Priyal Singh, Mumbai Uncensored:

Introduction:

In recent years, the concept of eco-friendly travel, also known as sustainable or responsible tourism, has gained significant traction among travelers worldwide. With growing environmental concerns and a heightened awareness of the impact of tourism on local communities and ecosystems, more people are seeking ways to minimize their ecological footprint while exploring the world. Eco-friendly travel involves making conscious choices to reduce environmental impact, support local economies, and preserve cultural heritage. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore ten practical tips for eco-friendly travel, empowering you to embark on sustainable adventures while leaving a positive impact on the planet and its inhabitants.

1. Choose Green Accommodation:

One of the first steps toward eco-friendly travel is selecting green accommodation options that prioritize sustainability practices. Look for eco-friendly hotels, lodges, or homestays that have implemented measures to minimize their environmental impact. These may include energy-efficient lighting and appliances, water-saving fixtures, waste reduction and recycling programs, and locally sourced materials for construction and furnishings. Certification programs such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or Green Key provide assurance that accommodations meet stringent sustainability criteria.

2. Pack Light:

Minimizing your luggage not only makes travel more convenient but also reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions associated with transportation. Pack versatile clothing and essentials to avoid overpacking and choose lightweight, durable luggage made from eco-friendly materials such as recycled polyester or organic cotton. By packing light, you’ll not only lessen your environmental impact but also enjoy greater mobility and flexibility during your travels.

3. Use Public Transportation:

Whenever possible, opt for public transportation, bicycles, or walking to explore your destination. Public transit systems, trains, and buses are more energy-efficient than individual vehicles and contribute to lower carbon emissions. Many cities around the world offer affordable and convenient public transportation options, including subway systems, trams, and bike-sharing programs. By choosing sustainable modes of transportation, you’ll reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions while experiencing the local culture and scenery firsthand.

4. Support Local Businesses:

One of the best ways to promote sustainable tourism is by supporting local businesses and communities. Eat at locally-owned restaurants that serve regional cuisine made from fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms and markets. Purchase souvenirs and handicrafts from local artisans and cooperatives, supporting traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Choose community-based tour operators and guides who prioritize responsible tourism practices and contribute to the local economy through fair wages and community development initiatives.

5. Reduce Water Usage:

Conserving water is essential, especially in regions facing water scarcity or drought conditions. Practice water-saving habits such as taking shorter showers, turning off taps while brushing teeth or shaving, and reusing towels and linens to reduce laundry. Choose eco-friendly accommodation that implements water-saving measures such as low-flow showerheads, dual-flush toilets, and rainwater harvesting systems. By minimizing water usage, you’ll help conserve this precious resource and support sustainable water management practices.

6. Say No to Single-Use Plastics:

Single-use plastics, such as disposable water bottles, plastic bags, and utensils, contribute significantly to environmental pollution and harm marine ecosystems. Bring reusable alternatives such as a refillable water bottle, shopping bag, and travel cutlery set to avoid single-use plastics while traveling. Refill your water bottle at water stations or with filtered water to minimize plastic waste and support initiatives aimed at reducing plastic pollution.

7. Respect Wildlife:

Responsible wildlife tourism involves interacting with animals in their natural habitats in a manner that respects their welfare and conserves their habitats. Avoid activities that exploit or harm wildlife, such as elephant rides, swimming with dolphins, or visiting captive animal attractions. Instead, choose ethical wildlife encounters with reputable operators who prioritize animal welfare, conservation, and education. Observe wildlife from a respectful distance, refrain from feeding or touching wild animals, and support conservation efforts aimed at protecting endangered species and their habitats.

8. Offset Your Carbon Footprint:

While reducing carbon emissions should be a primary goal, offsetting unavoidable emissions is an effective way to mitigate your environmental impact. Carbon offsetting involves investing in projects that reduce or capture greenhouse gas emissions, such as renewable energy, reforestation, and energy efficiency initiatives. Many reputable organizations offer carbon offset programs that allow travelers to calculate and offset the carbon footprint of their flights or entire trips. By supporting carbon offset projects, you’ll help combat climate change and promote sustainable development worldwide.

9. Practice Leave No Trace Principles:

Leave No Trace is a set of outdoor ethics designed to minimize human impact on the environment while enjoying outdoor recreational activities. Whether hiking in national parks, camping in wilderness areas, or exploring natural landscapes, adhere to Leave No Trace principles to preserve the integrity of natural ecosystems. Pack out all trash, dispose of waste properly, stay on designated trails to prevent soil erosion and habitat destruction, and respect wildlife and local cultures. By practicing Leave No Trace, you’ll help protect fragile ecosystems and ensure that future generations can enjoy these natural treasures.

10. Educate Yourself:

Education is key to fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable tourism principles and their significance. Take the time to learn about the environmental and social issues facing your destination, including habitat loss, pollution, cultural displacement, and economic inequality. Engage with local communities, conservation organizations, and sustainable travel initiatives to gain insights into local challenges and opportunities for positive change. By educating yourself and others, you’ll become a more informed and responsible traveler, capable of making a meaningful difference wherever you go.

Conclusion:

Eco-friendly travel is not just a trend but a conscious choice to travel responsibly, minimize environmental impact, and support local communities. By incorporating these ten practical tips into your travel planning and habits, you can embark on sustainable adventures while leaving a positive impact on the planet and its inhabitants. Whether exploring natural wonders, cultural heritage sites, or vibrant cities, remember that every small action counts towards creating a more sustainable and equitable world for future generations to enjoy.

