to your host’s guidebook to learn about active groups and upcoming events and worthy causes. Explore Public Transit While it’s tempting to stay cooped up in a car, truly living like a local means learning the bus and train routes, or hopping on a bicycle. Public transit is a great place to rub elbows with the locals and encounter surprising slices of life. Many cities have bike and car shares. Ask your host about public transit options or refer to your host’s guidebook for insights. Reuse Resourcefully Reusing household items — like towels and dishware — saves water and electricity. During your stay, maintain the cleanliness habits you keep in your home without being wasteful. Unplug Your Appliances Before You Leave Home Idle electronics draw power even when not in use! Before you leave the house unplug your TV, computer, microwave, cell phone charger, and water heater to dramatically lower your energy costs. Also be sure to turn down the thermostat. Idle electronics account for 10% or more of a home’s utility bill in the US (US Dept. of Energy) Shorten the Shower Vacations are a time to unwind and recharge, but overly long showers are among the top water use by guests (showers consume from 2 - 4 gallons of water per minute (7.5L - 15L). Water waste damages the local environment, especially in drought prone areas or in countries without strong water infrastructure. Excessive water use also drives up listing costs. Dispose Like A Local It can be hard to know where to put rubbish, so ask your hosts! Embrace local waste disposal and recycling methods. Cleanliness boosts your guest rating, too. Refer to the House Manual for proper disposal etiquette. Seek Local Food And Local Businesses Preserve cultural and biological heritage by seeking the best in sustainably-raised, regional cuisine. Farmers markets and hole-in-the-wall restaurants are great places to find local flavor. Ask your host or refer to your host’s guidebook to find restaurants and cafes which embrace responsibly-sourced traditional fare. Shopping at local businesses also increases demand for locally produced goods. Sources: Airbnb Environmental Survey 2014 / EcoDistricts / “Water Questions and Answers.” United States Geological Survey. 23 October 2014 / Jonathan Tourtellot / Geotourism Editor / National Geographic Traveler / United States Department of Energy