These days, there are apps for just about everything. Whether you need a ride to go somewhere, order food, or figure out what plant that is in your backyard there’s an app for it. Thankfully, there is a growing movement toward apps with a social conscious that are designed to have a positive impact on the world. Just as many people use digital tools to track their household budgets, these new tools can help them measure the cost of their consumer behavior. They range from apps that allow users to donate money and time to charitable organizations to social networking platforms that connect people with similar interests and causes. Some can be used on a day-to-day basis, others for research or to educate.
When it comes to sustainability, consumers struggle to understand what actions have the greatest impact toward reducing their carbon footprint. Most people tend to use information that pops readily to mind when deciding which actions will have the biggest impact. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as the availability heuristic. For instance, many mistakenly believe recycling to be more meaningful than taking fewer flights, eating less meat, and using their clothes dryer less frequently. Some apps can help track daily tasks to bring into focus which behaviors are most important.
In a world that often feels full of negativity, mobile technology is making it easy for people to make a difference in the world by harnessing the power of social media. Here are some examples of just a few apps with a social conscious.
Google Flights
Google has introduced the ability for users to see carbon emissions estimates when they’re searching for flights. Google considers variables like the type of aircraft, the number and layout of seats, how many passengers, and origin and destination. Lower-cost flights have a lower emissions footprint because there are more passengers on a given plane. Users can save money and do well by the environment.
Good Human
The Good Human app is one-stop-shop for sustainable products and ethical brands that address two major issues: not knowing which brands to trust and price. Most people want to purchase more wisely, but it’s overwhelming to know where to start and many believe it’s not affordable. The app features 650+ vetted brands and 180,000+ curated products including hundreds of promo codes. How do you fight an app that highlights fact-based reasons not to buy your brand or an ethically sourced alternative side-by-side?
Newday Impact Investing
Newday finds companies to invest in that are making the world better. Users can access impact portfolios that address some of the biggest environmental and social challenges today including climate change, access to clean and fresh water, animal welfare, the health of our oceans, and many others.
Atlas Run
Atlas Run connects runners, corporations, and charities to create change globally. The mobile fitness app allows users to raise funds and awareness for a good cause for every mile they track their runs, hikes, and bike rides. The miles are sponsored by corporate partners for whom Atlas unique means community engagement and positive brand awareness.
Goodbookey
Goodbookey allows sports fans to support their favorite team and experience the excitement of sports games for charity. The app includes major sporting events from football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, and more in this fun social betting game. Unlike other popular fantasy sports apps, it’s all about giving back. The app allows users to choose a game, charity, and dollar amount and challenge a friend on all the big sporting events.
Consumers have always wanted better, more conscious purchasing options but it was never convenient or seamless. These are just a few of the dozens of apps that allow companies to influence consumer behavior in a positive way. It could be a total game-changer if a company provides an app that’s well functioning and offers some consumer benefit.
