Making small changes to our lives to help become more environmentally friendly is encouraged, but sometimes we need a little prompting or help. We took a look at some free eco apps that are out there and asked parents to try some of them out and review them. Find out what they thought, and see if you think these free eco apps can change how you shop, save and splurge?

Don’t miss the chance to have your say! We’re looking for parents to get involved and give their feedback on all aspects of family life. Find out more here.

For many of us, making better and sustainable choices isn’t always second nature, especially when it comes to bigger and less familiar decisions. These varied eco apps, while all free, offer something different to help us learn more about our carbon footprint, food miles, waste, sustainable fashion, deforestation and more.

Take a look below at the eco apps that caught our attention, including parent reviews for what worked – and what didn’t!

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Hands-On Review of Eco Apps

We wanted to know how these eco apps performed in real life, so used our panel of parents for feedback.

Each participating parent was given a free eco app to download and try out for a few days, before reporting back on what they thought about the app, what they liked, what they didn’t like, how easy it was to use, and how they would rate it overall.

Good On You

Good on You App Description

The Good On You app gives you the power to easily check the impact of your favourite fashion brands on the issues you care about. Use the app to discover better alternatives, learn more about ethical fashion shopping, and get exclusive offers from the best brands.

Browse over 3,000 brands, all assessed against our comprehensive rating system. Each brand receives an easy-to-understand rating out of five, from ‘We Avoid’ (1) to ‘Great’ (5), and individual scores for its impact on people, the planet, and animals.

App Review

On first impression, I liked the look of the Good On You app – the visual colours and images were clear and easy to view. It wasn’t immediately obvious to me from the app what the app’s function was, but this became clearer as I used the website.

The app was easy to use. The content was of significant interest, really good articles particularly around the areas of sustainability and how ethical some brands are. I learnt some really good ways to repurpose old clothes. I certainly would return to the app again for more information on sustainability, and it’s something I am eager to learn more about.

I don’t feel I would buy from the app though, not only is it very American based but prices are very expensive for my budget.

Overall rating: 3/5

The Good on You app is available for iOS and Android

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Giki Badges

Giki Badges App Description

Scan thousands of supermarket products to see whether they are sustainable, healthy and fair. What is it you care about? Climate change, eating healthily, sustainable palm oil, avoiding toxic chemicals, animal welfare, or less plastic?

Whatever your priorities, Giki will enable you to understand the true impact of your products and help you to buy from brands which share your beliefs.

App Review

The Giki Badges app is a really nice idea in theory. You go shopping and you scan the product you are thinking of buying and it will give you a rating based on 8 badges. So thinks like Healthier option, Free from additives, Better packaging etc. It will also show you alternative products that might be more sustainable or eco friendly.

The main problem I had in practice was that I shop mostly in Lidl and buy their products not branded products so when I scanned those they don’t show up in the app’s list. I think it’s too focused on branded products.

The app was very easy to use, you just pressed Scan and then lined up the scanner box over the bar code and it would scan the product code. I liked that it gave alternatives as well but honestly at the moment I wouldn’t have browsing time in the shop so standing trying to see what alternative I don’t think is very practical.

The fact that it was rating products on things like it having a Low carbon footprint or being Responsibly sourced does make you think whether your favourite products are really that “responsible”.

I didn’t learn that much because I wasn’t able to find products in my shopping on the app. And I don’t think I would continue to use the app. But I did notice on their website that they have a thing called Giki Zero which is step by step guide to a lighter footprint on the planet. It helps you to understand, track and reduce your carbon footprint and build your personal path to Net Zero. So I will definitely give that a go.

Overall rating: 1 out of 5 – it would have scored more highly if it had Lidl/Aldi products included

The Giki Badges app is available for iOS and Android.

Ethicart

Ethicart App Description

EthiCart is a user-friendly app that gives quick, accessible and easy to understand information around the sustainability and ethical standards of food products. They suggest more sustainable alternatives where possible so it’s easy to switch over and make an informed purchasing decision.

If you want to shop more sustainably but lack time to research and a place to get the information you need, EthiCart enables and empowers you to buy products that align with your values.

App Review

I loved this app! It was very easy to use, the articles are very interesting and helpful, and I will definitely keep using it.

Overall rating: 5 out of 5

The Ethicart app is available for iOS and Android.

For Good

For Good App Description

For Good is the best guide to a more sustainable lifestyle! So you know that taking the bike is more environmentally friendly than taking the car. But how does eating beef compare to eating chicken?

For Good is the first app to measure your total ecological footprint and show exactly what you can do to live more sustainably. And if you need some inspiration, the app is full of interesting tips.

App Review

Before downloading an App I always check the specs and reviews just to see if anything rings alarm bells or unusual permissions requested for the App itself. So first thoughts were the app looked good, user friendly, clear concise graphics. I was looking forward to giving it a try. Then I read the reviews, not so promising, but I always take them with a pinch of salt as it is entirely down to user experience and expectations.

I downloaded the app with no issues at all and began the registration process which was simple and easy. I filled in the questionnaire about our household. The first thing that irked me was that when completing the questionnaire, there was no consideration for rural dwellers who have no access to public transport. The wording almost made you feel you should feel guilty for using your car.

Then came a grant permissions section which let to a dead end with no guidance as to what they wanted from you. The major negative for this app is you need to have your GPS on all the time for it to log your movements. Unfortunately that is not a feasible option as it decimates my battery.

If you don’t switch on your GPS, this app won’t interact with you, there is no draw to go and have a look by way of notifications to remind you it’s there. To be honest in such a short space of time there was very little content to even peruse. There is a challenges section with no guidance as to what it’s there for.

I had a good trawl through the app but there were no redeeming features that would entice me to keep it on my phone. There was one little handy tip about covering saucepans when cooking that I will take on board but that’s about the only positive I have.

Overall rating: 1 out of 5

The For Good app is available on iOS and Android.

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