Since technology plays such a big part in our lives, I thought I would talk about one of the most revolutionary devices which re-defined the world of smartphones –the Apple iPhone.
I can't even begin tell you how many countless times it has been useful to me in every possible way.
Whether I'm checking the weather or sending a last-minute document by e-mail, my trusty iPhone is always there to do the job.
Apple prides themselves on being a 'green' company by using packaging made from post-consumer fiberboard materials and eliminating PVC, arsenic, bromine and mercury from their electronics. On top of the phone being eco-friendly, it's like having a work of art in your pocket!
Below, I have compiled a list of the top ten apps I use daily and can't live without:
1. Pocket Yoga–($2.99)
You'll never have an excuse not to get in some yoga time with this lovely app. Practice and perfect your asanas, meditate and work those muscles with step-by-step routines tailored to fit your time limits and level–Namaste!
2. VegOut–($2.99)
A star for vegan restaurant go-ers and tourists wanting to check out what a city has to offer in terms of raw, vegan or organic food. It uses your location to pin-point restaurants near you which offer alternative, healthy meals. In collaboration with the wonderful HappyCow website, get reviews and ratings for any restaurant or health food store that you want. It's well worth your money and it's one of my all-time favorite apps!
3. Green Shine–($2.99)
This app is great if you're looking to save money and save the planet by making your own eco-concoctions! Mix everything from ingredients for homemade furniture polish to floor cleaner. Add in your favorite essential oils and you're house will be smelling sweet in no time. A must-have for the eco-conscious diva!
4. Locavore–($2.99)
Never again will you be stuck in the organic produce section, not knowing what's in season and what isn't. This app is your go-to guide to seasonal fruits and veggies, as well as where to find them at your nearest farmer's market. Not only that, but Locavore offers an extensive list of salads, slaws, tarts and dips for you to make using seasonal ingredients.
5. Do It Gorgeously & Gorgeously Green–(FREE & $0.99)
If you're a fan of Sophie Uliano, then I recommend you check out these two apps which complement her books perfectly. The first one has a ton of DIY videos teaching you everything from making the perfect Fruit Pavlova to creating a luxurious Organic India Rose Facial Oil! The second lets you know which oils to cook with, their smoking points as well as 'The Dirty Dozen' and 'The Clean Fifteen'. You get such a wealth of knowledge right at your finger tips.
6. Green Genie–($0.99)
It offers a host of resources, projects and a bank of glossary terms to help you adapt to a new green-friendly language. Projects are categorized from small to large and there are some really helpful energy-saving solutions here. Perhaps ripping out your current toilet and replacing it with a brand new low-flow version is a little pricey, but how about putting a sealed plastic bottle of rocks or sand in your existing toilet tank so it takes up space and in turn, reduces the amount of water used per flush?
7. Saf' Recipe Box (FREE)
A great little gem which lets you browse through a collection of raw, vegan, organic and healthy recipes! You can check the nutrient score of certain foods, read articles from 'Eat Well' or jot down your grocery list. I like to browse through the Featured recipes section and add my own spin to things!
8. Seafood Watch–(FREE)
Not sure what sushi to get? This app makes it a no-brainer for you to choose sustainably-sourced fish, clearly letting you know which ones are the best choice, good alternatives and the one's you should avoid at all costs. I used it in the past every time I bought my fish from the market, but now I've got the lists memorized. However, I do occasionally whip it out when I'm ordering sushi at my local Japanese restaurant. Gotta know whether to go with the Unagi Maki or Nijimasu!
9. Shopgreen–($0.99)
It's opening menu allows you to choose from a list of green activities such as: Transport, Home and Groceries. You can easily calculate how many pounds of CO
₂ you save by answering questions about your grocery shopping habits as well as by reporting the amount of bottles, cans and newspapers you recycle.
10. Fooducate–(FREE)
It's like having your a personal nutritionist, on the go! Browse over 200,000 different products and use your iPhone's camera to scan UPC bar codes for the healthiest groceries available. You can compare foods, select alternatives and even check whether any controversial additives were used. Talk about a food life saver!
Did I miss something? What's your favorite iPhone app?
