Would you break up over a bad carbon footprint?
2025 has really been introducing us to some savvy lingos, which are kind of getting challenging to keep up with (most of you will agree). Having said that, we also believe representation is power and if that means naming every new way we date or break up, so be it.So, the new buzzword - actually, it isn't something new, it has been around for a couple of years now, but slowly gaining momentum. So, we thought it was time we could revisit what the deal is all about: eco-dumping.Dating has gone green, and we don't just mean jealousy. We're talking full-blown eco-consciousness as the new romantic currency.According to a new survey by happn, a dating app, 60% of singles now say sustainability is a green flag, quite literally. So, if you're recycling religiously, bringing your own tote bag to the farmers' market, and ordering oat milk without flinching, congrats. You just became more dateable. But if your mindset fails to align, you might just get 'eco-dumped.'Yes, 'eco-dumping' is a real thing. It involves breaking off a relationship because a partner's environmental habits don't align with one's own.From vibes to valuesIt is no longer just about the good vibes when it comes to compatibility anymore. At the end of the day, it is the values that make or break the deal—and it seems like environmental awareness holds a prominent position in many (if not most) people's lives.Not cafes, movies or restaurants—52% of Gen Z and 58% of women prefer sustainable first dates, like park walks, vegan cafes, or local flea markets. Even Millennials are on board, with nearly half saying eco-friendly plans make them feel more in sync with their date.Minal Sardana, 22, an aspiring journalist in Delhi, says, 'I'm an environmentally conscious person, and I'd really appreciate it if my partner—or someone I'm dating—shared that mindset. Nothing extreme, just doing what's reasonably possible to live a more sustainable life. What I've noticed is that most people who actually walk the talk when it comes to sustainable practices often have a side that genuinely cares about society. That's a quality I truly value and would cherish in a partner.'Beware of the greenwashingWhile environmentally conscious individuals are a green flag, people want to stay clear of the pretentious ones—if you know what we mean. Fake eco-consciousness is a dealbreaker, and 37% of Gen Z say sustainability is only attractive if it feels genuine.Now imagine someone who uses steel or bamboo straws instead of plastic ones, uses a wooden brush instead of a plastic one, and of course reaches out for reusable cutlery—but when it comes to travel, it's always business class. No accountability for carbon footprint at all. That's your cue. That's the one pretending out there.Surajit Dasgupta, 31, an IT professional, says, 'A lot of people do it just to impress others. It doesn't come from a sense of responsibility or accountability—it's more about looking cool. That's a massive red flag. You should be able to stand by what you do, I believe.'And get this: 25% of Gen Z and Millennials admit they would actually reconsider a connection or outright dump someone if their sustainability values didn't align.And here's the twist: 26% of Gen Z (and 24% of Millennials) confess to pretending to be greener than they really are to impress a potential partner.We're calling it what it is: greenfishing (ROFL).For happn's CEO, Karima Ben Abdelmalek, this evolution in dating isn't surprising—it's necessary. 'Being eco-conscious isn't just an ethical choice,' she said. 'It's a green flag for authentic bonds.''For many, shared environmental values are no longer a mere preference—they are a must-have in building a genuine connection,' she concludes.So, would you dump someone over a plastic straw?(Please note: This is based on a survey by happn with 1,000 respondents.)Trending Reel
advertisement
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
5 hours ago
- The Hindu
For Telugu snacks and foods you loved as a 90s kid, head to Coffee Sangam in Hyderabad
