Homestays have become a popular form of hospitality and lodging these days. For travellers, a homestay offers a memorable experience with homemade food and lower rates. Due to their growing demand, many people are increasingly becoming interested in the homestay business. However, before going ahead with the idea, it&rsquos important to note that responsible tourism is the need of the hour. If you are also someone who is planning to open a homestay, here are five tips for you to make it sustainable.
Invest In Green Energy
Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro are being adopted by the hospitality industry as an alternative to fossil fuels. While planning your homestay, consider switching to solar heaters, biofuels, and CHP (Combined Heating and Power).
Plan A Sustainable Menu
The primary focus of your homestay should be on providing delicious, organic and healthy cuisine, which can be done by sourcing local, organic raw produce. In addition to reducing the carbon footprint of your homestay, the food will have beneficial nutrients. This initiative could also encourage your guests to consider how they eat and its environmental impact.
Avoid The Use Of Plastic
It's a known fact that plastic is a non-degradable material and takes hundreds of years to decompose. Before going ahead with your homestay, consider avoiding using plastic completely. For instance, you can use cotton or jute bags instead of polythene or terracotta containers instead of plastic boxes. This initiative will help your homestay become an eco-friendly brand.
Save Water
One of the most significant issues you can face while running a homestay is the wastage of water. To tackle this, you can switch from high-flowing faucets, toilets, and showerheads to sustainable ones. Placing low-flow showerheads can save a lot of water from being wasted. Furthermore, many people run bathroom faucets while shaving and brushing their teeth. In this case, switch from standard faucets to modern motion-sensing faucets, which can eliminate water wastage.
Start a Roof Top Garden
A stylish rooftop garden in an urbanised attracts visitors, along with being environmentally friendly. Even a tiny rooftop garden can counteract your homestay's large carbon footprint and provide a space for guests to relax and enjoy.