Eco-friendly stays: what is sustainable accommodation?

When thinking about responsible travel, it’s just as important to think about where you stay as where you go and what you do. Whether you’re a seasoned eco-traveller or just starting your journey toward more responsible travel, understanding sustainable accommodation is key to reducing your environmental footprint. In this article, we dive into the world of eco-friendly stays and explore what sustainable accommodation is.

What is sustainable accommodation?

Sustainable accommodation goes beyond just offering a place to sleep – it’s about minimising environmental impact while supporting local communities and promoting responsible travel. These eco-friendly stays prioritise energy efficiency, use renewable resources, reduce waste, and often incorporate sustainable building materials. But it doesn’t stop there; sustainable accommodations also focus on preserving the natural surroundings and cultural heritage of their locations. This can mean anything from sourcing food locally to ensuring fair wages for staff and engaging in conservation efforts. By choosing sustainable accommodation, travellers can enjoy a comfortable stay while knowing they’re contributing to a healthier planet and a more equitable world.

Sustainable and green practices to look out for

When choosing eco-friendly accommodation, it’s important to know which sustainable practices actually make a difference – and to avoid falling for greenwashing tactics that are all about marketing and not real impact. From energy efficiency to community support, here’s what to keep an eye on to ensure your accommodation truly aligns with your green values.

Resource efficiency

In this age, a non-negotiable for accommodations to be sustainable is to focus on resource efficiency. It may not sound like the most exciting topic, but saving electricity and water really makes a big difference! By using energy-efficient appliances, LED lights, and focusing on lowering water usage, hotels and lodges can significantly reduce their resource consumption, and in turn, lower their carbon footprint. Plus, it can save them money, which can be reinvested into other eco-friendly initiatives.

Community engagement

Community engagement is a big deal when it comes to making accommodation truly sustainable. When hotels and guesthouses support the local community – whether by hiring local staff, sourcing products from nearby businesses, or helping to preserve cultural traditions – they’re doing more than just being eco-friendly. They’re giving back to the area they’re in and making sure that tourism has a positive impact. Plus, when you stay at a place that’s invested in its community, you get a more authentic experience, connecting with the real heart of the destination. That’s exactly why TravelLocal exists!

Sustainable sourcing

Sustainable sourcing is all about choosing products and materials that are environmentally friendly, ethically produced, and support local economies. This means that everything from the food served in the restaurant to the furniture in the rooms has been thoroughly thought about. One of the best parts of sustainable sourcing is the focus on locally-sourced food, which not only cuts down on transportation emissions but also tastes incredibly fresh and flavourful. When accommodations source food locally, you’re often treated to produce that’s in-season and harvested at its peak, offering a taste of the region’s best. It’s a win-win for your taste buds and the planet!

Wildlife and habitat conservation

Sustainable accommodations should play an active role in wildlife and habitat conservation because they’re often located in some of the world’s most beautiful and ecologically sensitive areas. By putting conservation front and centre, they have the power to help keep local plants and animals thriving and protect their natural homes. For travellers, many eco-friendly lodges love to educate their guests about why conservation matters, offering cool tours or activities that showcase the area’s natural beauty.

Examples of sustainable accommodation

Homestays

Homestays are a fantastic way to experience a destination like a local! Instead of staying in a standard hotel, you get to experience someone’s home, which means a more authentic vibe and a chance to really soak in the culture. Most homestays offer private rooms (or even whole guest suites), along with shared spaces like kitchens and living areas, giving you a cosy, homey feel. Homestays typically have a smaller environmental footprint compared to larger accommodations as they’re owned and operated by people who live on the property, which often leads to more mindful resource usage. For example, when taking a trekking tour through Nepal, staying in unique houses and settlements along the way will give you the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture seamlessly!

Eco-lodges

Eco-lodges are a fantastic choice for travellers seeking to enjoy nature while keeping their environmental impact in check! These places are all about sustainability, offering comfy accommodations that blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment. Imagine staying in a cosy cabin made from local materials, surrounded by lush forests or stunning landscapes. Eco-lodges often use renewable energy sources, like solar or wind power, and they focus on reducing waste and conserving water, making them a guilt-free choice for eco-conscious travellers.

One of the best parts about staying at an eco-lodge is the chance to connect with nature and often the local community. Many of these lodges offer guided tours, nature walks, and wildlife spotting, giving you a front-row seat to the incredible biodiversity around you.

Locally- and family-owned

By choosing local (rather than a large corporation) you know that your trip is directly benefiting the local economy of your destination. Locally-owned accommodations are also more likely to prioritise sustainable practices as they tend to have a more personal stake in protecting the local ecosystem, since their livelihoods depend on the health and appeal of the area. It also means your money often goes directly to the local family running it, rather than through a corporation, middleman, or booking platform. That means more profit for the family!

Tips for choosing your sustainable accommodation

In an age of ‘greenwashing’, it can be difficult to know whether you’re choosing the right accommodation. You can do all your own research yet still not be 100% sure! Booking a trip through TravelLocal can give you the reassurance you need, since our trips revolve around local people and businesses – as we believe all holidays should. This principle is very important to us and is one of our key ethical foundation stones. As you would expect, our local travel partners prefer locally-owned accommodation and choose local businesses when and where possible.

Prioritise a more meaningful experience

Sustainable travel offers more than just a journey; it provides an enriching and meaningful experience for travellers. By choosing local, your experience goes beyond traditional tourism, enabling you to truly experience a destination. If you’re looking for your next meaningful trip, we’ve handpicked a few of our favourites:

• Discover the true Maldives: an island eco retreat
• Experience Colombia like a local
• Authentic Ecuador: a local experience
• A low impact visit to India

Make it happen

Travel can be a force for good. As we continue to explore the world, let’s remember that our choices can shape a more sustainable future, where both travellers and destinations flourish together. If you’re looking for your next responsible adventure, get in touch with our local experts today!