Tech matters
Five apps to help you help the world
2. OLIO
OLIO was co-founded by Tessa Clarke and Saasha Celestial-One in early 2015 as an attempt to combat food waste. The app connects users to other individuals and businesses within the community who may have spare or surplus food to give away. Users post a picture, description and location of their goods and can be contacted by others to pick up these items. Well worth a try for bakery surplus, items nearing their use-by date and those extra home-grown veggies.
HowGood
HowGood has rated over a quarter of a million products for retailers and consumers to make more informed choices regarding their food consumption. Based on independent research, the app provides information about the nature of the farming, processing, origin of ingredients, social and environmental impact associated with individual food items. The rating system can be used by retailers or consumers to make decisions aligned with their values.
4. Good on You
Drawing on data from Greenpeace and Carbon Trust, Good on You is an app that scores clothing on its ethical merits. Use of animal products and the labour conditions of workers is taken into consideration when scoring pieces and brands. Disappointed by the rating of your favourite label? Good on You will suggest similar brands – with higher scores – for you to try.
3. Oroeco
This app lets you track your carbon footprint as you go about your day, and incentivises planet-friendly activity to combat climate change. A carbon value is assigned to each item the user buys, eats, energy used at home and work, and choice of transport. Developed by a well-rounded team that includes Nobel Prize-winning climate scientists, engineers and educators, there’s real credibility to the app and its utility. Users can sign up to compete with friends and others around the world to gamify the experience.
5. Refresh Go Green
If you find yourself wanting to make changes but are unsure of the next steps, look no further than this app. With 52 ‘Simple Steps’ programmed into the app, you can choose whether you want to ease in (one simple step to implement per week), or shoot straight for the top (five steps per week). Tips include things such as reducing chemical use in the home and ways to save water.