A greener environment is a huge step towards a healthier population, and I like how it’s not just activists who are encouraging environmentally friendly practices anymore, but also businesses. They have become more ecologically and socially conscious over time, and I feel like this good practice deserves to be shared with the world, right?
On that note, I’m going to share 6 apps that are helping tackle a large range of environmental issues. I’ve divided these apps into categories based on the issues they help resolve. Maybe learning about their story and cause might inspire you to use them and play your part in making Mother Earth a better place for everyone. The only catch is that these apps are online services, so you’re going to have to connect to the internet near you to have the best experience.
With that, let’s begin!
Food Apps
Even with all the tech and advancement in the world, food wastage is a huge global concern. In fact, around a third of all food produced for humans is lost or wasted each year. Let’s take a look at the apps trying to change that.
Too Good To Go
- Price: Free
- Available On: iOS, Android
This app connects users with local restaurants that have a surplus or leftover food that’s about to expire and would otherwise be wasted. You can buy their Magic Package with edible items from a location of your choice. The locations you can buy from normally include restaurants and bakeries, which need to produce fresh food every day. You can find which ones are closest to you and then set up a pickup time that suits you.
Happy Cow
- Price: Free on the Google Play Store, $4.99 on the App Store.
- Available On: iOS, Android
Nope, despite what you might be thinking, this app has nothing to do with the cheese. Instead, it’s an app made for vegans and vegetarians (like me) who are looking for healthy plant-based food. You can find options like restaurants, food trucks, cafes, and even juice bars. You might also make a few friends on the way since the app allows you to find other vegans and vegetarians and connect with them. Oh, and the cherry on top? It also offers suggestions for vegan-friendly holiday destinations.
Vehicle Apps
Ah, yes, cars! Where would we be without cars? Sadly, despite their huge benefits, cars are a major cause of pollution since they release a lot of carbon dioxide, unless, of course, they’re electric. Here are some apps trying to minimize their impact.
StopStopCar
- Price: Free
- Available On: iOS, Android
If you’re looking to save some money and reduce vehicle-based pollution, you might want to try this one. The app connects drivers and passengers going to the same destination, which spares the need to pay for a commute or gas, and reduces your carbon footprint.
As a driver, you’ll need to share your pickup and drop-off locations, and if you’re a passenger, you’ll need to specify your departure and arrival location and time. Passengers can view available rides, charges, and seats, and make bookings and payments in the app.
PlugShare
- Price: Free
- Available On: iOS, Android
Remember all those times you went on a family trip, and your dad was worried about how far the next gas station was? This app solves that problem, but for electric car users.
Tesla owners, this one’s for you!
It informs car owners about the nearest available charging stations. The app features over 250k charging stations across the US and Canada, so trip planning is no longer an issue. You can view information such as the rating on the station, its charging speed, and plug compatibility with your vehicle.
Sustainability Apps
Sustainable practices have become the new cool with consumers, governments, and businesses trying to incorporate more and more sustainable practices. With the apps below, you can also get there.
Ecosia
- Price: Free
- Available On: iOS, Android
It’s kind of like Google, but one that improves the environment with each search query. That’s right, Ecosia is basically a search engine that plants a tree with each search.
Plus, they also donate 80% of their ad profits to planting trees in Burkina Faso. And as if that wasn’t environmentally friendly enough, all their servers use 200% renewable energy to work. You can track the impact of each of your searches with its tree counter feature.
Good on You
- Price: Free
- Available On: iOS, Android
One of the most effective ways we can support environmentally friendly initiatives is by being more cautious about the brands that we engage with. Good on You can help you do just that when it comes to clothing brands.
You can find a rating of various clothing brands based on their sustainable and environmentally friendly practices and choose which one you’d like to support or buy from.
Taking Care of Mother Earth: An Initiative Everyone Should Take Part In
An improved environment is one of the keys to a better future, and it is our responsibility to take steps across different parts of our lives to improve it. With the 6 apps shared above, you can get started by focusing on some of the environmental concerns that require the most attention.
