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5 easy ways you can help the environment on Google Maps

Google Moderator

Caption: A GIF of a green line passing through images related to sustainability: a recycling center, an electric car, storefront photos, a bicycle, a plant-based menu, and a sustainable business.Caption: A GIF of a green line passing through images related to sustainability: a recycling center, an electric car, storefront photos, a bicycle, a plant-based menu, and a sustainable business.

More and more regions around the world are experiencing the effects of global warming caused by human activities. But our actions — even the smallest ones — can make a positive change. 

 

For example, did you know that increasing global recycling rates has the potential to reduce ten gigatons of carbon? That’s the equivalent of ten times the annual carbon emissions of a country the size of Japan! And opting for a vegan or vegetarian meal can help save up to an additional 2,5 gigatons of CO2 from livestock production.

 

This Earth Month, we’ve rounded up a few easy ways you can make a difference for the environment as a Local Guide. Which of these are you already doing?

 

1. Update sustainability attributes

Whether you’re visiting a local supermarket or a new restaurant, you can easily let others know if the place accepts recyclables or offers a plant-based menu by following these steps:

  1. Find a Business Profile on Google Maps mobile.
  2. Select About in the tabs bar, then tap Edit features (for Android) or Update this place (for iOS).
  3. Scroll to Recycling for businesses and Offerings for restaurants, tap on the descriptions, and submit. 

Caption: A screenshot of different Offerings attributes available in the About tab on a Business Profile.Caption: A screenshot of different Offerings attributes available in the About tab on a Business Profile.

Recycling attributes are now available for most business types worldwide, thanks to Guiding Star Shola’s feedback. If you come across places that should have these attributes but don’t, make sure to let us know via this form.

 

Caption: A screenshot of different recycling attributes available in the About tab on a Business Profile.Caption: A screenshot of different recycling attributes available in the About tab on a Business Profile.

2. Answer quick questions about recycling

Sometimes, you’ll see questions from Google about the places you’ve been. Your answers can help others and improve the accuracy of Google Maps. To get prompts for these questions, search for a place you’ve been to before in your Maps app. Then, tap the place's name or address, and at the bottom, next to "Know this place," tap OK.


You can manage your answers through your Google Maps activity.

 

Caption: A screenshot of a recycling question card for a supermarket in the Google Maps app.Caption: A screenshot of a recycling question card for a supermarket in the Google Maps app.3. Map drinking fountains

According to the UN, 1 million plastic bottles are bought every minute, many of which end up in nature, polluting our land and water. You can help reduce this number by guiding others to water, free of charge and free of plastic, like Sustainability Stars Alexandre and Ermes, who map and review drinking fountains. 

 

4. Highlight plant-based options in reviews

Local Guide Mariam is always on the lookout for delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisine to share on Google Maps wherever they go. Their reviews are full of mouthwatering details, and they answer review questions to make information about the menu, service, and more, stand out.

 

Caption: Local Guide Mariam’s review of the LAIMS Kafejnīca in Riga, Latvia, with details about vegetarian options.Caption: Local Guide Mariam’s review of the LAIMS Kafejnīca in Riga, Latvia, with details about vegetarian options.5. Create shareable lists 

Make it easy to think green and choose sustainability by curating lists with your favorite locations. Looking for inspiration? Check out Jesi’s list of vegan ice cream spots in Buenos Aires and Rebeca’s recommendations for places to connect with nature around Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

 

Caption: A screenshot of Jesi’s Google Maps list of vegan ice cream in Buenos Aires with helpful details.Caption: A screenshot of Jesi’s Google Maps list of vegan ice cream in Buenos Aires with helpful details.

Your helpful contributions on Google Maps are one of many ways to positively impact the environment — and inspire others to do the same. 


Local Guides, how do you support sustainability on Google Maps and off? Let us know below, and don’t miss our previous tips.

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