March 1, 2024

Hosting an Eco-Conscious and Chemical-Free Airbnb: Part I

The last decades have brought much more attention to the widespread existence of allergies and other environmental sensitivities as well as the need for conservation of our earthly resources. The hospitality industry has caught on, with many hotels accommodating food allergies in their menus, decreasing the use of single-use plastics, and employing several initiatives to reduce water and energy use. Airbnbs should be no exception, and if you own an Airbnb and have never considered how to make your Airbnb greener and more accommodating to a wider range of people, you should start. If you’ve been hosting for a while, you have probably received some inquiries from potential guests asking if there are any strong smells or fragrances in the unit, if you have pillow covers that protect from allergies, or what laundry detergent you use and shampoo you offer. Just know that if you’ve received one of these inquiries, there are probably many more unspoken inquiries behind it. In an effort to be welcoming to as many guests as possible, it’s a great idea to do an audit of your practices and your space to ensure that your Airbnb is a pleasant experience for all.