Green Apps for Earth Day by DK

Saving the planet goes mobile.  “Mobilize the Earth” is the theme of this year’s Earth Day. Mobile apps can help raise awareness of environmental issues and assist users in their efforts to be more conscious of their energy use, direct them to energy solutions and alternatives, and make healthier choices for themselves and the environment.  Below we look at some apps can help save our planet!

Dirty Dozen (iOS, Android) Free

The huge bins in the produce section of grocery stores conjure up images of farm stands and inspire good eating, but the labels above them can cause confusion. How much better off are you with the pricier organic nectarine from South America than you are with the home-grown one?  The Dirty Dozen app, which lists the 12 types of produce that are the most pesticide-laden and the 15 that can be bought nearly worry-free!

Good Guide (iOS, Android) Free

The GoodGuide app is designed to keep you on the straight and narrow when you’re out shopping. The app grades cleaning products, personal care items, packaged food and beverages, household goods, and even clothing based on health concerns, environmental impact, and social responsibility. App users scan the barcode of products and get back the score of these individual components and an overall rating.

iRecycle (iOS, Android) Free

With iRecycle, you have the choice to recycle something or read something. If you go with the latter, you’ll get news and tips from the environmentally-focused organization Earth911 and if you go with the former, you can find the closest locations to turn in all manner of automotive, construction, electronics, garden, glass, hazardous, household, metal, paper, and plastic items. The app handles all the sorting and separating, ensuring that each type of odd and end ends up in the right place.

TreeHugger (iOS, Android) Free

TreeHugger’s app features the latest news on sustainability, access to the website’s podcasts, and updates from TreeHugger’s Twitter account. TreeHugger puts an eco-spin on science and tech, business and politics, cars and transportation, design and architecture, travel, fashion and beauty, food, health, and even celebrity news.

Control4 (iOS, Android) Free

Setting up a Control4 system at home and syncing it with the app lets users adjust the temperature, turn lights on and off, and even open and close drapes to manage energy needs from afar. Home owners can get feedback on their energy use and costs and adjust for a savings in both.

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