Payel Halder, Mumbai Uncensored, 25th February, 2023:

Kotak Mahindra Bank has withdrawn its new ‘811’ campaign ad featuring comedian Tanmay Bhat after social media uproar over his decade-old demeaning tweet about Lord Ganesha and child rape. Bhat’s tweets have outraged netizens, but the same lobby that touts freedom of expression and seeks censure when convenient has remained silent.

Despite scathing criticism of the offensive and perverse ten-year-old tweets, the Lobby has been hesitant to comment on or condemn Bhat’s old tweets, which forced Kotak Mahindra Bank to withdraw its campaign. Responding to the backlash, the bank tweeted that it does not endorse or support the actor’s views and withdrew the campaign.

Several netizens highlighted Bhat’s past tweets on child rape and asked Kotak Mahindra Bank if it reflects its brand values. Shefali Vaidya, who was one of the first people to point out Bhat’s offensive tweet, said, “How can a brand like Kotak, which has customers from all sections of Indian society, have someone like Tanmay Bhat, who has made offensive tweets about children? He also made sick tweets about Lord Ganesha. It is too disgusting for me to even read.”

Another Twitter user, Monica Verma, threatened to close her bank account and demanded that Kotak Mahindra Bank discontinue its association with Bhat and apologize.

This is not the first time Tanmay Bhat has found himself in controversy. In 2016, his video superimposing the faces of late singer Lata Mangeshkar and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was condemned by netizens. Mumbai Police had also asked Facebook and Youtube to take down the video. Later, in October 2018, Bhat was under attack for his not taking action on the complaints against another comedian during the #MeToo movement.

Shobhit Chandola – Mumbai Uncensored, 14^th May 2022

The Glory Chapters of the Kashmir Files weren’t done yet. It received immense praise throughout the world but then there comes the secular nation whose film classification guidelines are violated by The Kashmir Files. Yes, the multi-racial Singapore where religious harmony is utmost and this saga shows the one-sided portrayal of Muslims , could disturb the whole atmosphere of the country. But Vidhu Vindo Chopra directorial ‘Shikara’ won’t as it is a story of love with a backdrop of Kashmir Violence. Where there was no scope for political drama, where KPs were indeed saved from a certain segment of Muslims from leaving Kashmir and which justified the hate against pandits to some extent by showing that the circumstances were beyond the control of locals. Thus, leaving us to moderate a secular love story of hope & survival. 

Recently on the Backdrop of #SingaporebansTheKashmirFiles, The Twitter War raged when Mr. Shashi Tharoor’s (MP from Thiruvananthapuram) in his tweet shared the link of SingaporeCensorBoard in association with Ministry of Culture,Community and Youth ( MCCY ) sarcastically saying that the BJP promoted project was banned in Singapore. What looks more hypocritical here is the deceased wife of Shashi Tharoor was a Kashmiri Hindu & often tweeted about the Spiral of Silence for KashmiriHindusgenocide. This was eventually picked by Vivek Agnihotri who further took a dig at Shashi Ji in latter’s vocab style and hailed the Singapore Censor Board as the most Regressive board in the World which even banned ‘The Last Temptations of Christ’ for fictional depiction of Jesus and the Gospels and found it to be blasphemous. Even a romantic film called the #TheLeelahotelfiles could be banned in Singapore, he added. And concluded with an urge to resist from making fun of #KashmiriPanditsExodus.

Ever since the Vivek Agnihotri’s much awaited passionate project- ‘The Kashmir Files’ hit the screen, it created havoc on the box office citing the depiction of the Kashmiri Hindu Genocide in its truest sense which was brutal and barbaric. With over 250 Crore+ lifetime collection, the Kashmir Saga surpassed the expectations with an ‘All Time Blockbuster’ tag. Coming out of the theaters, the audience looked mesmerized with the Agnihotri’s craft, some being emotional or furious with the treatment of the Kashmiri Hindus. It should not come as suprise if it is told that half of the composition was of those who never knew that this Genocide happened before.But  even as a lad I knew this, the sole reason being my beloved teacher of High school who was a Kashmiri Pandit and had her share of saga on ‘Raliv, galiv ya Chaliv’ which I refrain to tell on moral grounds . Thanks to the ignorant policies of UPA and biased attitude towards Kashmiri Hindus who went on to become the Refugees in their own country and are still called the same. If not, then one shall check the Job quotas / Educational quotas where still the seats are reserved for them. Ultimately owing to the fact that they are everywhere in the country except their homeland where they have failed to reinstate.

RALIV GALIV YA CHALIV -The Kashmiri Holocaust Slogan of Islamic Militants which means,

‘Either Convert to Islam, Flee or Die’

The movie is often stated to be backed by the Central Government which it certainly is but what is more adverse is the backfire by the ‘left lobby’.

 A continuous pattern of trolling, downgrading throughout the time of its release. Multiple malicious attempts happened within wikipedia to change the summary and context of the movie. If not, then have a glance below or just check the wiki page which has termed the film fictional and inaccurate. Abrupt change in IMDB rating of TKF from 9.6 to 8.3 overnight. This isn’t confined. Kashmir Files’ triumph makes Secularism fail, says the Newslaundary. Al-Jazeera found PM Modi’s support for The Kashmir Files in the assembly as Hate Speech. For ‘The Hindu’, the short number of killing of KPs ( Kashmiri Pandits ) as per some reports cannot be termed as a Genocide as it doesn’t fits the criteria of mass lynching and on a collective note more Muslims have lost their lives to Army attrocities. Just swap the two Religions and they would cry for underreporting of the official figure. The Lobby list goes on…… What lies ahead is the Lesson for all of us.