Would you break up over a bad carbon footprint?

India Today

22-04-2025

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
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