Conserve water
H2O Tracker
Built for the Aurora, Colo., Water District, the H2O Tracker app helps you understand how much water you use and gives tips on how to cut back. All you have to do is answer questions about your household’s water usage. For example, how often do you water your lawn or take a shower? Points are awarded based on your answers; however, unless you live in the Aurora Water District, the points are just for fun. Those who do live there can actually redeem the points for tangible prizes. H20 Tracker is available for free from the App Store and Google Play Store.
Dropcountr
Dropcountr taps directly into your water utility to provide you with a record of your water use. It’s useful when you want to compare your water consumption with that of other households of similar size and learn about water regulations and rebates for your area. Take note that your utility company would first have to partner with Dropcountr. The app is available for free from the App Store and Google Play Store. dropcountr.com
Water1der
Use the Water1der app to teach children about groundwater, water use, conservation and the importance of water in our lives. Though it was originally designed for classroom use, parents can learn a thing or two from this trivia app created by the Groundwater Foundation. Water1der is available for free from the App Store. groundwater.org
Be aware
#climate
The #climate app aims to leverage your social media network for social good. Download the app and select the environmental issues you are interested in. #climate will then update you on the latest news about them, which you can share with your friends, contacts and followers on Facebook and Twitter. The app is free from the App Store. hashtagclimate.org
Earth Now
How cool is it to view global climate data from Earth Science satellites? Too cool. And NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has developed an app for doing just that. Watch the Earth and monitor data including surface air temperature, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, ozone and water vapor, gravity and sea level variations. Earth Now is visually appealing and interesting to use but does not offer much in terms of anything practical you can do with the data. The app itself is interactive in that you can swipe on the Earth, zoom in and rotate it to see what’s happening on different parts of the planet. Available for free from the App Store and Google Play Store. nasa.gov
Rippl
This app helps you form new eco-friendly habits, each coming with a customizable alert. It will remind you to grab those reusable bags before leaving for the store or to pay your bills online to save paper and the cost of stamps. You can also suggest your own tips and contribute to the Rippl community. Created by the Ocean Conservancy, it is free from the App Store. oceanconservancy.org
Recycle
iRecycle
Sure, you could fill your blue bin if your city or town collects recyclables. Or you could download the iRecycle app and find recycling locations to dispose of such items. Search by material, such as computers, batteries, etc. The app is free from the App Store and Google Play Store.
