Planning a local getaway and not sure where to stay?

Choosing an accommodation that is kind to the planet is not exactly straightforward. Juggling a good price, great location, with an even better view is already tough enough. Adding an eco-friendly spin? You might find yourself Ecosia-ing longer than you want, especially if you’re not sure what to look for. Over time I promise this gets easier, and with a little more intent the extra minutes can turn a ‘regular’ getaway into one that leaves a positive trace.

One thing to keep in mind while you read through the rest: it’s OK if your next stay doesn’t meet all these boxes! Like us (guests), hosts are learning and it’s not easy. The best we can all do is educate ourselves and do better as we go 🙂

Here are 9 questions to ask yourself before hitting ‘book!’:

1) Do the owners partner with or support local businesses?

Ever noticed that some accommodations have beautiful artwork from local artists hung up? Or maybe they use natural cleaning products that are made and sold down the street. There are SO many ways for businesses to involve their neighbours, and it’s always a win-win-win. Through collaborations they reach a wider audience, reduce shipping costs, and have an overall lower carbon footprint.

Local artwork at the Lazy Bear Cabin, Ucluelet | British Columbia, Canada

2) Is composting available?

During one of our last long-term stays we had no composting option! With some persistence, we found a commercial facility to accept our kitchen waste for ~$5 each time. This might not be an option for everyone, but it’s also not the only solution!

• If you’re staying somewhere for a shorter period you can always freeze compost & pack it out.
• Ask if the owner has a worm bin or backyard composting! You’ll be surprised 🙂
• Encourage composting! This one is underrated. Even if a place doesn’t check this off, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stay there. It is a great opportunity to educate others about proper disposal of our waste.
• Find nearby farms that would be more than happy to accept your scraps.

3) Is energy used responsibly?

Unless you are off-grid (as we were during this stay), you are likely going to be using energy. Lowering the amount can come in so many forms, all of which can make a difference! Below are only a few of the many ways we can find out information about energy conservation:

• Are energy-efficient light bulbs installed?
• Do the appliances have good energy ratings?
• Are there architectural features that keep a space cool (or warm!), naturally?
• Look for heat-pumps or gas fireplaces installed instead of electric heating
• Does the space have any “green” certifications?

4) New build or a reno? Ask about its environmental impact.

This can be a subjective answer, but it’s an important one. New builds or renovations can have a huge impact on the environment, and the answer from the property owners will give you a good idea of what’s important to them. Questions to ask might include: Did they use recycled wood? Are details like fixtures purchased in a more sustainable way (thrifted, for example)?

5) Eco-conscious furniture, or big-brand names?

Whether a place is new or old, furniture can play a significant part in lowering an accommodation’s footprint. The most unique stays I’ve experienced had up-cycled pieces that you would not see anywhere else. Alternatively new pieces can be purchased from conscious brands that keep the environment in mind.

6) Is water used mindfully?

We can all use less water, don’t ya think? Here are some details to consider when asking your host about water usage:

• Are water flow reducers installed?
• Does the property reuse rain-water?
• Ask about low-flow toilets & shower heads
• If off-grid, do they limit the number of litres available for use?
• Highly rated dishwashers save a LOT of water
• Are cleaning products non-toxic? This is an important one, as all the waste ends up in our lakes & rivers!

7) How accessible is your stay?

We love to find those out-of-the-way hidden gems that allow you to be fully immersed in nature – the best! The only downside? They *might* not be that accessible. A lot of the time this works fine if you plan on exploring the nearby nature and cooking for yourself. But, if you’re hoping for more of a city adventure, it might be worth considering booking a stay that is close enough to bike and walk to multiple times a day.

8) Is the space a ‘unique stay’?

Several platforms now allow you to filter by ‘unique stays’. Why does this matter? I find that this is usually where we find those epic off-grid cabins that bring you back to old times. I remember one winter we had to break through ice to get access to our water supply! Next time you’re browsing, zoom in on these options – they have always been the most memorable.

9) Does your eco-conscious accommodation plant trees when you book?

This was a new one for us when staying at HinterHouse. For each booking, the hosts plant 10 trees! This amounts to about 1500 trees per year, for this one accommodation. Rare to find, but definitely one to look out for 🙂

Now you’re ready for the next eco-adventure!

Time away from our usual surroundings can offer significant mental health benefits, and can be especially helpful after weeks or months of lock-downs. Choosing the right place can make the experience even more worthwhile and impactful. I hope these tips cut your search time in half and I can’t wait to hear about the spaces you find!

Not sure if you have the time to look into all this? I can help! Click here for travel packages I offer.

Happy travels, friends : )

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