Sustainability apps: Part 1

Doing good from your phone? Helping reduce food waste? Getting companies to use less plastic in their products? All of this is possible! And with certain apps focused on sustainability.

Mobile apps are probably not the first thing you think of when thinking about sustainable living. But they can be really helpful! With just a few clicks, you can receive interesting information, make a small donation, or help the environment in other ways. The best-known example of a sustainability app is probably EcosiaThe search engine works like Google—except that every time you search, you contribute to planting trees. I think that's pretty cool. Besides Ecosia, there are of course other exciting apps. Of all the sustainability apps I've tested so far, I'd like to share my 12 favorites with you. To keep this post short, I've split it into two parts. I'll introduce you to the first six apps in this post. Click here for the second part, where you'll find six more great sustainability apps.

All apps presented are available for both Android and iPhone.

1. Too Good To Go

With this free app you save foodthat would otherwise end up in the trash. The app shows you restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, and cafés in your area where you can pick up a little surprise. This surprise includes food that was left over from that particular day – be it groceries, baked goods, or entire meals like salads. You get all of this for a fraction of what you would normally pay. For example: I recently paid just €3.50 for a bag of mixed baked goods worth €9.00 at my local bakery!

How it works: The app shows you a list and map of available offers in your area. Once you've found an offer that interests you, you can "reserve" it. All you have to do then is pick it up from the selected business at the specified time (usually just before closing time). And there you have it, a win-win-win situation: The salespeople are happy, you're happy, and the environment is happy!

2. CodeCheck

CodeCheck is an app that allows you to examine products more closely before you buy them and shop more consciously and sustainably. You receive information about a product's ingredients. It also tells you how harmful or harmless these ingredients are for the environment. More sustainable alternative products are suggested, and comments from other users about the respective product are displayed. The app recognizes a wide range of products. In addition to pure product recognition and providing information about various products, the app also provides free, relevant articles. free version of the app You have access to all information, but you will occasionally receive small advertising banners and need internet access to use the app. CodeCheckPro It costs just under €20 per year. The Pro version includes an offline mode and no ads. I personally use the app a lot for cosmetic products and makeup.

How it works: Simply scan the product's barcode in the app and the available information about the product will appear.

3. GreenTime

GreenTime is a free App from the Schleswig-Holstein Consumer Advice Center. It provides Information on local and seasonal vegetables and fruits The app is designed to make shopping and planning easier. Especially for someone like me, who grew up with a very diverse selection of fruits and vegetables in the supermarket year-round, the app is a real help! At a glance, you can see which foods have a low, medium, and high climate impact. This allows you to shop in a climate-conscious way.

How it works: Open the app, select the month (or the desired fruit or vegetable from the list) and receive information!

4. Plant Jammer

I originally got this app because I wanted to incorporate more vegetables into my diet. Based on the vegetables you select, the app helps you create suitable recipes. This not only helps you get more vegetables on your plate, but also to waste less food. The app is very clear and simple in design. However, you can often tell that the expressions have been translated from English, which doesn't bother me much. I like the option of creating a weekly meal plan. This allows me to shop more selectively without having a lot of leftovers at the end of the week. The app is for free, but this version contains advertising. Plant Jammer Prime costs about 25 euros per year.

How it works: You first select a goal (“Eat more vegetables”/“Stop food waste”/“Save time and money,” etc.) and can then either use suggested recipes or enter your own ingredients, which will then create a suitable recipe. You can, of course, adapt the recipe to your needs.

5. Replace Plastic

The Replace Plastic The app is an initiative of “Coast Against Plastic.” The association is committed to less plastic in the oceans and on the coasts Because packaging plays a major role in littering, Replace Plastic contribute to fewer products being unnecessarily packaged and sold in plastic. Plastic packaging is often used because manufacturers believe that's what consumers want. But that's not always the case. The app informs product manufacturers that consumers want plastic-free packaging. The app is for free.

How it works: Have you found a product that you think could be done without plastic packaging? Simply scan the product's barcode in the app. Clicking "Send improvement request" will inform the retailer that consumers are requesting plastic-free packaging. Products that aren't yet registered in the database can be added by entering just a few details.

6.letsact

A wonderful app that social projects are supportedIf you like volunteer If you'd like to volunteer but don't know exactly what's available in your area, this app is perfect for you. You'll be introduced to various projects and immediately receive information about what your commitment would look like and how much time you'd need to plan. I think it's great that there are also projects where you can help from home. The app is for free.

How it works: The app searches for projects based on your specified location or various selected categories (“Environment and Animal Welfare”/“Education”/“Refugees”/“Poverty and Hunger” u.v.m.). Once you've found a project that matches your needs, you can send a request to the respective organization with just a few clicks. You can also support various NGOs with donations directly through the app.

I look forward to in the second part more sustainability apps to introduce!

If you would like to learn more about sustainability, mindfulness or healthy eating, take a look here