Smartphones have evolved from fun and convenient status symbols to devices the average American cannot do without. Despite the rising cost of both Android and iPhone models, these phones still sell in their millions and can be filled with apps that help you with everything from buying groceries to finding a local dog groomer. However, what you may not know is that they can help you protect the environment as well, and there are several eco-friendly apps you can download today that can help you go green.
1. GoodGuide
This free app can be useful when you are out buying groceries at your local fresh foods market, especially if you have only recently made the switch to buying more organic or sustainable food products. The guide features a barcode scanner and a text search that allows you to research certain brands and individual items at a glance. The guide mostly features products that are popular in the United States and ranks them based on social and ecological practices. This can be especially useful for finding cosmetics and hygiene items that feature green ingredients.
2. Leafully
If you are concerned about your home energy usage and want to track it more carefully, then Leafully might be a worthy addition to your app collection. Once downloaded, it connects to your home’s utilities, where it reads and monitors energy usage. If you begin to use more energy than usual, the app alerts you, allowing you to adjust your energy efficiency. Not only can this app help you lower your energy bill, but it can also reduce carbon emissions in your area; such waste reached a dangerous peak in 2018 across the globe, according to The Washington Post.
3. PaperKarma
If you find your mailbox cluttered with unwanted catalogs, advertisements, and spammy junk mail, then downloading PaperKarma can help stop the flood and save more than a few trees. It is also simple to use: when you receive junk mail, take a photo of it with your smartphone and submit it to the app, which then unsubscribes you from that mailing list. According to the app’s developers, it works on most types of paper spam including shopping catalogs and circulars.
4. Pollution
Being aware of your city’s air quality can be helpful, especially if you suffer from respiratory issues or want to exercise outdoors without being concerned about breathing in pollutants. The Pollution app can help you monitor local air quality and provides real-time air quality information about different types of pollution, including water and radiation, so you can remain aware of any risks no matter where you are.
This app may be useful in conjunction with the Cadiz Water Project, as you can monitor water conditions in any area as you learn about how the project has brought clean and sustainable water to the Cadiz Valley in Southern California. Pollution is a free app but includes ads during mobile usage.
5. Seafood Watch
It can be difficult to enjoy seafood dishes without being concerned about the source of fish, shrimp, lobster, and scallops. Overfishing in some areas of the world is threatening some species and harming the sea environment. Downloading Seafood Watch can help you find restaurants that support sustainable fishing and that work with eco-friendly suppliers. It can also tell you which fish are not endangered and currently in abundant supply so you can enjoy a seafood dish without harming ocean ecology.
Caring for the earth and reducing your carbon footprint can be challenging. However, with the help of smartphone technology and a bit of effort, you can do your part to look after the environment and support its long-term well-being.
