Dating Woes: Everything to Know about Eco-Dumping
The dating checklist just got a little more extensive and the environment has everything to do with it. Eco-dumping is the trend that is keeping singles on their toes as they figure out if they’re environmentally compatible with a potential partner. The term was coined by the dating app Plenty of Fish to help daters make sense of the new phenomenon.Think of eco-dumping as a guiding point for deciding if your potential partner’s environmental habits and behaviors match yours. An environmentally unconscious lifestyle is reason enough for a relationship to come to a halt.
21Ninety spoke with Plenty of Fish’s dating expert Eva Gallagher to better understand what eco-dumping looks like. Consider what it would mean to be someone who cycles and avoids owning a car for the sake of the environment, only to find a partner who drives everywhere. This is one of the many conversations that come into sight.
Gallagher confirmed what we’re all thinking: eco-friendly lovers are taking a green approach to who they couple up with, with zero compromises.
“Conflicting opinions on environmental topics can be a deal-breaker for many. This is true when certain values aren’t shared or when there is a stark contrast in environmental consciousness. This can ultimately strain and erode a relationship over time,” Gallagher confirmed.
It’s important to note, as Gallagher does, that eco-dumping also relates to the initial reason for being attracted to someone’s eco-conscious habits.
What about the main positives and downsides of Eco-dumping?
There is much to think about when getting into a new relationship. It’s OK to state and honor values, in the dating world and beyond. Some may opt out completely while others will simply be new to integrating eco-values into their dating world. But, what are the underlying pluses and downsides of the eco-dumping trend?
“Being authentic and true to yourself is crucial in developing genuine connections. People are often attracted to those who exhibit enthusiasm for the things they love. Even if your potential match doesn’t share the exact same passion, as long as they’re welcoming and open-minded, this can still serve as a valuable conversation starter, allowing you to connect and break the ice with someone who may be curious to learn more,” said Gallagher.
It’s no surprise that Gallagher points out crucial sensitivity and self-awareness when ending or reconsidering a relationship due to environmental reasons.
“While being passionate about the environment isn’t a bad thing, it’s important to be mindful of your behaviors. If your passion begins to overshadow your relationships with others or prevents you from considering potential matches due to having a closed mind, it can become a self-sabotaging tactic. Sometimes all it takes to strike a balance with someone is being approachable and having an open, honest conversation!” she said.
Almost 1 in 5 singles know someone who eco-dumped
Data from dating app Plenty of Fish shows there is a correlation between environmental views and dating.
“Nearly one in five singles know someone who has dumped a partner because their views on climate change and the environment did not align*, ” Gallagher said.
She adds that this finding reveals a larger societal trend on the importance of shared interests. According to another Plenty of Fish study, 54% of singles find descriptive information about interests and personas appealing in a dating profile**.
“By putting your environmental views and passion points front and center on your dating profile, you create a low-pressure opportunity for meaningful connections with people who share similar interests and values, increasing the chances of developing fulfilling and compatible relationships,” Gallagher added.
Is eco-dumping here to stay?
The questions on everyone’s mind: Is eco-dumping yet another trend? Is it Gen Z specific? Will it become a key part of how dating evolves? The answers truly reside in the overarching value that society places on environmental care and preservation.
“Environmental consciousness is becoming an increasingly important issue in our world. People will likely continue to prioritize shared values on sustainability and eco-friendly practices in their relationships. While not everyone will share the same levels of concern for the environment, it’s crucial for everyone to maintain a sense of balance and respect, allowing for healthy discussion regardless of differing perspectives on environmental matters,” Gallagher added.
* SOURCE: More than 8,000 U.S.-based Plenty of Fish users were polled online in late August 2022. Participants were ages 18-60 with 51% identifying as male and 48% female
** SOURCE: 17,673 U.S.-based Plenty of Fish users were polled online in March 2023. Participants were ages 18+ with 43% identifying as male and 56% female.
Related: Overcoming Dating Anxiety
The post Dating Woes: Everything to Know about Eco-Dumping appeared first on 21Ninety.