You know those memes that say, 'We did silly things before social media existed'? Well, we also had epic birthday parties —with menus to match. Think back to the late '80s and '90s: sandwiches were cut diagonally, cutlets were crisp and golden, chilli cheese toast was the closest we got to pizza, and puff pastries were non-negotiable. No fancy burgers or sushi platters, just good old comfort food that's now a cherished memory. Coffee Sangam at Jubilee Hills taps into that nostalgia and pairs it with a modern-day twist. This all-day café brings together 90s birthday party staples and Telugu teatime classics — reimagined for today's palate. It is where keema meets puri at breakfast, dosas come perfectly crisp, and eggs are served with a side of heritage. And yes, this is the place that gave Hyderabad its very first bobbatlu croissant (sweetened lentil stuffed flat breads) — a flaky ode to tradition layered with innovation. I gave it a shot, and will not be ordering it again. Styled in warm earthy tones, Coffee Sangam feels like a laidback dining room for your everyday celebrations. On one wall, a painted boat carries people across generations and cultures — a visual metaphor for the sangam or confluence the café hopes to represent. Chef Vignesh puts it best: 'Celebrate surviving work, flatter a good mood, or just treat yourself — no reason needed. Small eats that make everyone smile.' And that is exactly the vibe at Coffee Sangam. Whether it is a cup of strong filter coffee to wake up your soul, or a kadak chai paired with muska bun and a swipe of palm sugar, the café knows its audience. Think palm sugar bun sandwiches — yes, that is a thing now. Not your average bun maska, these buns are unapologetically slathered with butter. Disclaimer: This is not the spot for calorie counters or strict vegans. But if you believe in the power of carbs, butter, and joy —welcome to the table. After a few visits, I had worked my way through most of the menu — but without fail, I always circled back to the peri peri punugulu and pista podi mini idlis (each the size of a one-rupee coin). These are finger foods reimagined, but never too far from their roots. Chef Vignesh curated the menu with a clear brief: revive the nostalgic snacks of the '90s — cutlets, mutton samosas, and old-school sandwiches minus the lettuce-tomato trimmings. The kind of food Gen X grew up on, and Gen Z probably has not met yet. At Coffee Sangam, the cutlet, samosa, and sandwich trio are the true comeback kids, and reason enough to keep returning. It is always comforting to see the basics done right — like a cheese omelette with toast. On lazy mornings, Coffee Sangam makes a strong case for a no-fuss breakfast with a solid filter coffee. The brown laminate on the omelette? That golden crust we all know from homemade breakfasts. 'It's meant to remind you of home,' says Chef Vignesh. If eggs are not your thing, opt for the crispy dosas (served with two chutneys, glistening with ghee) or the puri with keema. You can even order the keema on the side with your dosa — highly recommended. A surprise winner here is the curd rice salad. A comforting bowl of curd rice amped up with puffed rice, crunchy chips, and a zing of lemon pickle — it is exactly the kind of chaos that works. For a sugar fix, go for the Milo French toast or the bread pudding with ice cream. On the drinks side, the coconut milkshake, Irani boba chai, and masala mint iced tea hit the spot — flavourful and not overly sweet. One note: if you have a big appetite, the portion sizes might feel modest. Order more. That is the joy of small plates, after all.
Business Standard
a day ago
- Business Standard
Sold Out Twice in 6 Months: Pilgrim's Viral Lipstick Launch Breaks the Internet
PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 5: Pilgrim, one of India's fastest-growing clean beauty brands, has made a spectacular entry into the booming Rs6,000 Crore lips category within the rapidly expanding makeup segment. In just seven months, the brand has achieved viral success by selling over 500,000 units of its Matte Me Up Bullet Lipstick, Liquid Lipstick, and the first-of-its-kind Dubai Bling Glitter Lipstick--cementing its position as one of India's fastest-selling clean beauty lipstick brands. A key driver of this phenomenal growth has been Pilgrim's robust creator-led strategy, involving more than 1,000 influencers, from top-tier influencers to an engaged army of micro-influencers. Their campaigns for the Glitter Lipstick and Matte Me Up Liquid and Bullet Lipsticks generated over 100 million impressions across social media excitement created among Gen Z and Millennials led to the lipsticks selling out twice in just six months, with the brand clocking an impressive sale of one lipstick every minute. "This isn't just makeup -- it's skincare-infused colour innovation," said Gagandeep Makker, Co-founder of Pilgrim. "Every launch is shaped in close collaboration with our community. Our customers repeatedly expressed the need for a hydrating formula that does not compromise on rich colour payoff. That is how our Intensely Pigmented Bullet Lipsticks were born, formulated with hydrating and skin-nourishing ingredients like Spanish Squalane and Hyaluronic Acid. Our collections don't just deliver performance; they tell visual stories that celebrate individuality, global cultures, and our clean beauty