As a short-term rental host deeply committed to the green movement, I’ve watched the evolution of eco-friendly accommodations with great interest. There’s no universally accepted standard for what makes a stay ‘eco-friendly’ or sustainable,’ but the heart of the matter lies in taking concrete, visible steps to minimize our environmental footprint. This philosophy is what guides my own hosting journey.
Navigating Sustainable Hosting
In 2022, Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report was a wakeup call for many of us in the hosting community. It showed a significant majority – 81% of traveller’s – placing importance on sustainable travel, and 70% indicating they’d choose eco-friendly accommodations given the choice. As a host, I took these numbers to heart. My guests were not only looking to lessen their environmental impact but were also eager for authentic local experiences and a desire to support the community. Interestingly, a gap in awareness persisted, with 31% of traveller’s unaware that sustainable accommodations were an option, though this was an improvement from the previous year.
The Push for Green in 2023/24
The subsequent year’s report from Booking.com echoed these sentiments, with 80% of traveller’s voicing the importance of sustainable travel, and an impressive number seeking accommodations with sustainable certifications. Despite this, a level of distrust remained, with 39% of traveller’s expressing scepticism toward the authenticity of green labels.
In my role as a host, I see it as my responsibility to not only implement sustainable practices but to also communicate these efforts transparently and effectively. It’s about bridging the trust gap and demonstrating that my commitment to sustainability is as genuine as it is earnest.
A Host’s Guide to Eco-Friendly Bookings
When it comes to seeking out places that align with our eco-friendly values, the traditional giants of the booking world often come up short. They lack the dedicated focus on sustainability that many of us – hosts and traveller’s alike – are seeking. While Airbnb offers local charm, the platform doesn’t always cater specifically to the eco-conscious.
Thankfully, the tide is turning. A host of innovative booking platforms are carving out spaces for themselves, focusing solely on accommodations that are serious about sustainability. These are the sites filling the void left by the mainstream platforms, connecting eco-minded traveller’s with hosts who share their values.
Here are some of platforms catering to Airbnb type accommodations where sustainability is the star of the show:
- Fairbnb: Here’s a cooperative platform that gives back half of its booking fees to local projects. When you book with Fairbnb, you’re not just a tourist; you’re a benefactor to the community you’re visiting. https://fairbnb.coop/
- Ecobnb: With a heart rooted in storytelling and a vision for a greener travel industry, Ecobnb is a beacon for sustainable stays, celebrating establishments that meet stringent eco-criteria. https://ecobnb.com/membership
- socialbnb: A fresh face on the scene, socialbnb connects travelers with social and ecological projects that offer lodging. It’s a way to immerse yourself in the local culture while supporting vital initiatives. https://www.socialbnb.org/BecomeHostPage
- Green Getaways Australia: Dedicated to promoting eco-friendly accommodations across Australia, Green Getaways is a platform for travelers looking to make sustainable choices down under. https://www.greengetaways.com.au/listing-green-getaways/
- Sustaying.com A newer entrant focused on providing a directory of sustainable accommodations worldwide, including eco-friendly options in Australia. https://sustaying.com/pricing-plan/
- The Green Globe: Known for its certification program, Green Globe also offers a booking platform for its certified sustainable accommodations. https://www.greenglobe.com/booking-partners
- Bookitgreen: Imagine a platform that offers a leafy embrace to traveller’s seeking green stays in Europe. From cozy cottages to serene organic farms, Bookitgreen curates a list of accommodations where sustainability is as much a part of the stay as the scenery itself. https://bookitgreen.com/en/host
- Go Green Travel: a new entrant to the marketplace and just getting started. Worth keeping an eye out. https://gogreentravel.co/partner/add
Although a good start, these are not the only green booking platforms out there. Many are only specific to a certain region or cater to eco hotels or lodges which most of the time does not cater to the short-term rental market. Just search for green booking platforms and add in the area/country/region you are hosting in.
As we navigate this green journey together, it’s clear that our choices matter. By selecting accommodations committed to sustainability, travellers are not just enjoying a getaway; they’re contributing to a movement. And as a host, I’m proud to be part of this transformational travel tapestry. Let’s continue to explore, stay, and share these green pearls of hospitality.