Want to save the planet? There’s an app for that

It seems like we can't go one week without another headline about the damage we've done to the planet, leading some to feel frustrated and like there's nothing they can do about it. We're all just looking to do our part in protecting the environment - and luckily, there's an app for that. Tech Expert Avery Swartz brought us some green tech that will make your quest in saving the planet a bit easier, from encouraging  sustainable shopping to minimizing plastic use. Check them out below, and watch the video above for our chat with Avery!

JouleBug

A fun way to keep track of your everyday habits, JouleBug encouraging you to make more sustainable choices throughout the day. Earn points for every sustainable action you take, from turning off the tap while you brush your teeth, to line-drying your clothes. JouleBug has a fun “challenges” section to encourage you to act even more sustainably. You can also enter into friendly sustainability competitions with your friends, family or coworkers. When you make more sustainable choices, everyone wins.

Think Dirty

There are hundreds of chemicals in everyday beauty, personal and household products. When you’re shopping, use the Think Dirty app to scan a product’s barcode, and you’ll get information on the product’s ingredients and cleaner alternatives. An independent source, Think Dirty features information on over 1 million products in the app and was even created by a Canadian entrepreneur.

Tap

We all know that single-use plastics are bad for the environment, and carrying a reusable water bottle can be a great way to divert plastic bottles from the landfill. But what do you do when you’re away from home and your water bottle is running empty? Tap is an app that allows you to find nearby refill stations in coffee shops, fast-casual restaurants, and public places to refill your water bottle around the world. You'll never have to buy bottled water again, and Tap increases foot traffic into local storefronts - a win-win for everyone.

Good On You

Feeling great in your clothes isn’t just about looking great - it’s about knowing your clothing was ethically made. Use the Good On You app to search more than 2,000 fashion brands and see how they rank on three main factors: people, the planet and animals. Good On You empowers consumers to check brand ratings while they shop, discover ethical and sustainable fashion labels from around the world, and get exclusive offers from the best brands.

Seafood Watch

Seafood Watch, from the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, makes it easy to make smart seafood choices. Seafood Watch provides the latest recommendations for seafood and sushi, helps you learn more about the seafood you eat, and locate or share businesses that serve sustainable seafood. You can search for seafood quickly using its common market name or its Japanese sushi name, and find access to stores and restaurants that serve ocean-friendly seafood. Sustainable seafood is good for the planet, and your taste buds!