New applications target eco-friendly users

Developed nations are working harder than ever to reduce their ecological footprint.  For many consumers, sustainability is a goal that is easier than ever to monitor - especially on Apple's mobile devices.  Author Tracey Greenstein recently published the list of "Best Apps for the Eco-Conscious Traveler", which provides several applications for iOS that can help track emissions, use minimal resources, and find sustainable or organic businesses while you are away.  She also mentioned a couple of eco-products that are for the very dedicated users.  Greenstein wrote this article primarily due to the fact that ecotourism is the fastest growing sector in that industry, improving as much as 30% annually.

Application 1 - Green Globe

This FREE application can help find sustainable resorts, hotels, cruises, tours, etc. and also has a booking feature to help simplify the planning process.  It lists any sustainability certification under the Green Globe Standard for travel and tourism.  While you probably will be paying a premium to stay in these locations, it provides the ease of mind knowing that they are working to reduce their overall footprint.

Application 2 - Green Travel Choice

Ever wonder what carbon dioxide is being released from traveling in a vehicle?  This application can record the total distance traveled using various modes of transportation - from flying in a commercial airplane to riding on a motorcycle.  Over time, this application will log the total amount of CO2 emissions that are produced by the individuals using the application.  

Even though this application isn't free (comes at a price of $1.99 through the App Store), it can really help paint an accurate image of your ecological footprint from transportation.  By presenting real-time figures emission figures to users and offering wiser alternatives to travel to their destination, this application may have people thinking twice before reaching for their car keys. 

Application 3 - In Bloom

This application is perfect for those who are in search of green businesses, farmer's markets, organic food or supplies, and service stations for eco-friendly vehicles.  While this application was originally created by musicians to find more sustainable ways to travel, it has now reached a broader audience.  It is only in the New York City area as of right now, but there are plans to expand in the future.

Wood add-ons for your Apple products?

That's right.  Vers, a division of Sprout Creation, offers sustainable products for Apple devices.  This includes wood headphones, and cases compatible with the iPhone, iPod, and iPad.  They also have radio / alarm clocks and other audio equipment that is completely friendly to the environment.  Not only is this equipment recyclable, but wood also provides the same optimal acoustics as other products.  Sprout Creation also has an impressive replanting policy - adding 100 hardwood trees for every single tree that is used in the production of their audio and case equipment.  They partner with the Arbor Day Foundation and U.S. Forestry Service to find areas that need replanting most desperately. 

It is apparent that technology firms are grasping onto sustainability - providing consumers with more options to do their part than ever before.  This trend of consumer awareness is not one that will pass anytime soon. 

Additional applications that Tracey Greenstein mentions can be found here.