Top 5 Apps for Reducing a Person’s Carbon Footprint

Over the last few years, more and more people have turned their attention to green issues such as climate change and energy efficiency. But while increased public awareness about such issues is certainly a positive, many people still leave giant carbon footprints as they make their way through this life. In fact, according to the EPA, the U.S. alone produces over 250 million tons of municipal solid waste (trash, refuse, etc.) annually.

But the issues facing or planet are not caused by any one specific issue. That’s why it’s important for anyone with the means to do so to make a variety of small changes with the overall purpose of leading a more green and energy efficient lifestyle. And there’s no reason technology can’t play a role in facilitating these changes, as there are many mobile apps out there specifically geared towards helping the average person reduce his or her carbon footprint.

Clean Energy Fuel Finder – iPhone, free

Many drivers have made the switch to alternative fuel vehicles that run on liquefied or compressed natural gas. Oftentimes people prefer these vehicles because they have more power than a typical hybrid car. Of course, the drawback is that finding a fueling station compatible with clean energy vehicles is often easier said than done. Clean Energy Fuel Finder for iPhone aims to remedy this problem. It  provides the user with a list of nearby fueling stations as well as detailed directions using the uses the smartphone’s internal GPS.

Light Bulb Finder – iPhone/Android, free

One of the pet issues of many green advocates is that of light bulb efficiency. But knowing where to start in order to reform one’s bulb-buying habits can be difficult when a person doesn’t know the difference between a CFL and an LED. Light Bulb Finder is an app that takes care of all light bulb-related considerations, from type and cost to environmental impact.

Green Outlet – iPhone, $0.99

One way in which nearly everyone can contribute to energy conservation is through reigning in household electricity use. Of course most people can’t tell by looking at an appliance exactly how much energy it uses. The good news is that Green Outlet can. Not only that, but this app helps people save energy and money by informing the user when he or she has reached and surpassed the carbon usage recommended by the U.S. government.

Global Warming Personal Calculator – iPhone, $0.99

Those who want to know the exact size and scope of their personal carbon footprint would do well to download this app. Global Warming Personal Calculator takes into account vehicle, home and travel info in order to provide data on a person’s carbon footprint when compared to others in the U.S. – or even the world.

GreenMeter – iPhone, $5.99

Those with iPhone’s are likely familiar with the unit’s accelerometer, and greenMeter uses this feature to calculate overall driving practices and the impact they have on the environment. The data provided by the app can then help the user reduce overall fuel costs and increase efficiency.

These are just a few of the top apps people can use to help reduce their carbon footprint. But there are literally hundreds of options on the market – and certainly more to come in the future – that can also be helpful to those new to the world of green issues.

Neil Dunsmore is a consumer energy expert, helping ordinary Americans secure extraordinary deals on their energy bills. Visit www.EnergyRatesNewYork.com for more information.

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