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Read this article to discover how eco apps can help you lead a greener lifestyle, reduce your impact on the environment, and save energy.
People tend to use the words “energy” and “electricity” interchangeably. However, electricity is only one part of energy, along with heat. Statistics from Our World in Data show that the average Canadian consumes 105,540kWh of energy per year — this covers electricity, heating, and transport.
As of 2019, around 66% of energy came from fossil fuels, a non-renewable resource. There are efforts to shift to renewable resources, but they’re still behind schedule.
Because of this, it’s all the more important to make an effort to save as much energy as reasonably possible. So if you want to make a positive change, here are some eco-friendly apps that can guide you:
1. Simple Shower Timer
Smart showers can be expensive. Fortunately, eco apps like the Simple Shower Timer are good substitutes. Just enter the amount of time you want to spend in the shower, and then the app will notify you when it’s almost time to finish up.
2. Energy Cost Calculator
As the name suggests, this eco app lets you calculate the amount of energy that a device or appliance uses, and how much it will cost you.
All you need to do is type in the kind of appliance, how long you use it at a given time, and the estimated energy consumption per hour (you can find this on the packaging or detailed on the device). The app will then provide a rough cost per hour, per day, or per week. It can also give you your estimated carbon footprint based on your energy usage as well. Aside from simply saving money, this app lets you see how your energy saving actions can actually save the environment.
3. S-Miles Cloud
Solar energy is a renewable resource, but even if you produce your own energy, having too much of it would be a terrible waste.
As such, aside from storing energy, you should also monitor it so you know you’re not using too much or too little when compared to your production rate. Solar systems installed at home can be managed more efficiently by using eco apps.
For example, Hoymiles installs solar panels in homes, which homeowners can then manage via their phones. The Hoymiles app is called the S-Miles Cloud. From the app, you can monitor, manage, and troubleshoot your installation using visual data. The app even shows you your environmental impact, so your journey to saving more energy is one that is informed and backed up by data.
4. Nest
In 2014, Nest Labs was bought by Google, and four years later, the Google Home division was rebranded to Google Nest.
Google Nest released a number of eco apps and smart products such as their well-known thermostat, which can be integrated into other smart devices like smoke detectors. You can automatically program the thermostat’s schedule and control it with a voice assistant.
The Mini is a small smart speaker that responds to the same Google Assistant-enabled voice commands. But there are other extras, such as intercom functionality and stereo pairing with other Minis. C by GE bulbs are affordable Bluetooth smart bulbs that work well with Google.
Having a smart home can save energy because they can be controlled more accurately and easily, such as with temperature and lighting.
5. JouleBug
JouleBug is a social network for eco-friendly enthusiasts. It encourages sustainable actions by presenting itself like a game or social media app. JouleBug rewards you with points and badges with every green task you complete, such as taking a shorter shower or using a reusable water bottle. You can even compete against friends or other locals to see who’s the greenest user.
Using these energy saving apps is a step in the right direction. If you want to go further, our previous article on SOL + SPIRIT provides specific pointers on how to make each room in your house more eco-friendly.
You might also enjoy:
- How To Practice Sustainability In The Workplace
- 7 Benefits of Rainwater Catchment Systems
- Eco Friendly Homes And The Changes You Can Make
