Every year, around 15 million people embark on journeys across Indian states and Union Territories, drawn from both domestic and international origins. Many seek the solace of natural havens marked by serenity and tranquility. Unfortunately, this quest for beauty has placed immense pressure on India's natural landscapes, particularly the delicate Himalayan region, leaving them vulnerable to the footprint of human activities.
While we can't stop our urge to explore but we can surely do it responsibly and there are many eco-conscious travellers who think alike and look for sustainable options which are difficult to find in this crowded space. That's where MylocalDost comes in who has been on a journey to discover Responsible hosts who we call local dosts.
Our local dosts are embracing a range of measures to ensure that sustainability is an intrinsic part of their operating principles. From eco-friendly architecture and locally-sourced materials to waste reduction strategies and community engagement initiatives, our local dosts are leading the way in responsible hospitality and we’re so proud to partner with them and together creating a better world to live and travel.
To acknowledge and measure the impact these hosts are creating with their commendable efforts, we drew inspiration from esteemed organizations like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), and the Indian Green Building Council in meticulously developing our eco-sustainable parameters with the help of environmentalists and conservationists.
All our MLD Homes are evaluated on the following Eco-Sustainable criteria to ensure local communities thrive while keeping environmental impact to a minimum.
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Daylight - The property uses bay windows, reflective, glasses, sky light and other openings to use sunlight for effective internal lighting to reduce the use of electricity. The use of Solar-charged lights during the night is also a perk.
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Reduced Carbon Footprint - Reduce emissions by avoiding combustion in open-air, old-school fuel-based apparatuses like generators, disposal of waste in the open etc. Also, the property plants a lot of trees that fix CO2 in huge volumes, bringing your carbon footprint to a minimum.
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Reduced Water Footprint – Taps fitted with water flow reducers, the disposal of waste sustainably, reuse of suitable water for gardening, and maintenance of plants and soil to hold water are some activities that reduce your water footprint.
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Local Heat Reduction - Light painted roof and walls, ventilation, no open decomposition and more vegetation prevent the local temperature from rising.
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Green Landscape - As per the guidelines outlined by the Indian Green Building Council, the landscape fulfills the criteria for the right balance between vegetation/green cover: Built-up area ratio.
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Rainwater Harvesting – The property harvests rainwater aiding into reducing the water footprint even further.
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Green Building Material - As suggested by several green architecture standards, the use of stones, mud, wood and glass over bricks and cement is more sustainable. Also, these materials are locally sourced to cutdown on the carbon emissions during heavy transport and also support the local economy.
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Supporting Locals – The staff consists of mostly locals. The activities held in the vicinity support the local economy. The food and raw material are locally sourced. The guests get to experience a rich and unique culture, which is the key to our travel motives.
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Healthy Air Quality – The property avoids any open air incomplete combustion, deforestation, fuel-based machines, stagnant water etc. to maintain a good air quality.
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Zero Noise Pollution – "And the mountains echoed." You could listen to them, the wind, the birds, because the property avoids loud music or deafening noises of any kind.
Supports Local Communities & Cultures
Local communities are the heart of any destination, yet often sidelined by mass tourism and commercial gains. Their traditions, art, and livelihoods risk fading away. We ensure operations are run by local families, engage people within nearby villages, and source most supplies locally. By promoting cultural festivals, crafts, and heritage architecture, we create direct economic benefits and keep rich traditions alive for future generations.
Green Environment & Biodiversity Conservation
Unchecked development erodes green spaces, destroys habitats, and disrupts fragile ecosystems. We safeguard biodiversity by using reclaimed materials in building our Homes, preserving every tree, and ensuring over half our property remains green. Organic gardening, wildlife-friendly lighting, and partnerships with conservation groups help protect flora and fauna. Even our bonfires use dropped wood, ensuring minimal ecological impact while keeping nature vibrant and thriving.
Air & Water Quality
Tourism often strains natural resources through excessive water use, chemicals, and pollution. We combat this by harvesting rainwater, reusing greywater, and using eco-friendly cleaning products. Low-flow fixtures, chlorine-free pools, and natural fragrances protect both human health and the environment. Guests are encouraged to reuse linens and save water, ensuring our air stays fresh, our water remains pure, and nature thrives.
Waste Management
Plastic pollution and unchecked waste harm landscapes, waterways, and wildlife. We adopt a zero-waste philosophy—banning single-use plastics, composting organic matter, and recycling diligently. Segregated bins, reusable cutlery, and biodegradable toiletries ensure minimal landfill waste. Guests are encouraged to carry back non-biodegradables, helping us keep the environment pristine, healthy and free from plastic waste.
Temperature & Energy Management
Rising energy consumption accelerates climate change and depletes resources. We counter this by integrating renewable energy, natural lighting, and passive cooling into our property design. Over half our appliances are energy-efficient, and solar lamps light our spaces at night. Guests are encouraged to switch off unused devices, making every stay a step towards reducing carbon emissions and embracing a greener future.
Travel & Transportation
Tourist destinations are often the most fragile, yet modern tourism’s reliance on all kinds of private vehicles threatens their purity. Our properties are chosen for easy access via public transport or a short, scenic hike—minimising vehicular intrusion. Shared cabs, walking routes, and tree-planting offsets keep these locations free from noise, dust, and air pollution, ensuring guests arrive lightly and the environment remains untouched for future explorers.
Food & Guest Experience
Mass Tourism can disconnect visitors from the real essence of a place, reducing it to consumption rather than connection. We offer experiences that foster harmony—forest bathing, cultural engagement, community dining, and nature based activities. Our menu features fresh, local, and organic produce, some grown onsite. Guests just don't visit our properties, they engage meaningfully and belong here.
Education on Sustainable Living
Without awareness, sustainability remains an abstract ideal. We bring it to life through workshops, social media stories, and visual displays on-site. Staff are trained in eco-friendly practices, while guests join plantation and cleaning drives. Documented stewardship guides our actions, ensuring each visit becomes an opportunity to learn, practice, and spread sustainable living—creating ripple effects that extend far beyond our property.