Actions > Actions by cost

Actions by cost

Many people want to take action, but may not know where to start. Click through on each of the topics below and look at the actions you can take to reduce the emissions and waste your homes may create.

Sustainability is a journey. We don’t need to do everything all at once. The key thing is to start making small changes. Build on what you are doing and let your guests know about your actions. Chances are, you are already more sustainable than you think.

Love a checklist? Download a useful compact form of the ideas on this page to use as a to-do list for your property.

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Free!

These actions are all either free or minimal cost (e.g. printing a sign).

Low cost

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Look for natural fibres such as cotton, linen and wool and avoid polyester, nylon and acrylic (these are made from oil - Plastic!). Click here for further information.
Such as cane washing baskets, wooden coat hanger, metal clothes pegs. Click here for further information.
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When refreshing and upgrading your listing, opt for low VOC versions of any paint, new furniture and materials you may need.
Check for leaks both inside and out, eg. showerheads, taps, toilets, irrigation systems
Look for products that reduce contamination of waste water and reduce waste from excessive packaging
Let your guests know how to use your compost bin.
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Buy toilet paper that is, ideally, locally made, and from recycled material or FSC certified
Add information about the artists to your house manual.
For example, ‘please do not feed the birds’ and ‘keep dogs on leash’

Investment

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Make sure they have summer and winter modes
Upgrade appliances as needed to energy efficient versions, eg. induction cooking, heating and cooling, hot water heat pumps, pool pumps, smart thermostat
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Actions by cost

Free!

Create a welcome guide that explains to guests what steps you have taken to make your listing more sustainable

Create a sign to remind guests to turn off the lights, heating and cooling when going out

Offer guests information on local transport options

Offer guests the option to leave behind gently used items to be donated to a local charity

Donate unwanted furniture, appliances to local charity or E-waste facilities

Encourage guests to take shorter showers

Set up a message to ask guests to donate unused food to either houskeeper or local charity and keep it from landfill

Set up easy to use recycling options for guests

Add in details of bulk and refill stores in your area to your house guide

Set up information for guests on what to do with coffee pods, keep aside for recycling or compost

Add details of local food markets to your guest book

Add detials of local shops selling genuine Indigenous products

Add details of local attractions and businesses

Research the traditional land you are located on and add these details to your guidebook

Low cost

Add a wifi connected sensor control to help you monitor the energy use when guest are not present

Switch to renewable energy supplier

Upgrade to energy efficient lighting

Provide drying racks for clothes

Regularly check and clean air conditioner filters

Ensure covers for pools and hot tubs fit well to reduce heat loss

Consider the linen you purchase

Upgrade items from plastic to those made of natural fibres

Repair or replace furnishings with second hand or upcycled items

Replace blinds with insulated window coverings

Opt for low VOC paints and materials

Upgrade to water efficient taps, and shower heads

Upgrade landscaping with native plants to save water

Check for leaks

Consider the cleaning products you use

Buy ammenities and food from local suppliers

Set up kitchen with food containers for guests to use for left over food

Offer guests a compost bin

Offer guests reusable shopping bags, coffee cups and water bottles

Switch to bulk and/or refillable ammenities

Buy toilet paper that is more sustainable

Consider adding authentic art by Indigenous and local artists to your listing

Add books on local culture and history of your region/country for guests to read while they stay with you.

Add guidelines on appropriate interactions with local wildlife

Investment

Conduct a Home Energy Audit

Add insulation to your ceiling, walls and floor

Check for drafts and seal them

Consider adding ceiling fans to reduce air conditioning energy

Update to energy efficient appliances

Update to appliances that do not use gas, wood or oil

Upgrade windows to double glazed

Install solar panels

Install a home battery

Offer EV charging

If you are painting the exterior of your home or roof consider light colours to reflect the sun's heat

Install rain water collection for use in laundry, toilets and garden

Update toilets to dual flush systems