Those last-minute scrambles to pack your bags and head home from a vacation rental might be leaving more behind than just memories. A new study from The Ohio State University indicates that US vacation renters are chucking up to $2 billion in uneaten food annually. According to OSU's report, the average short-term lodger leaves behind about $12 worth of food per night, totaling a supplementary 5.1% of their lodging costs.
In the details of the study, which surveyed 502 adults, the wasted money essentially acts as an additional tax on their stay. "The 5% figure is probably similar to tax rates on lodging in particular localities," Brian Roe, the study's lead author, told OSU News. "So people are basically paying an additional lodging tax through the money they spend on food that they never eat while they're in the Airbnb." This revelation reveals a largely unseen financial drain, prompting travelers to perhaps rethink their vacation food practices.
Contributing to the problem might be the sheer amount that renters spend on groceries during their stays. Roe highlighted that each child adds to the waste, and on average, close to 80% of groups will eat at least once daily at their rental, creating ample opportunity for food purchases to go unused. The study found that the $12 of wasted food is comprised of $7 in groceries and $5 in prepared food from elsewhere, like restaurants or takeaway spots.
The study, which appeared recently in the journal Waste Management, not only shed light on wasted resources but also on a potential will to change. Up to 46% of hosts currently offer recycling options, with over 20% providing guidance on what specifically to do with leftover food. "There's some interest among travelers to try to reduce their footprints, and this would be a way to do that," Roe said via OSU News, outlining how small adjustments could significantly lower the waste. More so, nearly three-quarters of those questioned expressed interest in receiving information about food donation or composting opportunities from their hosts.
With a chunk of respondents admitting to wasting more food on vacation than at home, the trend seems to carry a heavy environmental toll beyond the financial. Yet, the study is hopeful, suggesting that travelers would be open to better food management options with proper guidance from their hosts. This opens up the conversation about responsible tourism and shows that with a bit of effort, vacation renters may have a significant impact on reducing food waste, benefitting both their wallets and the planet.
