10 Apps to Celebrate Earth Day Every Day
On Earth Day, April 22, the world unites to address environmental challenges, but consistent individual action is necessary to see lasting change. These apps bring awareness to how human actions impact the world and encourage users to make small, incremental changes.
Every year on April 22, Earth Day unites people globally to tackle environmental challenges. The 2024 Earth Day theme, “Planet vs. Plastics,” highlights the critical need to cope with the ever-growing plastic pollution problem. According to EarthDay.org, global plastic production must be reduced by 60% by 2040, which calls for individual action to combat this crisis. In this article, we’ll explore ten eco-friendly apps for tracking your environmental impact, reducing your carbon footprint, monitoring your energy usage, minimizing waste, promoting sustainable transportation, and supporting green shopping.
10 Eco-Tracking Apps for Earth Day
Ecosia
The Ecosia browser extension and mobile app use advertising revenue from search queries to plant trees. Founded in 2009, the non-profit puts all earnings toward climate action, including planting trees, using renewable energy, advocating for a greener world, and involving communities in creating a greener future.
Use: Search directly from the Ecosia website. A mobile app is available for free on Android and iOS.
JouleBug
JouleBug is an energy conservation app for organizations to encourage users to save energy and reduce their environmental impact. The app offers fun, environmentally friendly, and sustainable small challenges to foster lifelong habits among employees. Social features encourage competition through points, badges, and prizes.
Use: The app is available for free on Android and iOS. Up to 10 participants can use the platform for free. Monthly pricing starts at $1.20 per participant.
Too Good to Go
Too Good To Go is a mobile application that addresses food waste by connecting users with surplus food from local restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores. The app provides a platform for businesses to sell excess food items at discounted prices, enabling users to reduce food waste and support sustainable consumption practices.
Use: Consumers can download the app for free on Android and iOS. Purchase price of foods vary. Businesses incur an annual fee and pay commissions on sales.
Olio
According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), wasted food generates approximately 3.3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. Olio operates on sharing more, caring more, and wasting less. This app enables users to give away surplus items to their neighbors and local community members.
Use: The app is available for free on Android and iOS. Ad removal is available for a fee.
Recycle Coach
Recycle Coach is an address-based app and website that helps individuals and communities to improve their recycling habits and reduce waste. The app offers personalized recycling information, local collection schedules, educational resources, and community engagement opportunities.
Use: Consumers may visit the website, download the Android or iOS app. Municipalities, workplaces, landlords, and waste haulers must call for a demo and pricing information.
Transit
Transit provides real-time updates on bus, train, and subway schedules and encourages users to choose sustainable modes of transportation. It offers trip-planning features, service alerts, and integration with ride-sharing services.
Use: Commuters can use the app for free on Android and iOS. Transit agencies, transportation providers and municipalities should contact sales for partnership information.
Good on You
Good On You promotes transparency and accountability in the fashion industry by rating the business practices of clothing brands. It evaluates brands based on labor conditions, environmental impact, and animal welfare policies to help users make more moral and sustainable clothing choices.
Use: Consumers may visit the Good on You website or use the free Android or iOS app. Vetted brands may join as affiliates.
reGAIN
reGAIN encourages users to recycle unwanted clothing items instead of throwing them away. The app facilitates donations between consumers and charities to reduce the environmental footprint of textile waste. Currently only available in the UK.
Use: Shoppers can use the Android or iOS app for free. Donations ship free when brought to official drop-off points. Charities and retailers must become a partner to participate.
GridCarbon
GridCarbon was developed by a profession at the University of Oxford to help residents of Great Britain get real-time information about the carbon intensity for various methods of generating electricity. Users can track how much carbon dioxide emissions are emitted per unit of electricity consumption.
Use: The app is available for free on Android and iOS.
Capture
The Capture carbon footprint and CO2 tracker app provides users with tools to better understand their impact on the environment. It offers a carbon footprint calculator, CO2 tracking tools, personalized recommendations for reducing emissions, and educational resources on climate change and sustainability.
Use: Currently only available on Android. The app can be customized for use by teams; a demo and pricing information are available by request.
Key Takeaways
These apps offer practical solutions for everyone to reduce their environmental footprint and adopt sustainable living practices. By incorporating these tools into your daily routines, you can make every day Earth Day and take meaningful action towards sustainability and protecting the environment for future generations.
Image source: Shutterstock. All app icons sourced from Google Play or Apple Store.
Are you feeling inspired by this article to explore eco-friendly apps?Let us know on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. We would love to hear from you!