Check out our 5 top tips for creating an eco-friendly bathroom which will impress guests and save you money
The cleanliness and functionality of the bathroom in a vacation rental is of the utmost importance. But it can also be eco-friendly without compromising the guest experience. You can create a stylish and sleek environment where guests will enjoy using your facilities but without wasting precious resources like water and electricity. In addition, you will save money and reduce your carbon footprint – always a winning combination.
1. Stop flushing money down the drain
The bathroom is probably the room which consumes the most water in a vacation rental. From flushing toilets to taking showers as well as when your changeover staff are cleaning it ready for the next guests. Being aware of your water consumption and implementing ways to help your guests and staff save water is a no-brainer. This is probably the simplest way to create an eco-friendly bathroom.
Some of the best ways to save water are devices and technologies which reduce the flow of water. These include dual-flush toilets or simple toilet tank banks; flow reducers on taps and showers; showerheads which combine air and water to create the feel of a power shower.
DID YOU KNOW? – Having water-efficient toilets can get you up to 7.22% on the Sustonica criteria! Check out our standard.
Why is it part of the criteria? A conventional toilet uses about 13.2 litres (3.5 gallons) per flush, while a water-efficient toilet uses about 4.8 litres (1.28 gallons) per flush.
Another important way to save water is to install a leak detection system to ensure that even the smallest of leak is detected early. This will save water but also avoid any damage from flooding.
2. Treat guests with eco-friendly bathroom toiletries
A bathroom filled with gorgeous eco hand soap, shampoo and body wash can create a real luxury-feeling experience for your guests. Most products which are kind to the planet are usually made from top quality, organic or natural ingredients. Consequently, they are also kind to your guests, particularly those that suffer from allergies like eczema or asthma.
In addition, it makes sense to avoid products which do not contain microplastics. These tiny pieces of plastic, which are often included for their slightly exfoliating effect, are contributing to plastic pollution in our oceans. Conservation of marine life and reducing plastic pollution are both areas of concern for travellers.
DID YOU KNOW? – Offering shampoo and shower gel that do not contain microplastics can get you up to 3.50% on the Sustonica criteria! Check out our standard.
Why is it part of the criteria? Microplastics are a major contributor to the plastic pollution of our oceans and the subsequent impact on marine life. Their effect is irreversible.
You can continue the premium feel by presenting your toiletries in stylish ceramic or bioplastic dispensers. These containers can be refilled when needed and you will save money by being able to buy your personal care products in large containers. To save on space it is also possible to buy very concentrated products or in powder form which just need water added.
DID YOU KNOW? – Offering refillable dispensers or biodegradable plastic toiletries can get you up to 3.00% on the Sustonica criteria! Check out our standard.
Why is it part of the criteria? Up to 95% of the plastic used in a hotel bathroom ends up in landfill where it sits for hundreds of years.
When sourcing products for your eco-friendly bathroom, there are a number of factors to consider to make sure you find the right supplier, who is preferably local and can prove their eco credentials.
Also remember to tell your guests the story behind the beautiful products you have provided. You can do this in your digital guidebook and share more details about why you chose them and how they can purchase them back at home if they live in the same country.
3. Focus on stylish, quality bathroom products
As well as offering your guests premium, eco-friendly personal care products, think about the other things you buy for the bathroom. Choosing eco-friendly towels and bathmats made from sustainable fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo will continue that quality, indulgent feel.
For higher end properties, you could give guests a complementary bamboo toothbrush in a holder which they can take home with them when they leave. Another idea is providing organic cotton washable make-up remover pads in a pretty pouch that guests can keep. Other sustainable ideas are plastic-free cotton buds and recycled paper tissues. You can see how these little touches, which are relatively inexpensive, can really enhance the guest experience.
DID YOU KNOW? – Offering towels made from eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton can get you up to 3.50% on the Sustonica criteria! Check out our standard.
Why is it part of the criteria? Regular cotton is one of the most sprayed crops, contributing to the pollution of soils with pesticides as well as needing vast amounts of water during cultivation.
It might not be instantly obvious but you can even choose eco toilet paper made from recycled paper or bamboo! The quality is just as good and soft!
DID YOU KNOW? – Having recycled paper products can get you up to 2.75% on the Sustonica criteria! Check out our standard.
Why is it part of the criteria? While paper products generally have a small carbon footprint, collectively they are contributing to deforestation, global warming, and an ever increasing waste problem.
4. Install energy-efficient lighting
Lighting is a very important aspect of a bathroom and you do not want to compromise on it. However, you also do not want to be wasting energy as this a place that is used by all guests every day.
There are two simple and cost-effective ways to reduce your energy consumption here – and your carbon footprint. Firstly, swap to LED lightbulbs, which have a distinctive shape and do not get hot like old-style bulbs. You could save up to 50% off your lighting energy consumption. You will use less electricity but also, if you have it installed, your air conditioning bill will be less due to the lack of heat given out by LEDs.
Secondly, the bathroom is a room where guests can often forget to switch off the lights. You can install a simple motion sensor which will switch off the lights after no movement has been detected for a specified length of time.
These two simple steps will keep your bathroom bright and welcoming whilst reducing your electricity bill and your carbon footprint.
DID YOU KNOW? – Having 80% LED lightbulbs can get you up to 0.36% on the Sustonica criteria! Check out our standard.
Why is it part of the criteria? Replacing light bulbs with LED ones can offer savings of up to 50% in consumption on lighting.
5. Create a healthy indoor environment
It is true that the bathroom is a functional room. However, it can also be a place for guests to prepare themselves for the day ahead or for some “me time” after a busy time seeing all the sights. In addition, it can also be a room which can suffer from damp or unpleasant smells. So, creating a healthy environment inside the bathroom is very important for your guests’ wellbeing.
Of course, one of the most important aspects of the bathroom is keeping it spotlessly clean. However, this does not have to mean using bleach and spraying toxic chemicals everywhere. There are plenty of eco-friendly bathroom cleaning ranges on the market now which will keep everything hygienic. Without the need for toxic chemicals, these products are better for our waterways and oceans but also for your guests and your cleaning staff.
DID YOU KNOW? – Using green cleaning products can get you up to 3.50% on the Sustonica criteria! Check out our standard.
Why is it part of the criteria? Green cleaning products are naturally derived, non-toxic, and biodegradable, meaning they have less impact on the environment.
Bathrooms can easily get damp and humid so always make sure that they are well-ventilated and check the extractor fan on a regular basis for those without windows. Another way to encourage healthy air is to have plants which like a humid environment, such as ferns and spider plants. These will help to prevent stale air and mould as well as looking great.
Attractive candles can create a calming atmosphere and bring the feel of a sanctuary at the end of a tiring day. However, if you provide them, do think about purchasing paraffin-free candles such as soy, thus avoiding petroleum derived ingredients. Also try to avoid synthetic fragrance which can be an irritant for those with respiratory allergies like asthma. Fragrance is a very personal thing and so avoiding the strong perfume created by synthetic chemicals is usually a wise decision.
Creating an eco-friendly bathroom will reduce your energy bills and your carbon footprint as well as enhance the guest experience. And do remember to let your guests know the care and attention you have taken for their benefit!
