Melbourne Metro YHA

Melbourne Metro YHA is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and being a responsible community member through a mix of conservation and sustainable practices and services. Initiatives include:

Energy Conservation

• Low energy lighting
• Free bike storage to encourage sustainable transport
• Promotion of public transport use and reusable MYKI system
• Solar hot water system
• Unused devices turned off at night
• Sensor/timed lighting in bathrooms
• Reduced hall way lighting

Waste Minimisation

• Co-mingled recycling system in use on every level of hostel
• Recycled paper used for printing
• Refillable stainless steel water bottles for sale
• Reusable coffee cups for sale 
• Guests receive a discount on coffee in cafe when using a reusable coffee cup
• Water fountain/bubblers available to refill water bottles
• Rooftop herb and veggie garden for guest use
• Biodegradeable bin liners throughout the hostel
• Compost bins/worm farm
• Cartridge and battery recycling
• Dedicated area for unwanted guets items to be reused

Water Conservation

• Water efficient appliances
• Dual flush toilets
• Instant hot water urn
• Front loading washing machines

Social Sustainability and Education

• Sustainable volunteer role
• Monday night sustainable documentary nights
• Water bottle project educating guests on the impact of plastic bottles
• Partnership with Port Phillip Eco Centre which involves guests participating in a monthly penguin habitat restoration program at St Kilda Pier, as well as a monthly Queen Victoria Market and Flagstaff Gardens Eco tour
• Regular beach clean ups
• Wednesday night charity dinners (gold coin donation is required, chosen charity rotates weekly)
• Participation and promotion of external sustainable events such as Earth Hour
• Educational signage throughout the hostel
• Who Gives A Crap toilet paper used throughout the hostel
• Regular donations of old linen to North Melbourne Lost Dogs Home and Vision Australia (for seeing eye dogs)
• Regular donations of unwanted guest clothing to Salvation Army