There’s a Green App for That!
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When I was market editing and was beginning to focus on the sustainable goods market, a little green book had just emerged called the GoodGuide. The “Green” market was still relatively small, so the book was practically pocket sized. Over the years, that tiny (2007) book has mushroomed into a listing of over 210,000 products that you may encounter in any store. AND they even have an
App!
The GoodGuide characterizes itself as a tool to find “safe, healthy, green & ethical product reviews based on scientific ratings”. It works like this: you simply scan the product barcode and the app gives a rating for the product’s footprint in three major categories; health, environment & society (with subcategories for each). The rating actually evaluates more than 1500 data points for each product. The product also has an overall 1-10 score, 10 being the best.
We are in an information age after all, and transparency hopefully leads to action. Market pressure is proving to have an effect on corporate and industry influence over the legislative process. Once the consumer isn’t buying that intensely lobbied for industry/product, change isn’t far behind. Think GMO’s, fossil fuels and even Sea World!
The consumer has never been more “free” to scrutinize what’s in their food, water and everyday products. Once the transparency portal has been opened, it’s unlikely to go in reverse, and technology is making it easier to align our daily habits with our environmental ideals.
By coordinating driving plans with friends, family and co-workers, you’ll not only save money, but turn the thermostat back on carbon emissions as well. Carticipate allows you to connect with riders going your way! (free, iPhone & iPad)
With the goal of reducing our waste footprint, this app helps to determine what and where we can responsibly recycle a full range of everyday items. iRecycle unites Earth911.com’s national database of 100,000+ disposal locations for over 200 products with your location! Contact information for the recycling location is also provided to verify the ever-evolving list of items accepted. (iOS, free through iTunes)
No need to leave the outdoor lights on all day to insure that you don’t return home to a dark house. With a touch of your finger you can virtually control your home’s lights, thermostats, audio/video systems and security systems. *This app requires a Control4 system. (free, iOS + Android)
Green Power battery saver brings extra hours to your battery life. Don’t forget, charging batteries takes electricity – and depending on how that energy is sourced, fossil fuels are generally involved. This app saves and runs your battery all while managing Wifi, mobile data & Bluetooth settings: disabling them when they are not needed and turning them ON when signaled by demand (e.g retrieving email). (free, Android)
“Information about your food that you can trust.” This grocery store app is as close to a B Corp certification rating as I can find. With over 60 indicators, HowGood compiles a product’s manufacturing process, source of ingredients, workplace conditions & treatment of employees, and waste emissions to arrive at a rating. You decide which rating best reflects your standards. ($1.99, iOS + Android)
Reduce the time you spend idling in traffic and get to your destination faster! Waze assists drivers by alerting them to traffic snares, efficient routes (off-line maps), and yes – even speed traps – saving gas, money & time. This crowdsourced app allows the community to aid each other in keeping things running smoothly. (free, iOS + Android)
Activate your environmental activism! Whatever your environmental concern, get straight to the best sources for information to take action. #Climate is designed to unite “vital, tangible, climate-saving solutions from the leading climate orgs with the most thoughtful, impactful influencers.” Share your action and track your impact on Twitter, Facebook, Tumbler & Google+ with a single tap. (free, iOS)
The GreenHopping platform assists in keeping your healthy, organic, vegan/vegetarian lifestyle on track by connecting you to the nearest plant-based food options whether near home or on-the-go. Currently in 11 cities with a database of over 1000 food establishments. (free, iOS + Android)
This one’s pretty simple. By closely monitoring your household energy and water usage according to seasons and patterns, conservation and money savings are a certain outcome! ($1.99, iPhone & iPad)
Eliminating junkmail is a snap! Just snap, scan, send and PaperKarma will unsubscribe you from those mailing lists that clutter your space. Not only will you save a few trees, but you will also gain some control over the deluge of unnecessary information flooding your life. (free, iOS + Android)