Free audits
Take advantage of our complimentary, no-obligation audits.
Social media auditProblem definition workshopCode auditISO/SOC readiness
The best apps for sustainable living in 2024
As our reliance on technology grows exponentially, so does our environmental footprint as a result. There were 77 billion mobile app downloads in the first half of 2023, with over 16 billion hours of usage.
However, technology doesn’t have to be the enemy of sustainability. In fact, it can be a powerful ally. We can make significant strides towards a more sustainable lifestyle by leveraging innovative apps.
Sustainability-focused apps give us solutions for recycling, shopping, technology, and food, guiding us to make eco-friendly choices and reduce our impact on the planet.
Here are some of the best apps for sustainable living in 2024:
Best apps for recycling
YoungPlanet
YoungPlanet is a remarkable app that focuses on promoting a circular economy by helping to reduce the amount of children’s toys and clothes thrown away after use. It’s a platform where parents can list items that their children have outgrown or no longer need, such as toys, clothes, and books, allowing other families to make use of them for free. The goal is to reduce waste and encourage the reuse of items, which extends their life cycle and minimises their environmental impact.
By facilitating the exchange of second-hand items, YoungPlanet helps to reduce waste from landfills and lower the demand for new products. This conserves resources and also lowers the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and shipping new goods.
YoungPlanet also has created a community that connects families and promotes the sharing economy, helping parents contribute to a more sustainable world while helping others.
Depop
Depop is a popular app that blends social networking and online shopping to create a unique platform for buying and selling second-hand fashion. Just create a profile to list your preloved clothing, accessories, and other items, with photos and descriptions and you’re set.
The app looks and functions just like a social media app which makes it easy to follow other users, like items, and share listings. This social aspect not only makes shopping on Depop fun and engaging but also helps build a community of like-minded individuals who value sustainability and unique fashion finds.
By promoting the resale of second-hand items, the app helps to reduce waste and extend the lifecycle of clothing and accessories. This is particularly important in the fashion industry, which is known for its significant environmental footprint.
Best apps for technology
Fairphone
Fairphone is an innovative app and company that is revolutionising the electronics industry by creating ethically produced smartphones. The Fairphone app complements their hardware by providing users with tools to monitor and improve the sustainability of their devices.
It offers insights into the phone’s performance, battery health, and tips for prolonging the device’s lifespan. The app also provides information on the fair sourcing of materials and the ethical production processes behind Fairphone devices.
The app helps users extend the life of their devices through maintenance tips which helps phones last longer, reducing the demand for new devices and the associated environmental impact.
Ailuna
Ailuna is an app designed to help people build sustainable habits through gamification. Users can choose from various eco-friendly challenges, such as reducing plastic use, conserving water, or adopting a plant-based diet.
The app tracks progress, provides tips and resources, and rewards users with points and badges for completing challenges. Ailuna also offers a community feature where people can join teams, share their achievements, and support each other in their sustainability journeys.
The sustainability impact of Ailuna lies in its ability to turn sustainable actions into engaging and achievable goals. By making eco-friendly practices fun and rewarding, the app encourages more people to adopt sustainable habits and stick with them long-term.
Best apps for food
HappyCow
HappyCow is a great app for finding vegan and vegetarian dining options around the world. It features a vast list of restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores, along with reviews, ratings, and photos from the community.
Users can search for nearby vegan or vegetarian-friendly places, filter results by cuisine or dietary preferences, and even find information on the availability of organic and locally sourced ingredients.
By making it easier for people to find plant-based dining options, the app supports the shift towards a more sustainable diet. Plant-based diets are known to have a lower environmental footprint compared to diets high in animal products, as they require less land, water, and energy – and produce fewer greenhouse gases.
Best apps for shopping
CodeCheck
CodeCheck is a super useful app that allows you to scan the barcodes of food and cosmetic products to get detailed information about their ingredients and sustainability. The app provides insights into the environmental and health impacts of the products we buy, helping us to make informed decisions.
Even more, CodeCheck offers personalised recommendations based on your dietary preferences and ethical concerns, such as avoiding palm oil or microplastics. Significantly, it empowers consumers to choose products that align with their values and avoid those with negative environmental impacts.
My Little Plastic Footprint
My Little Plastic Footprint is an app dedicated to helping users reduce their plastic consumption. It provides personalised tips and challenges to minimise plastic use in our daily lives, from swapping out single-use items to finding plastic-free alternatives.
The app also features a tracker to monitor progress and visualise the reduction in plastic waste over time. The app’s educational aspect raises awareness about the environmental consequences of plastic use and empowers individuals to make a positive difference.
Reewild
Reewild helps you reduce your personal carbon footprint by promoting sustainable shopping practices. You can scan products to learn about their carbon footprints and discover more sustainable alternatives. The app also provides tips on reducing carbon emissions and tracks your progress in making eco-friendly choices.
By showing users the environmental impact of their purchases, Reewild encourages them to choose lower-carbon options and adopt more sustainable shopping habits.
Get sustainable now
These apps show how technology can empower consumers to take meaningful steps towards reducing their carbon footprints and supporting a more sustainable economy.
The journey towards sustainable living is ongoing, but with the right tools at our fingertips, we can make a significant difference.
Mario Grunitz
Working Machines
An executive’s guide to AI and Intelligent Automation. Working Machines takes a look at how the renewed vigour for the development of Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Automation technology has begun to change how businesses operate.
