I know I'm a little late to the New Year Resolution party, but here it is anyway! This year I am trying to keep track of my actions and make sure I'm doing the most I can do for our planet. I'd like to get better at turning the lights off, doing full loads of laundry, turning off the water while I'm brushing my teeth, etc. So I started looking into apps/websites that I could use to track my environmental habits! I found a few neat ones that I like and a few that aren't worth the download. There are also some computer extensions that I found that are totally worth the download but don't track your actions.
The apps on this list help you know where to start, how to keep up the good habits, and keep you informed on what your actions mean for our planet! Keep reading to see my review of the apps I liked and a summary of the ones I didn't!
(I'm not being compensated in any way for this post, these are just my opinions on the apps I tried.)
1. JouleBug (Available on iOS for free)
This one is my personal favorite. JouleBug has a wide variety of different actions that you "buzz" every time you do one. They have different categories like Energy, Water, Waste, and Transportation. Each category has different actions to check off each day (some multiple times a day). Most of them are simple; use a reusable water bottle, hang-dry clothes, bike or walk, save a flush, plus more. The ones that are a bit more advanced are in their own category. It includes actions like lowering the thermostat on your water heater, use a rain barrel in your garden, setting up a greywater system in your house, and things of that nature. This app helps me learn new things I can do and track the things I already do.
2. Ecosia (Available on iOS and Android for free)
Ecosia is a super cool app that is a replacement for normal search engines. It works like your run-of-the-mill search app does and is easy to use! Ecosia makes its money from search ads just like other engines. However, they use their profits to plant trees "where nature and people need them most." The more people who ditch their generic search engine and use the Ecosia app, the more trees Ecosia plants in "threatened biodiversity hotspots." (I pulled these quotes from Ecosia's app description).
3. Tab for a Cause (Available on laptops and desktops for free)
Tab for a Cause is similar to Ecosia, but it is a browser app for laptops and desktops. Every time you open a new browser tab, you earn "hearts." You can then donate those hearts to the charity of your choice, and Tab for a Cause matches that amount in money. Like Ecosia, they use search ads to turn a profit and then use those profits to donate to charities. Their recent mission has been to donate as much as possible to those fighting the wildfires in Australia. It is totally worth using this browser app. Even when you're partaking in online retail therapy (which I do too often), you can still be helping the charities you love!
4. Forest (Available on iOS for $1.99)
Forest is a really cute app that helps you stay focused! Whether you're working on homework, paperwork, or if you're out with friends, the app helps you. Basically, you choose a tree to "plant" and set a timer for as long you want to stay off your phone. If you use your phone or exit out of the app, your tree dies. If you wait until the timer runs out before using your phone, your tree grows and thrives. The Forest team has a partnership with a real-tree-planting organization, Trees for the Future. So, when you're using the "coins" on the app and growing your virtual trees, Trees for the Future is planting real ones where needed. Last I checked, the Forest team has planted 643,309 trees!
5. iRecycle (Available on iOS and Android for free)
The reviews on this one aren't great, but I actually really like it. You put in your location and it brings up recycling centers near you for a variety of materials. If you're new to a city or just now getting into recycling, this app is really cool. It's free, too, so if it isn't what you were expecting you aren't losing anything. I think it is worth a shot, especially if you're just starting out.
I am so glad I looked for some eco-friendly apps, it has been really fun logging my habits and actions + getting to donate to the charities I love! With that being said, I ran across a few apps that I didn't particularly care for. I decided not to go into full detail on those ones, but I did compile a short list of a few of the ones I deleted pretty much immediately.
1. Oroeco: I read everywhere that this was a good app, but when I downloaded it, it wouldn't even let me sign up. It kept kicking me out of the app.
2. GoodGuide: I can see how this one could be useful. It gives reviews for products and tells you whether they sell green products, etc. However, it isn't user-friendly and I didn't like the formatting.
3. Eco Life Hacks - Go Green: This app was just kind of pointless to me and it didn't seem very credible. The estimates for your carbon footprint are based on very vague questions.
4. EcoCRED - Do Your Part: This one wasn't horrible, and maybe it is a good place to start, but it wasn't my cup of tea. I definitely preferred other apps over this one.
I hope this app guide helps everyone find a nice habit tracker and fun ways to stay eco-friendly! Also, please feel free to contact me with the subjects you'd like to hear more about. I love talking to people who are eco-minded like me, and I want to write about the things my readers are interested in!
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