Tips for making guest stays sustainable

Offering eco-friendly amenities and supplies can reduce your carbon footprint and help your listing stand out. “Small actions like using refillables, recycling, or saving energy make a big difference,” says Patricia, a Superhost in Manila, Philippines.

By thinking and acting more sustainably, you can set an example for guests and guide them to do the same.

Guests often filter Airbnb search results to find places with specific features and amenities. For example, electric vehicle chargers rank among the top 25 amenities on Airbnb.* 

Even if you’re unable to install an EV charger, there are plenty of ways to show how you’re hosting more sustainably. Several new amenities are available in the Listings tab—like recycling, composting, solar panels, heat pump, eBike charger, and no single-use plastic. Be sure to include everything your place offers.

Simple changes like minimizing single-use plastics can reduce waste and environmental impact.

• Use refillable containers. Swap single-use containers of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and soap for refillable ones to cut down on products packaged in plastic. 
• Stock eco-friendly paper products. Choose 100% recycled or plant-based alternatives for supplies like towels and tissues. Christina, a Superhost in Naperville, Illinois, stocks bamboo toilet paper.
• Cut back on harsh chemicals. Buy dish soap, laundry detergent, and cleaning supplies that are non-toxic, natural, or biodegradable.

Outfit your home with eco-friendly resources for guests, and update your listing description and photo captions to highlight sustainable offerings. 

• Simplify recycling for guests. Set up bins for bottles, cans, paper, and other recyclable items accepted in your area.
• Encourage guests to take leftovers. Greystone, a Superhost in Lake Placid, New York, includes food-waste tips in his guidebook, like bringing a cooler and containers to take leftovers home.
• Lend out bicycles. Empower guests to drive less by providing bikes and helmets they can borrow, or recommend a local rental shop.
• Supply reusable water bottles. Doing so can help guests minimize single-use plastics and the accompanying waste. 

Not every guest arrives thinking about sustainability, but a few small suggestions can make a big difference. A short message acknowledging sustainable choices—like reusing towels or taking leftovers instead of tossing them—can help reinforce the behavior and leave guests feeling positive about the stay. 

*According to Airbnb internal data measuring the amenities most frequently searched by guests worldwide from January 1 to December 31, 2025.

Information contained in this article may have changed since publication.