Deal Saver - brought to you by the Charlotte Observer

0 comments
  • Print
  • Order Reprints
  • Share Share

Top 5 Apps to Go Green on the Go

Terri Bennett
Charlotte Observer
Terri Bennett
Terri Bennett has been providing weather forecasts in the Charlotte area for more than 16 years. In September 2007, she launched Terribennett.com to serve as the single source of Terri's knowledge and expertise. She is also promoting green technology in her 'Do Your Part' campaign.

If you have a smartphone, you probably have a few apps to go along with it. Why not consider adding some to help you go green on the go? Here are my favorite apps to help you Do Your Part when it comes to buying better food, recycling tough items, and even figuring out your family’s healthiest sunscreen option.

1. Seafood Watch

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Price: FREE

Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch app is a user-friendly guide to sustainable seafood choices specific to your region. It also includes a useful sushi guide for making more eco-friendly choices. You can sort your seafood list by “best choice,” “good alternative,” or “avoid” rankings. Plus, you can add names of restaurants and stores where you’ve found sustainable seafood.

 

2. iRecycle Recycling Guide

Earth911

Price: FREE

Earth911’s iRecycle app helps you find a recycling facility no matter where you are or what you’re looking to recycle. Just type in the name of the item such as “cookware” or “plastic bags” and you get a list of recyclers near you. Not only will you find out where to take your items you will also get easy access to the collection site’s phone number, website, hours of operation, and so much more.

 

3. Dirty Dozen: Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides

Environmental Working Group

Price: FREE

The Dirty Dozen app is a simple guide to shopping for fresh, organic produce. The guide lists a dozen fruits and vegetables that contain the highest levels of pesticides. It also lists the cleanest 15 conventionally grown fruits and vegetables. This is the perfect app to help you stretch your organic budget.

 

4. Happy Cow

Price: $2.99

The HappyCow app is a searchable directory for vegetarian-friendly restaurants and stores in your area. There is an interactive map to help you filter by location, vegan, vegetarian, or health food stores. You can easily access directions, phone numbers, and websites. Plus, the app makes it super simple to share your finds with friends on Facebook, Twitter, instant messaging, and email.

 

5. EWG Sunscreen Guide

Environmental Working Group

Price: FREE

This popular sunscreen guide from the Environmental Working Group provides detailed information on sunscreen ingredients and the hazards that some pose to people and the environment. You can look up sunscreens by name to make it easy on you while you’re in the sunscreen aisle. Best of all, there is a simple color-coded system to see exactly what your best bets are.

No matter how busy you may be, there are always ways to be green on the go. Do Your Part and let your smartphone do the dirty work for you. Happy apping!

Terri Bennett is a veteran TV meteorologist, eco-expert and author of Do Your Part: A practical guide for everyday green living available at DoYourPart.com. Send questions to terri@doyourpart.com

The Charlotte Observer welcomes your comments on news of the day. The more voices engaged in conversation, the better for us all, but do keep it civil. Please refrain from profanity, obscenity, spam, name-calling or attacking others for their views.   Read more

Quick Job Search
Salary Databases