In this world of high tech wizardry we surround ourselves in everyday, it is easy to forget about the environmental impact our increased productivity has. Indeed, it is not just important, but necessary that we as a consumerist society take stock of the greater ecological toll the manufacturing, production, global distribution, and waste disposal our favorite devices takes on the planet. If we accept that the future is not somehow a sharp, anti-Luddite reversal in the opposite direction, then we must reach a stage of compromise between our newly-enhanced lives, thanks to technology, and ways to manage our gadgets in sustainable ways going forward.
We have known that laptops use far less electricity than desktop PCs (thanks to the low-power consumption of space age technology, which we would not have if not for manned missions to the moon), but nowadays so much of our electronic usage takes place on mobile. With that in mind, let us take a look at five apps that are making our lives more sustainable.
greenMeter
This app innovatively uses its global positioning systems and accelerometers in concert to essentially act as an environmentally-friendly backseat-driving computer companion. That is to say, using several data points, including the cost of fuel, weather conditions, vehicle weight and more, the app calculates if you are accelerating at a rate that burns more fossil fuels than necessary. Not only will this reduce your costs at the pump, but this enables you to drive a greener vehicle too.
Too Good To Go
This app helps you reduce food waste by connecting you with businesses that have surplus food that they would otherwise throw away. Businesses post their unsold food items on the app, and users can then purchase them at a discounted price. You can find and purchase discounted food that would otherwise be wasted, such as groceries, baked goods, and meals. This helps to reduce food waste and save money.
WeGo
This app helps you find and connect with sustainable transportation options in your area. You can find and book rides with electric cars, carpools, and public transportation. This helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.
Ecosia
This search engine plants trees when you use it. The app uses the ad revenue it generates to plant trees around the world. The app uses the ad revenue it generates to plant trees around the world. Ecosia has planted over 150 million trees to date.
Water Footprint
This app helps you calculate and track your water footprint. This can help you become more aware of your water usage and make changes to reduce it. This can help users become more aware of their water usage and make changes to reduce it. The app also provides tips on how to conserve water.
Clover
This app helps you find and support local businesses that are committed to sustainability. You can find businesses that use sustainable practices, such as sourcing local ingredients and using recycled materials. The app lists businesses that use sustainable practices, such as sourcing local ingredients and using recycled materials. Clover also allows users to leave reviews of businesses, which can help other users make informed decisions about where to shop.
iRecycle
Ever been stuck with something you suspected was recyclable, or was even marked as such, but you were not sure where or how to get it into the right hands? Earth911 is here to the rescue with this this app that works on both major mobile platforms – Android and iOS – to help out of the pickle of not knowing where to take your recyclables. There are location collection points for pain, electronics, and automotive parts alike.
Aluminate
This free app for iPhones galvanizes groups of people or individuals to recycle aluminum cans by monetizing our good deeds. In revealing the nearest recycle centers and tracking how much you’ve recycled, this tool also shows you how much you stand to make by simply doing it!
BreadCrumbz
This inventively spelled app for Android promises to reinvent your typical routes and in the process save you time and fuel! The premise is simple: using a camera and GPS receiver, you leave a trail of technological breadcrumbs, creating a dynamic combination of mapmaking and photo geotagging.
A Real Tree
Less of an app and more of a donation method, this iPhone utility costs a dollar to buy, but that goes towards planting a tree in places like Nicaragua, Haiti, India, and Honduras. In the meantime, the user gets to play with a well-animated interactive tree!
These are just a few of the many sustainability apps that are available. With so many options to choose from, you can find an app that fits your lifestyle and helps you make a difference for the planet. Thanks for reading and be sure to subscribe for more!