Every map has its storytellers, and every community has its changemakers. In the interview series Sustainability Spotlight, we meet Local Guides who are not only showing people where to go, but also how to go there responsibly. These inspiring individuals champion sustainability — on Google’s Local Guides Connect platform and far beyond — through eco-friendly practices, community initiatives, and powerful advocacy.
Together, their voices form a mosaic of hope, innovation, and action that will be immortalized in the upcoming book[1] Voices of Sustainability (International Standard Book Number 978-93-5737-239-8). In its pages, we will celebrate their journeys, challenges, and victories, reminding us that every step we take can leave the planet better than we found it.
Here on Connect, the Sustainability Spotlight series will offer glimpses into the stories featured in the Voices of Sustainability book. We begin with Mr. Ajit Thite (@AjitThite), a Local Business Champion from Pune, who is always ready to help fellow community members — whether it’s a Mega Meetup in Delhi, a gathering in Jaipur, or any other event — by offering his technical expertise, designing banners, and sharing valuable advice.
Here are his responses to a few questions on sustainability, in his own words.
[Q] Why do you support sustainability?
[R] Sustainability is personal to me. Everyday decisions protect our shared home, the Earth. As a Local Guide, I realize how maps can affect where people shop, eat, and travel. Highlighting eco-friendly options is more than simply a listing update; it generates a ripple effect that may alter habits, encourage green enterprises, and empower communities.
[Q] Please mention your contributions on Google Maps related to sustainability.
[R] To assist users opt for environmentally friendly options quickly, sustainability-related criteria (such as the use of biodegradable materials, no use of plastic, and wheelchair accessibility) were added.
Flea markets and other hidden gems have been mapped to make it simple to locate and assist small businesses.
posted reviews that showcase companies’ eco-friendly operations, enabling clients to make responsible, well-informed choices.
Encourage responsible tourism by always reminding and advising friends and family to travel sustainably.
[Q] Please share your contributions related to sustainability beyond Maps.
[R] Coordinated community tree-planting events; if they weren’t shown on maps, they were added later.
Through social media storytelling and special exhibitions, local or even rural farmers and artisans were promoted.
When taking the train, always bring trash bags, and encourage other travelers to do the same to keep the train clean.
[Q] What is the impact of your contributions (on Maps and beyond Maps)?
[R] I frequently work to increase the exposure and income of environmentally conscious local businesses by utilizing appropriately popular keywords that make sure they show up in searches related to sustainability.
For thousands of Map users, I have consistently promoted environmentally responsible travel and consumption choices.
I am in favor of helping small and local businesses in rural areas and putting them in touch with consumers who appreciate ethical goods.
It is a pleasure to inspire community pride and action, transforming sustainability from an idea into a routine.
In conclusion, each pin, picture, and review I include is a tiny step in the direction of a more connected, greener world, and those little steps add up quickly.
This book is part of a community initiative and is not an official publication of Google, Google Maps, or Local Guides Connect. ↩︎
…Each one of us Google maps guides are indeed very beautiful, unique advocates and roll models who set out with a purpose to learn , share, educate and love with a passion for not only the human race universally but also the plant earth 
