Lifestyle

Top Hotelier Sanjeev Nanda discusses Sustainable Hospitality: A Commitment to Environmental Responsibility and Community

Published

3 years ago

August 15, 2023

The hospitality industry has experienced a transformative shift towards embracing sustainable practices while recognizing the need to protect our planet. Sustainable hospitality is no longer just a buzzword; it has become a powerful commitment to reducing carbon footprints, conserving resources, and positively influencing the lives of people in the areas they operate. Sanjeev Nanda, an esteemed name in the hospitality industry and the Chairman of Neat Foods and Nohm Hospitality, firmly believes that sustainability is the future of hospitality. “Hotels, resorts, and restaurants worldwide have pledged to make a meaningful impact on their surrounding environment and local communities. As a business owner, it is not just about profit; it is about the responsibility we bear towards the planet and the communities we serve,” he adds.

Eco-friendly practices

The growing importance of eco-friendly practices in the hospitality sector cannot be overstated. As the world faces pressing environmental challenges, responsible travellers and consumers demand more from the places they stay and dine. From luxury hotels to quaint bed and breakfasts, sustainable hospitality practices have become a cornerstone for attracting environmentally-conscious guests.

Renewable energy sources have emerged as a pivotal aspect of sustainable hospitality. Hotel chains and resorts have started investing heavily in solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy solutions to power their establishments. “Harnessing renewable energy is not only a means to cut costs but also a step towards mitigating our carbon footprint,” says Nanda. Such initiatives not only decrease the industry’s reliance on fossil fuels but also set an example for other sectors to follow suit.

Waste reduction strategies have also taken centre stage in the pursuit of sustainability. Adopting a circular approach to waste management, where waste is viewed as a resource rather than a burden has become essential. A significant number of hotels and restaurants have been proactive in implementing recycling programs, composting organic waste, and reducing single-use plastics. Additionally, innovative collaborations with local organizations have emerged to convert waste into revenue-generating products, further contributing to the community’s economic growth.

Supporting local communities

Sustainable hospitality goes hand in hand with helping local communities. Sanjeev Nanda asserts, “We have a responsibility to positively impact the communities that graciously host our businesses. Hotels and resorts now prioritize sourcing their produce locally, supporting local farmers, and reducing carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation.” They also make investments in community development projects such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, fostering strong bonds with the local population.

Empowering the local workforce is key to creating sustainable employment opportunities. This philosophy has encouraged many hospitality businesses to promote skill development tasks, fair wages, and employee well-being initiatives. Consequently, the industry has witnessed a positive shift towards greater social inclusion and economic stability for communities surrounding these establishments.

Providing valuable experiences

Sustainable hospitality practices also extend to the guest experience. Guests are encouraged to participate in eco-friendly activities and learn about the local environment and culture. It is not just about providing a luxurious stay; it is about creating meaningful experiences that leave a positive impact on the visitors and the places they visit. From nature walks to cultural immersion programs, sustainable hospitality offers unique opportunities for travellers to connect with the destination on a deeper level.

As more hospitality businesses embrace sustainability, the industry’s impact on the environment and local communities is poised to reach new heights. Sanjeev Nanda, the pioneer of internationally renowned establishments like the Billionaire Mansion, Miss Tess, Meda Tapas & Bar, Taj Dubai, and Baoli in UAE, envisions a future where every hotel, big or small, contributes to building a greener, more inclusive world. “This shared commitment to environmental responsibility and community impact will pave the way for a resilient and sustainable hospitality sector that stands the test of time,” he says.

The hospitality sector is weaving eco-friendly practices into its core values, creating a profound impact on the planet and the global society. As travellers and consumers, it is essential to support and celebrate this transformation, for it is in the spirit of sustainable hospitality that we shall collectively secure a brighter and more promising future for generations to come.

Lifestyle

When Seasons Shift: Dr. Leeshe Grimes on Grief, Loneliness, and Finding Light Again

Published

43 mins ago

February 22, 2026

Michelle Langton

Some emotional storms arrive without warning. A sudden change in weather, a holiday approaching, or even a bright sunny day can stir feelings that don’t match the world outside. For many people, the hardest seasons are not defined by temperature; they are defined by what’s happening inside, where grief and loneliness often move quietly.

This is the emotional terrain where Dr. Leeshe Grimes has spent her career doing some of her most meaningful work. As a psychotherapist, registered play therapist, retired U.S. Army combat veteran, and founder of Elevated Minds in the DMV area, she understands how deeply seasonal shifts and unresolved grief can affect people. Her upcoming books explore this very space, guiding readers through the emotional weight that can appear during different times of the year.

What sets Dr. Grimes apart is her ability to see clearly what many people overlook. Seasonal depression, for example, is usually tied to winter months. But she often sees it appear during warm, bright seasons, the times when the world seems happiest. For someone already grieving or feeling disconnected, watching others travel, celebrate, or gather can create its own kind of heaviness. Sunshine doesn’t always lift the mood; sometimes it highlights what feels missing.

The same misunderstanding surrounds grief. Society often treats it as a short-term experience with predictable phases and a clean ending. But in her practice, Dr. Grimes sees how grief keeps evolving. It doesn’t disappear on a timeline. It weaves itself into routines, memories, and milestones. People learn to carry it differently, but they rarely leave it behind completely. And that’s not failure, it’s human.

Her approach to mental health centers on truth rather than pressure. She encourages clients to acknowledge the emotions they try to hide: sadness that lingers longer than expected, moments of joy that feel out of place, and the waves of loneliness that return even when life seems stable. Instead of pushing for quick recovery, she focuses on helping people understand how emotions shift and how to care for themselves through those changes.

Much of her insight comes from her military years, where she witnessed the emotional toll of loss, transition, and constant survival. She saw how people continued functioning while carrying pain that had nowhere to go. That experience shaped her belief that healing requires space, space to feel, to speak, and to move through emotions without judgment.

In her clinical work today at Elevated Minds, she encourages people to build small, steady habits that anchor them during difficult seasons. Journaling helps them recognize patterns and name what feels heavy. Community support breaks the cycle of isolation. Therapy creates a place where emotions don’t have to be minimized or explained away. And intentional routines, daily sunlight, mindful breaks, and calm evenings help rebuild emotional balance.

Her upcoming books expand on these ideas, offering practical guidance for navigating both grief and seasonal depression. She focuses on helping readers understand that healing is not about escaping pain. It’s about learning how to live with it in a healthier way, honoring memories, acknowledging loneliness, and still allowing room for moments of light.

What makes Dr. Leeshe Grimes a compelling voice in mental health is her ability to bring language to experiences that many struggle to explain. She reminds people that emotional seasons don’t always match the weather and that there is no single path through grief. But within those shifts, she believes there is always a way forward.

The seasons will continue to change. And with the right tools, compassion, and support, people can change with them, finding steadiness, softness, and light again, one step at a time.