As part of Airbnb's commitment to strengthening the positive impact of the travel industry on communities, and to sharing its success with those who make it possible, the company has created a fund to distribute $100 million until 2030, with the goal of strengthening local communities around the world.
's 'Community Fund' awards more than 20 organizations around the world that work to protect our planet and promote sustainability and environmental conservation.
A company statement indicates that among the award winners in its second edition is the Spanish organization Rezero , which works towards a Zero Waste society.
"Airbnb believes that local organizations have an important role within communities, so it is honored to share the announcement of the 2022 Airbnb Community Fund awardees. The program focused primarily on sustainability and environmental conservation, and awarded more than $6 million in grants to over 20 organizations in 19 countries across six continents," the statement said.
Rezero, a Barcelona-based organization, was selected to receive financial support from Airbnb's 'Community Fund,' created by the company to support its host community. The local organization will receive $30,000 and will use it to continue its work toward a Zero Waste society.
Regarding the impact of this aid, the Spanish organization commented that "Rezero seeks new solutions to extend the useful life of products and materials by facilitating their reuse, with the aim of eliminating the generation of household waste.".
The environmental organization maintains that it also seeks to create and share knowledge, promote innovative ideas, legislative initiatives, as well as public plans and projects so that companies, governments and citizens have the opportunity to enjoy a production and consumption model that generates the least amount of waste possible and does not resort to toxic materials or products that are discarded without being used.
The award-winning organization explained that Airbnb's support will be primarily directed towards responsible tourism and consumption projects, while continuing to strive for a Zero Waste society.
In addition to the Spanish organization, the 2022 award winners include organizations such as Leave No Trace in the United States, the WWF-Brazil coral reef restoration project in Brazil, EcoExploratorio in Puerto Rico, Retake Roma in Italy, Lapalala Wilderness School in South Africa, The Association of National Trusts in Japan, the National Trust of Korea in Korea, and Bush Heritage in Australia.
Airbnb explains that during the past year, the Community Fund supported education and awareness programs related to sustainability and provided funding to entities that conduct energy audits in homes in order to help hosts in the UK and France improve the energy efficiency of their accommodations.
It also adds that during 2021 it allocated financial aid to more than 150 organizations dedicated to fighting COVID-19, economic empowerment and education, which also work to cover the unprecedented needs generated by the pandemic.
