We all want to get the most for our rental property, but making upgrades can be expensive and difficult. There are a few different options when it comes to eco-friendly updates that can help you make the most of your space. These updates are fantastic for updating your rental in an eco-friendly way.
- Energy-efficient appliances
There are so many wonderful energy-efficient appliances out there that can be used. These appliances use less electricity which is better not only for your energy bill but also for the environment. New appliances can also help improve the appeal of the rental property as well for potential renters.
The appliance may be more costly upfront, but it will last longer and run more efficiently, thus saving you on your energy bills in the long run.
- LED light bulbs
LED bulbs are another great option when it comes to eco-friendly updates. LED bulbs use less energy to run and also do not put off as much heat so they are not going to run up your heat bill and cause you to need to cool the home more.
The LED process is much more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs and CFL lighting, primarily because incandescent bulbs push electricity through a wire that generates a lot of heat.
- Provide recycling bins and recycling options
This is still another great option. It helps to reduce waste that comes from the home and from the space and also allows your renters to know that they are doing a great thing at the same time. You can also have the recycling company come pick up these bins to get rid of the waste.
A recycling bin is a container used to hold recyclables before they are taken to recycling centers. Recycling bins exist in various sizes for use inside and outside homes, offices, and large public facilities
- Smart thermostat
This can help you to reduce your overall energy bill. You can control the temperature when you are not there, you can set specific temperatures for specific times of day, you can turn the heat and air off and on, and so on. These thermostats are great if you are not super close to the area and you may not be able to get to the property to adjust the heat and cooling as needed.
⭐ With smart thermostats, you control how and when you heat your Airbnb property(s) from literally anywhere in the world, on your schedule. Smart upgrades give you the power to control your thermostats from your smartphone and live your life worry-free.
- Provide organic and green cleaners
You can also add organic cleaning options for your renters. You can offer things like lemon, vinegar, organic cleaning products, even sponges, clothes, and more that are more environmentally friendly as options for your renters.
Many cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to humans and the environment including chlorine (found in toilet cleaners), sodium hydroxide (found in drain cleaners), microplastics (found in shower gels) and triclosan (found in dishwashing detergent).
- Water-saving shower heads
Low flow showerheads are also a great way to help reduce your water usage. This can help to ensure that you are not going to have to worry about huge amounts of water being used or wasted.
⭐ A quality, water-saving shower head should use less than 2 gallons of water per minute but still produce a powerful stream of water. It should be easy to install, and complement your bathroom’s decor.
- Reusable shopping bags
Providing reusable shopping bags is also a great way to help reduce the need for your renters to use plastic bags if they go shopping or if they go to the grocery after they arrive. This can also provide them with a place to store things and hold them while they are waiting to go home or to go about.
Just like with providing recycling and composting options, having reusable shopping bags available is one way to encourage your Airbnb guests to practice zero-waste living.
- Provide reusable supplies
Reusable supplies like sponges for the kitchen, reusable soap dispensers, and shampoo bottles can also help you to reduce the amount of waste that your rental property produces. Things like reusable bottles, reusable cleaning supplies, and more, can help to greatly reduce the amount of waste that your rental makes and that ultimately goes to the landfill after your renters have left and you are working to clean up.
- Soap dispensers
- Cleaning cloths
- Shampoo bottles
- Spray bottles
- Mops
It can be tempting to provide cute, mini-sized toiletries for your guests, but buying good-quality hand wash, shampoo, conditioner and shower gel in large containers, and refilling when necessary, is a much more planet-friendly option.
- Regular maintenance
The last thing that you should do is to make sure you are taking the time to perform regular maintenance. This can be things like having the electrical checked, making sure the pipes are in great shape, and so on can help you to ensure that your space is as efficient as possible. This will help make sure your property is in great shape, and will also help to reduce things like your overall energy bill and other issues that might come up with your property.
It is better to fix things early enough before they become irreparable or cause more issues. In the long run, this will help you save time and money.
Taking the time to make small updates here and there can make a big difference in your overall property and in how well it functions.