5 Apps for a More Sustainable Lifestyle

Whether you’re a tech fan or not, you probably use a couple of mobile apps every single day. Some of these might be quite helpful in several situations of your everyday life. Here are 5 apps that can help you create a healthier and sustainable lifestyle.

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear “mobile apps”? Probably social media, right? The truth is… mobile apps are so much more than that. And some of these can actually support us in the pursuit of a better lifestyle.

Even though I am not the most vivid mobile user (I love to leave it at home, every now and then), I must admit that some apps are quite helpful in my everyday life. Helping me create a healthier and conscious living.

Without further ado, here are some of the mobile apps that have a positive impact on my daily life.

Think Dirty

This was one of my best discoveries in 2020. Imagine an app that tells you if a certain beauty product is actually good for you. Yes, any product. As long as it’s available in its (large) database. Amazing, right? Well, that’s exactly what “Think Dirty” is all about. 

Even though I pay a lot of attention to the beauty products I buy, and do a lot of research before actually buying these, every now and then I end up with a product that… isn’t that clean. Yes, greenwashing is real.

Thanks to Think Dirty, you can look up products and see how good these are good for you (in terms of formula). This way you can avoid feeling disappointed and wasting your money (and resources) on certain products.

How does the app work? Scan the product bar code or type its name on the search bar to gather all the information you need. You can also type a brand name and a list of products (available in the app) will appear. Each product has a grade. The lower it is, the better. The higher it is, the worst it is for your health. There’s a color scheme that goes with it, so you’ll immediately understand if there’s something bad about it.

The problem? If your product hasn't been purchased in Canada (where the app was created), the scan option won’t work for you. But I have good news for you, if you live in a different market (like I do) you can look up the product or brand in the search area.

Available: iOS and Android

El CoCo

ElCoco is just like Think Dirty but for edible products. I had a blast and a few scares when I started using this one last year (pre-lockdown).

You’ll probably go through some unpleasant surprises because some so-called healthy products aren’t that healthy at all.

How does the app work? Scan the product bar code or type its name on the search bar to find the product’s nutritional information.

Available: iOS and Android

Google Keep

OK, this one has absolutely nothing to do with the previous ones. But, for me, it’s an absolute staple when it comes to having a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

How do I use it? To have a shared grocery shopping list, updated in real-time and available on different devices (with different operative systems). 

No more paper sheets. No more forgetting the grocery list at home. No more guess shopping. This is especially useful if you live with your partner or flatmate.

The best part? Google Keep is free and works really well, no matter the operative system on your phone.

Available: Android and iOS

Deliciously Ella

One of the most complete apps that I have on my phone. Deliciously Ella’s app started as a healthy recipe app, but it’s so much more than that these days. 

Yoga, meditation, pilates, cardio, strength, barre, recipes, podcasts, articles… are some of the things you can find in this app.

Unlike the ones I previously mentioned, this is a paid app with a 7-day trial.

Why do I usually use it? For workout, yoga, meditation and listen to their podcast (outstanding guests). 

The price? 1 euro per month or 11 euros per year. And you can cancel at any time.

Is it worth the price? Absolutely. No doubt in that. Not just because of the content quality, but because it’s way cheaper than most well-known workout apps (like Sweat or Freeletics).

Available: iOS and Android

Morning! - A 5 Minute Journal

Even though this one is a recent find, it immediately became part of my daily life.

What is this app all about? Writing down your thoughts at the beginning and the end of the day.

From gratitude journaling in the morning, visualize what you’d like your day to be like, your daily mantra, and a balance of how the day went.

Which is a great exercise, especially during these uncertain times we’re all living.

Even though this app has a paid version, the free version gives you enough tools to track your thoughts and do some mini-journaling. 

Available: iOS