Dear Proper Green,
We're offering up our guest bedroom for family this holiday season, some of whom will be staying for a full week. How do I get them to follow our house rules — which include recycling ALL recyclables, composting leftovers, and turning off lights when not in use — without coming across like a strict hostess? I want them to respect my wishes and the environment!
-Lights Off
We're offering up our guest bedroom for family this holiday season, some of whom will be staying for a full week. How do I get them to follow our house rules — which include recycling ALL recyclables, composting leftovers, and turning off lights when not in use — without coming across like a strict hostess? I want them to respect my wishes and the environment!
-Lights Off
Dear Lights Off,
It's all in the delivery! Here's an idea from a house I visited once – create a quick one or two page guidebook for their stay. Give them a list of your house rules, along with fun facts about why it's important to recycle or turn the lights out. They'll be less likely to see your rules as chores if they understand the impact their actions can have. For instance, if one of your rules is to recycle all soda cans, use this tidbit: "Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours!"
Along with your house rules, include helpful tips for any out-of-towner. Make this guidebook something they'll continue to look to as a resource during their stay by listing some of your neighborhood favorites. From restaurants, to top shops, to other local activities, include addresses and small blurbs on why these spots are your go-tos. Then, use this guidebook over and over for all of your house guests.
Providing good, important information in a digestible and fun format is a great way to get your family onboard with your eco-rules!
Recyclebankers: How have you gotten visitors to abide by your green rules? Share your own thoughts in the comments below!
About Proper Green
Proper Green is all about good manners in a green world. Ideas about what constitutes proper behavior within the green movement are still evolving; we aim to help smooth the way, so you can lead a greener life and so we can all be respectful of all shades of green. Good manners, like our planet, need care, attention, and dedication. Proper Green is here to help and inspire!
Do you have a question for Proper Green? Send inquiries to propergreen@recyclebank.com
Recycling is easy; just tell people where to put their recyclables. Most people ask anyway. Works the same for composting. If someone leaves a light on in an unused room, just go turn it off.
People who are that concerned about increasing their home's carbon footprint for a few days probably should direct potential guests to a hotel.