How we can help Venice with the right behavior

​YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. HERE’S HOW:  
 
          Action 1: Support community-building accommodation – choose alternatives to Airbnb
Help restore living space to the Venetian residential community that has been denied to it by overuse of "sharing" offers e.g. Airbnb, which push up prices for residential housing. Opt for hostels, hotels, especially small, family-run places, and pro-community sharing services such as Fair BnB coop If unavailable, encourage landlords to offer their property through this service.

           Action 2: Walk and use public transport – reduce environmental damage
Reduce noise and air pollution and erosion of the lagoon and the foundations of ancient buildings by not using private water taxis for normal sightseeing, except if disabled. Walk, or use the water bus (public ferries and airport transport). Limit your environmental impact.

           Action 3: Use small eco-friendly cruise ships -- help to exclude large ships from Venice. 
If you come to Venice on a cruise, choose one of the new generation of cleaner, maneuverable vessels. Cruise ships (especially older models and those over 40,000 tons) entering the Venetian lagoon by any route cause extremely high levels of erosion and air pollution. The unsightly giants pass too close to monuments, risking collisions that could be catastrophic.

           Action 4: Visit for more than a day -- do not rush to Venice for a few hours   
Day trippers on eat-and-run visits cause the lion’s share of damage with their rapid  movement and excessive demands on “must sees”. Slow down, take your time, stay overnight, if possible. Take in Venice the way this ancient place was meant to be appreciated. 

           Action 5: Act like you are in someone’s home -- act with courtesy beyond basic guidelines 
Venice is not a resort or an attraction. People live there. Do not block bridge steps or narrow streets. Venetians need to get to places, to work or school. Residents need quiet. They are your flat-sharing neighbors and need to get up early in the morning. Observe the domestic rules (such as on refuse disposal). Respect others’ privacy in churches or cemeteries.  

          Action 6: Support  the local economy – patronize artisans, local shops and services.
Before you blow your budget on the cheap tourist tat, seek out the local and independent shops that might just have something better. Here’s a good list. Local artisans and traditional outlets are part of Venice’s cultural heritage. Hire a guide locally and visit the lagoon. Buying locally supports the community. 

All the best
 Neal Robbins