Note: This challenge is closed now
Happy New Year 2026, dear Local Guides!
Wishing every one of you a year filled with good health, meaningful contributions, inspiring discoveries, and positive impact 
Before we step into new resolutions, I want to say a big THANK YOU 
to this amazing community for the love, encouragement, and huge response to my #NoPlasticSpoons challenge.
Your participation, stories, and conscious choices truly showed how powerful our collective voice can be 
As we step into 2026, many of us are making resolutions - fitness, travel, learning, growth…
But what if one simple resolution could benefit all of us and the planet we map every day? 
A resolution for sustainability.
Not perfection. Not pressure.
Just better choices, better awareness, and better encouragement wherever possible.
In 2026, let’s notice the small eco-friendly actions around us, appreciate responsible businesses, and use our Local Guides voice to Bag the Change - one review, one post, one habit at a time 
And with that spirit, I’m excited to kick off a community challenge for all of you 
Let’s start with a reality check:
It’s not always possible to carry a cloth bag.
Office rush
Travel
Forgetfulness
No intention to shop… until suddenly you do!
- Sometimes you just pass by a shop and like a snack.
- Sometimes you get a call from home or a colleague asking you to pick up fruits or something urgently.
- And suddenly, you’re standing at the counter — with no bag.
So instead of asking “Why didn’t you carry a cloth bag?”
Let’s ask a more practical question
What’s the responsible alternative when life happens? 
That’s where this Bag the Change journey begins 
“Looks Like Plastic… But It’s NOT!” 
While buying a snack from a local shop, I almost missed something special - until I actually read the bag.
At first glance, it looks like a regular plastic carry bag.
But look closer 
NO PLASTIC
100% Compostable
Approved by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
IS/ISO 17088 certified compostable packaging
Moments like these remind me that sustainability isn’t always about planning.
Sometimes, it’s about responsible alternatives being available when we forget our cloth bags.
Huge respect to local businesses who invest in such eco-friendly packaging — it costs more, but it protects our future
Bag the Change – The Local Guides Challenge 
Your mission starts here
Spot & share local shops or businesses that:
- Provide compostable / certified “NO PLASTIC” carry bags
- Offer eco-friendly alternatives when cloth bags aren’t available (something unique)
Mention it clearly in your Google Maps reviews [Here is a link to my review]
Share your story with a #BagtheChange hashtag and a link to this post on Local Guides Connect with a screenshot and link of your review
Create a personal Maps list " Eco-Bag Brigade" - pin shops/businesses, snap bag proofs with official environmental certifications (CPCB in India or equivalent authorities in other countries), share publicly.
Inspire others with real-life examples
Appreciate them publicly - encouragement matters! Such businesses are rare gems 
Let’s make them visible.
Top 10 entries will receive:
A surprise recognition gift
E-certificates- A dedicated Thank You post
(Yes, the gift remains a surprise 
)
Tip: Exact Lines You Can Use in Google Maps Reviews 
You can reward such businesses by adding lines like:
Sustainability Appreciated: This shop provides 100% compostable, CPCB-approved carry bags instead of plastic. A rare and responsible initiative - truly commendable!
OR
Loved the eco-conscious approach! They use certified compostable “NO PLASTIC” bags, which is a big step toward sustainability. Highly appreciated.
These lines influence other customers AND encourage shop owners to continue this practice.
Final Thought
Sustainability doesn’t demand perfection.
It needs 3A : awareness, appreciation, and amplification.
As Local Guides, we don’t just review places:
We influence habits
We reward responsible businesses
We help others make better choices
Curious to see how fellow Local Guides are bagging the change?
Check out the public Google Sheet showcasing all #BagTheChange participant entries.
Last Date of Entry to Challenge is: March 31, 2026.
Local Guides for Environment. Local Guides for a Greener World.
Let’s #BagtheChange together
Who’s ready to take this challenge? 
sustainability #LGChallenge #BagtheChange #LGforGreenerWorld
or a quick stop at a warung (local neighborhood kiosk).
