Lifestyle

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

Published

2 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

Donnette Russell-Love on How Policy Changes Are Reshaping the Immigrant Experience in America

Published

4 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Michelle Langton

What happens when the rules for chasing the American dream keep changing? For millions of immigrants, the answer is anxiety, confusion, and a constant fight to stay one step ahead of shifting policies that can decide their future overnight.

This is the reality that Donnette Russell-Love, attorney and CEO of Immigration Care Service, faces every day. With a career built on both courtroom experience and compassionate advocacy, she has become a steady guide for individuals and families navigating one of the most unpredictable legal systems in the world.

A Changing Landscape

Over the years, U.S. immigration policy has shifted from being opportunity-driven to increasingly restrictive. Donnette Russell-Love has seen how these changes have reshaped not only the process but also how immigrants are perceived. She believes that leadership plays a major role in setting the tone; each administration influences whether the focus lies on inclusion, enforcement, or deterrence.

Under the current administration, the path to the American dream has become much narrower. There has been a stronger push to limit humanitarian provisions for people fleeing unstable conditions, less tolerance for long-term immigrants with even minor offenses from years ago, and growing efforts to challenge birthright citizenship.

These policies reflect a clear shift in how the United States approaches immigration. For many of her clients, the rules that once offered hope now feel like walls. Yet, her mission remains the same: to help them find a way through, one informed decision at a time.

Guiding Clients Through Constant Change

In an environment where laws and regulations can change faster than people can adapt, Donnette’s approach is built on preparation. She doesn’t just focus on forms and paperwork; she focuses on context. Her process starts with understanding each client’s story, background, and long-term goals. From there, she helps them see not just what’s required legally, but what’s likely to be asked, reviewed, or challenged along the way.

For her, education is the most powerful defense. She believes that informed clients are stronger, calmer, and more confident when facing interviews or hearings. She spends time explaining how new rules apply to their situations and how small details, like old records, travel history, or documentation, can make all the difference.

Her deep understanding of immigration stems not only from her legal training but also from her background in compliance and risk management. These skills have shaped her proactive style, allowing her to anticipate potential issues before they arise. Instead of reacting to policy shifts, she prepares her clients to adapt to them.

Leadership That Balances Law and Humanity

Running a law firm in such a turbulent field requires discipline, empathy, and vision, qualities that Donnette has cultivated over years of leadership. As the head of Immigration Care Service, she manages the balance between legal precision and genuine human care. Her team works closely with clients from diverse backgrounds, ensuring they receive not only sound legal guidance but also emotional support during uncertain times.

She also emphasizes the importance of staying grounded. Her philosophy is that immigration law is not just about policies or procedures, it’s about people. Every case represents a life story, a dream, or a second chance. And while the system may grow more rigid, her role is to help clients see that persistence and preparation can still lead to opportunity.

Moving Forward with Purpose

For Donnette Russell-Love, the work doesn’t end with one case or one victory. It’s about helping her clients understand the bigger picture, that success in immigration is not only about following rules, but about knowing how to navigate them with clarity and confidence.

She recognizes that the path to legal residency or citizenship is harder now than ever before. But her message is one of resilience: knowledge and preparation still open doors.

In a time when immigration policies seem to shift with every election cycle, Donnette’s approach stands out for its steadiness and humanity. She reminds her clients and the broader community that while laws may change, the pursuit of hope, belonging, and a better life remains constant. And with the right guidance, that pursuit is still worth every effort.