Sustainable Hosting: How to Make Your Property Eco-Friendly

Imagine the following scenario: your accommodation attracts more and more guests every year, while your electricity, water, and property maintenance costs simultaneously decrease. Sounds too good to be true and you think it's impossible?! You are mistaken. This is precisely the reality for an increasing number of renters in Croatia who have decided to step into the world of sustainable hosting.

Being a green host today does not mean sacrificing comfort or investing huge sums of money into renovating your property. On the contrary, sustainable renting means making smart decisions about the materials you use, your habits, and running a sustainable business.

If you are also interested in this concept of renting - read on to find out how to achieve the status of a sustainable host.

The Path to Green Certification: 10 Practical Tips for Your Accommodation

You have heard terms like "eco-accommodation," "sustainable accommodation," or "sustainable business," but you don't know exactly what they mean. You wonder if these criteria are even achievable for you and what makes those who hold the "eco-friendly" title so special. Well, we will tell you: it is the way they treat nature and the local community. With respect, while honoring the needs of all stakeholders involved. And is it hard to put into practice? Not at all. Being a sustainable host is much easier than you think.

The sustainability criteria applied by Green Stay Croatia are not a mystery, nor do they require perfection. They consist of concrete, practical steps that any property can implement, step by step.

Here are ten tips that will help your accommodation become greener and more attractive to your guests.

1. Choose appliances that save for you (Class A & LED)

There are even online debates about which appliances consume the most electricity. The same ones are always mentioned: air conditioners, refrigerators, and water heaters. These are precisely the appliances guests use the most, and usually every single day of their stay in rented accommodation. That is why it is important to know that installing Class A energy-efficient appliances in your property can not only reduce your carbon footprint but also bring tangible savings on your utility bills.

And no, that’s not all. The good news is that there is another element that can significantly lower your electricity costs: the popular LED lighting. This type of lighting consumes up to 80% less energy compared to traditional light bulbs and lasts several times longer. And do you know what that means? With LED lighting, you won't just save on energy bills, but on maintenance costs as well.

2. Reduce water consumption without losing comfort

When guests rent an accommodation, they often feel like they are entering an oasis of unlimited possibilities and want to make the absolute most of everything offered to them. And it’s completely understandable. They simply want the best for themselves. However, this mindset often leads to the waste of a precious and limited resource – water.

But there is a solution for this too. You can install aerators and low-flow showerheads in your property to ensure savings, without guests even noticing a difference in water pressure quality. Aerators are small attachments placed on faucets that mix water with air. This attachment ensures that the guest experiences the same sensation of water pressure, while water consumption drops by up to 50%. These minor changes can make a significant impact, especially during the summer season when it is needed most.

3. Say goodbye to single-use plastics

Plastic has become a major global problem. According to Eurostat data from 2025, the average EU resident generates more than 35 kg of plastic packaging waste per year. And do you know where these particles, better known as "microplastics," usually end up? In our oceans, in the soil, and even in the food we consume.

Your guests frequently use plastic as well. Shampoo bottles, coffee cups, and trash bags are just some of the most common types of plastic packaging. According to UNDP research, tourist accommodations generate up to three times more plastic waste than the average household.

To ensure your property doesn't become part of this statistic, here are a few ideas on how you, as a host, can help tackle this issue:

• Installing wall-mounted dispensers for body wash, shampoo, and conditioner – you can fill these elegant containers with eco-friendly products, creating a long-term, sustainable, and practical solution.
• Providing glass or ceramic water pitchers – beyond their practicality, these solutions also enhance the overall aesthetic of your property.
• Gifting reusable tote bags for shopping – a symbolic token of appreciation for your guests that will serve as a beautiful reminder of your hospitality.

4. Make waste sorting easy for your guests

You might live in a village or a town where the local waste management service does not yet separate trash. Because of this, you might think there is nothing you can do about it. But that is not entirely true. You can be the positive example that shows guests how it’s done, leaving the impression of a truly responsible host.

Set up a simple system with clearly labeled bins for mixed waste, paper, plastic, and glass. Along with that, write a brief instruction guide (in Croatian, English, and German) and place it in a visible spot. Don't worry, guests won't mind separating their waste—in fact, it will make you look like a serious and environmentally conscious host. A host who values the planet and thinks about the future.

5. Switch to natural and healthy cleaning

One of the first things environmentally conscious guests notice when entering an accommodation is the scent of the rooms. Intense chemical odors immediately send a message that the space is sterile and clean, but at the same time, they can irritate people with sensitive skin, as well as those prone to allergies.

Eco-friendly cleaning products are more accessible today than ever, and many of them clean just as effectively (or better) than traditional products. Make an effort to find plant-based, biodegradable cleaning supplies for your accommodation, ideally in refillable or recyclable packaging.

What you will gain from this are products that are gentler on your staff's skin, while also offering a safer option for more sensitive guests. If you share this with your guests by stating, "We clean exclusively with eco-friendly products" – we are sure you will get a positive reaction from many tourists who practice eco-friendly living.

