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Let this World Environment Day inspire us to choose travel experiences that nourish the soul and sustain the planet
World Environment Day reminds us, meaningful change starts with daily choices.
As conversations around climate change and responsible consumption gain momentum, businesses across India are stepping up with purpose-driven strategies that go beyond surface-level greenwashing. On the occasion of World Environment Day 2025, it’s worth spotlighting how hospitality and F&B brands are weaving sustainability into their core values—creating a ripple effect that extends from operations to consumer consciousness.
From luxury hotels reimagining waste management to beauty and snack brands investing in solar energy and refillable packaging, sustainability is no longer a siloed department—it’s the new DNA of modern businesses.
Raffles Jaipur: The Future of Luxury is Regenerative
Set against the regal backdrop of Rajasthan, Raffles Jaipur is rewriting the rules of luxury. Here, indulgence is balanced with intention, and elegance coexists with environmental stewardship. At this modern-day palace, sustainability isn’t an afterthought—it’s embedded in every element of design, service, and community impact.
“Sustainability at Raffles Jaipur is not a checkbox, it’s a philosophy,” says Binny Sebastian, General Manager, Raffles Jaipur. “We are proud to offer our guests a luxurious experience that is mindful of both people and the planet.”
From eliminating buffets to reduce food waste to powering the hotel partly through an 850 KWP offsite solar plant, every initiative at Raffles Jaipur is aligned with its long-term commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
Raffles Udaipur
At its sister property, Raffles Udaipur, sustainability is equally intrinsic. “At Raffles Udaipur, sustainability is not an initiative—it is a quiet promise, thoughtfully upheld every day,” says Rajesh Namby, General Manager. “From our fleet of electric boats that glide across Udai Sagar Lake to our in-house bottling plant and farm-to-table ethos, each experience is designed to tread lightly and purposefully. We also take great pride in nurturing local livelihoods and conserving the natural beauty of our island.”
Taj Mahal, New Delhi: Leading the Way in Sustainable Hospitality and Innovation
At one of India’s most iconic addresses, sustainability is driven by innovation and measurable impact. “At Taj Mahal, New Delhi, which is proudly LEED Platinum and EarthCheck Platinum certified, sustainability is a core operational principle,” says Dr. Anmol Ahluwalia, Area Director – Operations & General Manager.
“Our water conservation efforts have achieved remarkable success, with recycling efficiency increasing from 53% to 80% this fiscal year and an impressive 98% of treated water now being reused. From a chemical-free ETP for laundry water to a 400 KLD STP, we are reducing freshwater dependence while enhancing circularity.”
The hotel has also launched Innergise Green Meetings, an initiative blending mindful menus and eco-conscious practices to redefine business events with a sustainable lens. “Looking ahead,” he adds, “we are focused on expanding renewable energy use and further integrating sustainability into the guest experience itself.”
Accor India: Global Goals, Local Action
Across its vast network, Accor India & South Asia is embedding sustainability into its operational blueprint. “At Accor, sustainability is an ongoing commitment rooted in local action and global ambition,” says Pratima Badhwar, Head of Commercial.
“Across our properties, we’re implementing initiatives that reflect the needs of each region—whether it’s eliminating single-use plastics, introducing refillable amenities, protecting local biodiversity, or supporting marine conservation.”
The brand’s collaboration with WWF under its Novotel portfolio is a key step in raising awareness for ocean conservation and working toward its long-term goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar: Engineering a Low-Impact Footprint
At JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, technology and innovation drive its green mission. A LEED-certified property, it integrates smart energy management systems, rainwater harvesting, low-flow fixtures, and solar panels.
In 2023 alone, the hotel reported a carbon footprint of 23.8 kg and a water footprint of 665 liters per room night. Its initiative, H2OPE, replaces single-use plastic bottles with ozonized, purified water in reusable glass bottles—“a reflection of hope and responsibility in every drop.”
Cornitos: Snacking with a Greener Conscience
In the FMCG space, Cornitos is proving that sustainability and scalability can go hand in hand. “At Cornitos, we believe in making mindful choices that support a better tomorrow,” shares Vikram Agarwal, Managing Director.
“We’ve integrated sustainable initiatives into our operations—our Roorkee unit is partly powered by solar energy, and we organise tree plantation drives around Environment Day to instill a greener mindset across our team.” It’s a small but powerful reminder that even snack foods can be part of the solution.
ColorBar: Redefining Beauty with Purpose and Innovation
The beauty industry, often criticized for waste, is seeing a sustainability renaissance—led in part by ColorBar. “Sustainability is not just a responsibility—it’s the foundation of our journey to become a global beauty brand,” says Samir K Modi, Founder & MD.
“Our products are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and globally compliant. From refillable lipsticks to zero-waste retail design, we are reimagining beauty through the lens of environmental consciousness.” With a target to make 100% of compacts and powders refillable by 2027, ColorBar is setting new benchmarks for conscious luxury.
Aahana Resort: Eco-Luxury in the Heart of the Jungle
At Aahana Resort in Jim Corbett National Park, sustainability is rooted in land restoration and local empowerment. “When we planted the first tree on once-barren land, it wasn’t just an act of restoration—it marked the beginning of a new idea of hospitality,” says Avni Tripathi, Director.
“Our flourishing ecosystem, carbon-neutral operations, biogas plants, and community drives prove that regenerative practices can coexist with unforgettable guest experiences. We’ve built a model where luxury enhances, rather than exploits, nature.”
Luxmi Tea & Makaibari Estate: Brewing Change, One Leaf at a Time
Tea lovers may know Makaibari for its legendary blends—but few realize the sustainability ethos behind it. “At Luxmi Tea, sustainability is deeply woven into our story—from the soil to the soul,” says Rudra Chatterjee, Managing Director.
“At Makaibari, the world’s first biodynamic estate, forest and farm exist in harmony. We’ve empowered over 700 women, installed solar power, and launched education and health programs. For us, sustainability is a legacy—an intergenerational promise to both people and the planet.”
A Green Tomorrow Begins Today
What unites these diverse brands is a shared belief that sustainability isn’t just about compliance—it’s about impact with intention. As World Environment Day reminds us, meaningful change starts with daily choices. Whether it’s a glass of clean water, a plastic-free lipstick, or a solar-powered stay, India’s most forward-thinking brands are proving that the green revolution begins not with grand gestures—but with enduring, everyday commitments.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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