To help the environment (less air pollution, water pollution, resource consumption, and greenhouse emissions.)
The following is a list of things that you can to green-ify your vacation rental property. We suggest that you try to implement one or two things each time you visit your vacation home yourself.
1) Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs.
2) Add weather stripping to all windows and external doors.
3) Encourage your renters to recycle by making it easy for them-- have separate receptacles for paper, plastic, aluminum, etc.
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4) Check into green housekeeping services.
5) Consider buying bamboo linens and blankets.
6) Stock your property with biodegradable soaps.
7) Buy insulated electric plug covers.
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8) Encourage renters keep the thermostat at 78 degrees in summer, 70 degrees in winter.
9) Opt for “fragrance-free” soaps and detergents.
10) Throw out harsh petroleum-based cleansers and replace them with natural cleansers that use baking soda, vinegar, or lemon as their active cleaning agent. Here's a great list of Homemade Cleaning Products.
11) Set up a Rainwater Collection System.
12) Stay on the lookout for one-of-a-kind eco-friendly products and furnishings.
13) When choosing plants for your yard, pick plants that are native to your area-- they will require less water and overall upkeep than their more exotic relatives.
14) When replacing appliances, opt for Energy Star replacements. You'll not only lower your energy bills, you'll save money come tax time.
15) Encourage renters to take advantage of public transportation if it's available in your area.
16) Take advantage of the natural shade provided by trees. If your second home takes a beating from the sun, plant some trees and reap the benefits for years to come.
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17) Use organic pest control.
18) Check your insulation.
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19) Consider eco-friendly flooring like cork, bamboo, Plyboo, and linoleum.
20) Avoid paints and other household items that contain volatile organic compounds. Opt for “Low-VOC” or “Zero-VOC” paints instead.
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What do you do to make your home more eco-friendly?
"When we relandscaped the front yard of our vacation home, we hired a xeriscape landscaper. Xeriscaping means planting native plants that don't require much water." - Luccia, M, Tempe, AZ.
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© Copyright, Christine Karpinski 2007, Updated 10/2/08