We live in the wonderful world of the future, where the Internet erases distances and we all keep a tiny computer in our pockets. Technology gets a bad rep when it comes to caring for the environment, and it’s true that your iPhone or Android phone were probably not too green to manufacture. However, you can use them as a tool to help you reduce your own carbon footprint, by downloading these apps.
GoodGuide – This app is available for both Android and iOS, and it brings the GoodGuide.com database to your phone. It will help you find environmentally-friendly, ethical and safe products while you are out and about. Next time you are grocery shopping or running errands, simply select the issues you care about the most, such as sustainability, animal welfare or organic certifications. The app will show you the best products for each category and also let you check the scores by brand name.
GiveO2 – Another great app for both iOS and Android, this one will track the carbon footprint of your daily commute. It doesn’t matter if you go by car, ride your bike, take public transportation or use a combination of methods, this app will help you monitor your CO2 emissions with the help of your phone’s GPS. The best part about this app is that it will reward you with discounts at several retailers for shrinking your carbon footprint and provide you with a list of sustainable projects around the world to donate to, in order to offset your own emissions.
Carma Carpooling – While tracking your commute carbon footprint, it’s a good idea to try to minimize it. And a great way to do this is by carpooling. This app is available for both Android and iOS and it’s the most used carpooling app in the US and 8 different countries around the world, so if this app can’t find you a carpooling partner, no app can. Carma Carpooling will help you verify carpoolers in your area to reduce CO2 emission and urban gridlock.
Waze – Speaking of gridlock, don’t you hate to be stuck in traffic? So does the planet. It actually raises CO2 emissions and pollutes the air. Besides, it can diminish productivity and put you in a bad mood. Waze is a community-based app that lets iPhone and Android users share road and traffic information in real time. This means that you will be able to avoid gridlock, you will save time, gas and money. And you will reduce your carbon footprint in the process.
Seafood Watch – Every conscious consumer knows that seafood can be very problematic for our oceans when it’s not sourced ethically. Overfishing is a real problem and it can be hard to find sustainable seafood brands, distributors or restaurants. Seafood Watch is an iOS and Android app that will help you find ocean-friendly seafood so you can enjoy a tasty meal in a more ethical way.