ethos." Pilgrim's makeup collections are designed to offer visually immersive experiences, often inspired by rich global cultural narratives. The Dubai Bling Glitter Lipstick campaign, for instance, showcased the dazzling, unique glitter finish and featured iconic shades named after the opulent Dubai lifestyle--The Khalifa, My Habibi, and Royal Noor, becoming instant best-sellers among Gen Z and Millennials alike. Meanwhile, the Spanish Collection drew inspiration from the passionate world of Flamenco dancers from Spain. Influencers embraced this theme by recreating the Spanish Senorita look, complete with roses in their hair and bold makeup, sparking a viral trend among nano-influencers and consumers. The Bullet Lipsticks also received praise for their luxurious packaging, creamy formulation, and inclusive shade range that caters to diverse Indian skin tones--truly, there is a shade for everyone. Pilgrim stands out with its skin-first approach to beauty, partnering with global manufacturers to create state-of-the-art products backed by world-class quality and innovation. Each product is thoughtfully formulated with skincare ingredients, delivering not just colour, but care. Today, the makeup range includes over 100 SKUs, featuring serum foundations, concealers, blushes, eyeshadows, eyeliners, mascaras, and primers, but it's the lip category that has firmly positioned Pilgrim as a disruptor in the Indian makeup space. Building on this momentum, Pilgrim plans to launch 50+ new products in 2025, reinforcing its vision to innovate at the intersection of beauty, skincare, and community. About Pilgrim Pilgrim, a pioneering digital-native beauty brand, is redefining India's beauty landscape. Launched in 2020, Pilgrim swiftly captured the hearts of modern consumers with its innovative, world ingredients-focused approach. The brand's philosophy centres on discovering global beauty secrets and blending them with cutting-edge science to deliver effective, accessible products. Pilgrim's diverse portfolio, spanning skincare, haircare and colour cosmetics, caters to a nationwide audience through its website, app, and major e-commerce platforms. By prioritizing transparency and quality, Pilgrim has cultivated a loyal customer base, serving over a million consumers monthly.
United News of India
2 days ago
- United News of India
Shanti Ekambaram tops wealth list in ranking by Hurun India
Mumbai, June 4 (UNI) Shanti Ekambaram, the deputy managing director of Kotak Mahindra Bank, has topped the list of women professionals in the country, according to the ranking by Hurun India announced on Wednesday. With her bank valued at Rs 3.82 lakh crore, Ms Ekambaram is playing a key role in advancing digital banking and pushing financial inclusion across India. Candere and Hurun India have released the inaugural edition of the 2025 Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List, recognising 97 inspiring Indian women who are driving change across sectors like finance, technology, philanthropy, arts and start-ups. The 62-year-old banker has also secured the fifth spot in the Veteran Women Leader list, which is led by 87-year-old artist Arpita Singh. Ms Ekambaram has been instrumental in driving Kotak's growth and innovation, especially after her elevation to deputy managing director in 2024. Roshni Nadar Malhotra, chairperson of HCLTech Ltd, not only ranked on top of Hurun's next generation women's leaders list but also made her way among the top 10 wealthiest women in the world. Ms Nadar (43) spearheads HCLTech, which is valued at Rs 4.78 lakh crore. HCLTech operates in 60 countries with a revenue of Rs 1.11 lakh crore. The 2025 Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List spotlights some of the most dynamic and influential women in Indian business. These leaders are leading major enterprises, shaping industries and commanding impressive followings on LinkedIn, reflecting their thought leadership, legacy and wide-reaching impact. Leading the list is Indra Nooyi, former CEO and Chairperson of PepsiCo, whose enduring influence continues to resonate across the business world, even after her retirement from corporate leadership. From legacy leaders like Nisaba Godrej and Tanya Dubash, to influencer-founders like Masoom Minawala, and Gen Z voices like Mrunal Panchal, Mumbai's dominance spans generations and industries. Even in the entertainment-meets-investment arena, Mumbai rules. Shraddha Kapoor, who leads the list of celebrity investors with 94.1 million Instagram followers, and entrepreneurs like Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif, all headquartered in Mumbai, are retelling the story how fame translates into brand equity and capital. UNI AAA SS
