After a stay, give it away: Vacation Donations

After a stay, give it away! That’s the tagline of our new partner, Vacation Donations, whose mission is to reduce waste in vacation rentals. Founder Diane Daniel gives travelers and property managers/owners in her community of Indian Rocks Beach (IRB) resources for conveniently donating items and food when guests check out. She's also helping other communities with vacation rentals do the same and can include yours on her website.

 If you own or manage a rental, Diane is happy to send you a fridge magnet for your rental and information on how you can help the cause. And if you’re a traveler using vacation rentals or a concerned citizen, there is plenty you can do too 

Here are some of Diane’s tips for reducing food and item waste in vacation rentals:

 If you’re a traveler:

Before renting, ask the owner or manager what they do about leftover food. If their answer is “we leave it for the cleaners,” ask them if they have a system in place. Unless cleaners have a cooler in their car and a way to store all that food from 20 cleanings or so a week, “leave it for the cleaners” is more of a copout than a workable approach.

 If you’re buying items and food on vacation that you can’t take home with you:

Check a few days before leaving about donating anything you can’t carry back. Many food pantries will also take unopened perishable food if you deliver it when they’re open. They often have 24/7 drop-off bins for non-perishables. If you run out of time, directly ask the owner/manager to donate it for you.

 If you live in a vacation area (hello, Floridians!):

Consider adopting a building or street that has short-term rentals. At a condo building, for instance, you could put a box in the lobby to collect nonperishable food from departing vacationers and then deliver that to your local pantry. During high season, you could hold a few food drives where you accept perishables, and coordinate with your local pantry. If you have space, establish a common area for the sharing of beach chairs, coolers and umbrellas – items that are often thrown out. Diane will add your resources to a dedicated page on her site. 

 If you live in a condo or HOA that allows shorter-term rentals:

No matter the length, send the above tips on collecting and donating food and items to all homeowners in your regular communications. Same goes for living in a town that allows them. If the city has a way of communicating with vacation homeowners, ask them to send tips on food and item donations.

Consider creating a website or page in your community with basic donation info. Talk to Diane about obtaining your own page on the Vacation Donations website (ex: vacationdonations.org/yourtownname). Diane’s IRB site includes food, beach toys, books, and miscellaneous. Include whatever is relevant in your community. Start a free pantry and/or fridge where many rentals are.

If you’re a property manager or owner, put a Vacation Donations magnet on your refrigerator and/or stickers on trash cans. (Ask Diane for free ones!) While you’re at it, spread the word to your fellow property owners/managers. 

Consider creating a page on your website with basic donation info. For instance, the Vacation Donations site includes food, beach toys, books, and miscellaneous. Include whatever is relevant in your community.

Use your check-in/checkout info to share donation info. Offer to assist.

When you have damaged towels, blankets and sheets, donate them to local animal shelters or vets. We provide a detailed list in our area. You can do the same for your area.

Travelers and owners: Diane would love to hear your ideas, challenges and success stories. Write to her at: vacationdonations@gmail.com