Every map has its storytellers, and every community has its changemakers. In the Sustainability Spotlight interview series, 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 beyond — through eco-friendly practices, community initiatives, and meaningful advocacy.
Together, their voices form a mosaic of hope, innovation, and action that will soon be immortalized in the upcoming book[1] Voices of Sustainability (International Standard Book Number 978-93-5737-239-8). Within its pages, we celebrate their journeys, challenges, and achievements, reminding us that every small step can help leave the planet better than we found it.
Here on Connect, the Sustainability Spotlight series offers a glimpse into these remarkable stories featured in the book. We began with Mr. Ajit Thite, a Local Business Champion from Pune. Today, the spotlight shines on Connect Moderator & Accessibility Champion Mr. Tushar Suradkar (@TusharSuradkar) , who proudly holds the distinction of being the first Connect Moderator from India.
Mr. Tushar Suradkar has hosted more than 80 meet-ups and participated in over 150 meet-ups across 12 cities worldwide. A mechanical engineer by profession, he actively promotes sustainable development both in his professional life and through his Local Guides contributions. On Google Maps, he highlights sustainability features, while beyond Maps, he has played a key role in establishing recycling plants and composting initiatives in several residential communities. He has also identified and documented sustainability features at multiple airports around the globe. Outside of his community work, Tushar enjoys playing the flute, reflecting his balance of creativity and purpose.
Here are his responses to a few questions on sustainability — in his own words.
[Q] Why do you support sustainability?
[R] I support sustainability because it ensures that we meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is about balancing progress with responsibility towards our planet.
[Q] Please mention your contributions on Google Maps related to sustainability.
[R] On Google Maps, I have highlighted and identified sustainability features at major airports including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, New York, and Detroit.
Since air travel has one of the largest carbon footprints on the planet, even small steps towards reducing it make a big difference. By adding details such as waste recycling points, segregation facilities, businesses using recyclable products, and waste disposal systems, I have contributed to making sustainable practices more visible to travelers and businesses.
[Q] Please share your contributions related to sustainability beyond Maps.
[R] Beyond Maps, I have actively promoted sustainability in my residential community. I helped set up a recycling plant and composting initiatives, created composting pits, and encouraged the recycling of food waste. At home, I regularly practice waste segregation and advocate the same among neighbors.
[Q] What is the impact of your contributions (on Maps and beyond Maps)?
[R] My efforts have helped raise awareness about sustainability among Local Guides as well as my neighbors. By consistently highlighting sustainable practices and leading by example, I have encouraged others to adopt waste segregation, recycling, and composting. On a larger scale, these actions inspire people to think differently and contribute towards building a sustainable future.
Step Up for Sustainability
Every action counts — from mindful choices in our daily lives to championing larger community initiatives. We invite you to step in, share your voice, and be part of the Sustainability Spotlight. By filling out the form, you can contribute your story, ideas, and actions that inspire others to walk the path of responsibility. Together, we can create ripples of change that build a greener, fairer, and more hopeful future
This book is part of a community initiative and is not an official publication of Google, Google Maps, or Local Guides Connect. ↩︎
