Tips for making guest stays more sustainable

Stocking your home with eco-friendly supplies and amenities can reduce your carbon footprint and help your listing stand out. For example, guests searching for stays can filter their results for electric vehicle chargers, which now rank among the top 25 amenities on Airbnb.* 

Not every host can install an EV charger, but there are other ways to host more sustainably. “Small actions like using refillables, recycling, or saving energy make a big difference,” says Patricia, a Superhost in Manila, Philippines.

Simple changes can reduce waste. Try these tips:

• 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. Anika, a Superhost in Longmont, Colorado, removed single-use plastics and says “guests have been delighted.” 
• 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 nontoxic, natural, or biodegradable.
• Simplify recycling for guests. Trash regulations vary, so make your local rules clear. Cynthia, a Superhost in Bellingham, Washington, posts laminated recycling guidelines around her home and above her collection bins in the carport.

You can add amenities like an EV charger in your Listings tab and update your description and photo captions to highlight what you offer. Here are some ways to help your guests travel more sustainably:

• Install an EV plug-in. Electric car sales topped 17 million worldwide in 2024, a 25% jump from the year before.** Greystone, a Superhost in Lake Placid, New York, added an EV charger to his garage in 2020. “We don’t know who may be selecting our listing based on this criteria,” he says, “but we do note an increase in EVs at our property over time.”
• Lend out bicycles. Encourage guests to drive less by providing bikes and helmets they can borrow, or recommend a local rental shop.
• Supply reusable water bottles. If your home’s tap water is safe to drink, post a sign or message to let guests know. “Minimize single-use plastics by providing reusable alternatives, such as water bottles,” says Robert, a Superhost in San Diego, California.   
• Share your tips. Consider including energy-saving tips, water-conservation reminders, and eco-friendly activities in the area in your house manual or guidebook. “Empower guests to make informed choices,” Robert says.

*According to Airbnb internal data measuring the amenities most frequently searched by guests worldwide from January 1 to December 31, 2024

**Based on the Global EV Outlook 2025 report from the International Energy Agency

Information contained in this article may have changed since publication.