6. Connect with the local community

You might not believe it, but your neighbors can actually become your greatest asset. Think about it - is there anyone nearby who grows vegetables, makes homemade cheese, knits souvenirs, or prepares traditional delicacies? Partnering with people engaged in these activities can elevate your business to a whole new level.

Local family farms (OPGs) offer an authentic experience for your guests, and you can be the perfect bridge between them and these producers. When a guest finds honey from a local beekeeper, fresh strawberries, homemade jam, or lavender from a nearby garden on the table in the morning, they aren't just having breakfast. They are connecting with the story of your region, which they will pass on and share with their loved ones.

This means a lot to your community - every euro spent with a local producer stays in your region and helps build a better life for your entire community.

7. Offer the best of local cuisine

People who travel frequently and visit various places are used to standardized hotel breakfasts, which usually include miniature packages of honey, butter, yogurt, and all kinds of instant coffee. It is a routine that no tourist truly enjoys and would gladly avoid if given the chance.

Tourists generally have a strong desire to taste the authentic food of the places they visit. Just imagine a guest arriving at your property, and you offer them fresh homemade cheese, free-range eggs, local wine, or domestic rakija. It is a magic of flavors and aromas, and at the same time, the most beautiful presentation of your region that you can prepare for your guest.

And no, these do not have to be expensive delicacies. Quite the contrary. Just one authentic meal can become your guest's favorite dish and the reason they will want to return to your place again and again. At the same time, it is good to keep in mind that local food also means fewer packaged and imported products, shorter transport routes, and better quality. Everything a guest who seeks sustainable experiences will be absolutely thrilled with.

8. Turn your outdoor space into a green oasis

Greenery is the first thing a guest notices upon arrival and the last when they leave. A garden full of lavender, rosemary, lemon balm, and other plant species does not just look beautiful; through its scents, it can evoke an authentic rural atmosphere that will leave your guests breathless.

You don't need a botanical garden, a lot of money, or massive effort. All it takes is:

• A rosemary or lavender bush by the entrance
• Aromatic herbs like basil, mint, thyme, or oregano that guests can use for cooking
• A few fruit trees or a grapevine if you have a bit more space
• A compost bin where guests can discard food scraps

Greenery does not only contribute to the visual atmosphere; it also regulates the temperature, reduces the need for air conditioning, attracts bees and butterflies, and gives the accommodation a special energy that can truly be felt and is hard to describe in words.

9. Suggest eco-friendly activities to your guests

By choosing eco-friendly accommodation, your guests have chosen a sustainable solution that positively impacts themselves, the environment, and the local community of the destination they are visiting. Guests who prefer sustainable properties seek holistic experiences. They want organic food, outdoor activities, and authentic experiences that can only be found in the location they are visiting- all while having a minimal impact on nature.

How can you help them discover these experiences? A guide filled with recommended local activities can save your guests time and inspire them to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

Here are a few ideas of what a guide to sustainable experiences could include:

• Cycling routes (with a map or a QR code)
• Hiking and walking trails through nearby forests, parks, or along the coast
• Horseback riding if there is a ranch or a stud farm nearby
• Fishing (with a permit), foraging for wild berries, or herb picking
• Visits to the local green market or family farms (OPGs)
• Kayaking or paddleboarding on a river, lake, or the sea
• Workshops for making eco-friendly souvenirs, traditional food products, and similar activities

Activities like these can become an unforgettable part of the trip. It is important to know that you can be the very host who opens the door to new, sustainable experiences for your guests.

10. Take pride in your green story and educate guests on your eco-practices

Don't stay silent about everything you do. You know how much effort you have put into making your accommodation better for the environment, for your guests, and for the wider local community. Guests who choose eco-accommodation are interested in your journey. They aren't just tourists looking for a bed - they expect a story. Your story.

You can share your path to sustainable accommodation with your guests in various ways:

• A welcome note briefly describing what makes you special ("We use exclusively local products," "Our solar panels cover 70% of our energy consumption," etc.)
• A short leaflet or a QR code with information about your standard eco-practices
• A conversation – simple, honest, and genuine. Guests love to hear how a host thinks about the future.
• Plans for the future – if you are considering solar panels or a compost bin, share it. Guests love the idea of being part of something that is growing.

Guests who recognize your commitment are more likely to return, recommend you to others, and leave reviews that highlight exactly that. Genuine reviews are worth more than any advertisement.

Do you rent out accommodation in Croatia and believe your property is sustainable? Get in touch with us!

If you are at the beginning of your journey toward green hosting - Green Stay Croatia is here for you. We are the first Croatian web platform that connects environmentally conscious hosts with travelers looking for an authentic, responsible, and sustainable vacation.

Want to learn more about how to become part of our community and what opportunities are available to you? Check out our membership packages and take the first step toward a sustainable business.