Have you noticed more hostels talking about solar panels and composting lately? Eco-hostels are changing how we think about budget travel by putting nature first. The global ecotourism market is expected to hit $428.97 billion by 2028. This growth reflects a rising demand for eco-friendly accommodations, as 83% of travelers express that sustainable travel is important to them, and 75% plan to travel more sustainably in the upcoming year.
With such a significant shift towards sustainable tourism, it’s crucial to understand what these eco-friendly accommodations offer. This guide will answer your questions about what exactly makes a hostel “eco-friendly” and what you can expect when staying in one. New research from Hostelworld highlights that hostels are leading the way in providing a sustainable accommodation option for travelers, revealing that hostels emit 82% less carbon compared to hotel counterparts.
Whether you’re curious about sustainable travel or planning your first hostel experience, you’ll discover how these places work differently from regular hostels, and why more travelers are choosing them for their trips.
What are Eco-Hostels?
Eco-hostels are budget-friendly accommodations that focus on protecting the environment through their daily operations. While they share many features with traditional hostels, they add environmental practices to the experience. They combine regular hostel features like shared rooms and common spaces with environmental practices such as using solar power, saving water, managing waste better, and often growing their own food. These hostels teach guests about living sustainably while providing an affordable place to stay during their travels.
What Makes an Eco-Hostel Different?
Here are the main features that make these places different and help protect the environment while giving guests a comfortable stay.
Energy Systems
At eco-hostels, you’ll find smart ways of using power. Most use solar panels on their roofs to create electricity from sunlight. Buildings are designed to let in natural light through big windows and skylights, which means less need for electric lights during the day.
Many also use special light bulbs that use less power and have sensors that turn off lights in empty rooms.
Water Conservation Methods
These hostels take saving water seriously. They install low-flow showerheads and taps that use less water but still work well. Many collect rainwater in tanks to water their gardens and plants.
Some even have systems that clean and reuse water from sinks and showers (called greywater) for toilet flushing and garden watering.
Waste Management Programs
Eco-hostels aim to create as little waste as possible. They set up easy-to-use recycling stations and turn food scraps into compost for their gardens.
Many have banned single-use plastics, offering guests reusable water bottles and shopping bags instead. Some even partner with local recycling centers to handle materials properly.
Natural Building Materials
These hostels often use materials that are better for the environment. You might see walls made from local stone or wood from sustainably managed forests. Some use bamboo for furniture because it grows quickly and naturally. Even the paint on the walls is usually eco-friendly, made without harmful chemicals.
Sustainable Food Practices
Many eco-hostels grow their own herbs and vegetables in on-site gardens. They buy other food from local farmers to support the community and reduce transportation. Guest kitchens often have clear labels for composting and recycling, and some hostels even offer cooking classes using their home-grown ingredients.
A Day in an Eco-Hostel
Here’s what you can expect during your stay at these environment-friendly accommodations.
What to Expect
Your stay will be similar to a regular hostel but with added environmental touches. You’ll find shared rooms and bathrooms with water-saving fixtures, common areas powered by solar energy, and recycling bins in every corner. The atmosphere is usually relaxed and focused on nature, with outdoor spaces for guests to enjoy. Unlike party hostels that emphasize nightlife and socializing, eco-hostels typically create a more mindful environment centered around sustainability and natural surroundings.
Common Rules to Follow
Eco-hostels have specific guidelines to help save resources. You’ll need to sort your waste into proper bins, turn off lights when leaving rooms, and follow water-saving practices like shorter showers. Some hostels ask guests to use provided reusable bottles and bags instead of disposable ones. These rules are simple but make a big difference.
Eco-Activities
Most eco-hostels offer activities that connect guests with nature. You might join garden maintenance sessions, learn about composting, or help with recycling projects. Many organize nature walks, bird watching, or beach cleanups. Some even teach guests how to cook using ingredients from their gardens.
Community Involvement
These hostels often work closely with their local communities. You might shop at local farmers’ markets for communal dinners, join local conservation projects, or learn traditional sustainable practices from community members. It’s a great way to experience local culture while supporting environmental efforts.
Learning Opportunities
Stay at an eco-hostel and you’ll leave with new knowledge about sustainable living. Many offer workshops about renewable energy, water conservation, or organic gardening. You can learn practical skills like making natural cleaning products or reducing your carbon footprint. These lessons are useful long after your stay ends.
Value for Money at Eco-Hostels
While eco-hostels focus on protecting the environment, they keep prices reasonable for travelers. Let’s look at what you’re really paying for and how to get the best value from your eco-friendly stay.
Average Prices
Eco-hostels typically cost $15-30 per night for dorm beds and $40-80 for private rooms, similar to regular hostels. While some might charge slightly more due to their sustainable features, many keep prices competitive. The cost often includes extras like organic breakfast or eco-friendly toiletries.
Added Benefits
Your stay includes more than just a bed. Most eco-hostels offer free activities like gardening workshops or cooking classes using home-grown ingredients. You’ll also get access to their reusable items (water bottles, shopping bags), natural toiletries, and often unlimited herb tea from their gardens.
Seasonal Changes
Like all accommodations, prices change with the seasons. Summer months and peak travel times usually mean higher rates. However, many eco-hostels offer special deals during off-peak seasons when you can enjoy their gardens and outdoor spaces with fewer crowds. Some even offer discounts for longer stays.
Eco- Hostel Booking Tips
- Book directly through their website for better rates
- Look for package deals that include eco-activities
- Check if they offer discounts for bringing your own toiletries
- Join their mailing lists for special offers
- Consider visiting during shoulder season for better prices
Money-Saving Features
Most eco-hostels help you save money while traveling. Their guest kitchens let you cook meals using local ingredients or garden produce. Many offer free bicycle rentals for transport, and some have swap shelves where travelers can trade books or gear. They often partner with local businesses for guest discounts too.
List of 4 Eco Hostels in the World
Located at the Eden Project, this hostel is made from recycled shipping containers and offers unique accommodations such as glamping in bell tents. It features solar-powered showers and is deeply involved in sustainability research and practices.
Recognized as Spain’s first youth hostel to receive the EU Ecolabel, Sleep Green Hostel operates on 100% renewable energy and promotes recycling and sustainable tourism practices, including biodegradable cleaning products.
Ecomama encourages community interaction with its communal spaces and eco-friendly amenities. The hostel uses sustainable materials for its furnishings and donates a portion of its proceeds to support educational initiatives in Guatemala.
Nestled in a natural reserve, this hostel emphasizes reconnecting with nature. It utilizes renewable energy sources and locally sourced materials while offering guests a chance to engage in various eco-friendly activities.
Our Final Words
Ready to make a positive impact on the environment while traveling? Eco-hostels show us that comfortable, affordable accommodation can go hand in hand with environmental responsibility. Their growing popularity proves that travelers want to make better choices for our planet.
By choosing an eco-hostel for your next trip, you’re not just finding a place to sleep – you’re joining a community of conscious travelers who understand that small changes in how we travel can create a big difference for our environment. Start your sustainable travel journey today by booking an eco-hostel for your next adventure.