I’m sure most of you will agree, you probably spend a lot of time on your mobile phone. And with so many apps available, you can pretty much do anything with just a click of a button. You can chat with friends, post status updates and share photos, order takeaways, shop the latest trends and you can even find a date!
But, have you ever considered using your phone to help protect the planet and live an eco-friendlier and more sustainable lifestyle? Well, the good news is, in today’s digital world, it’s easier than ever to make better choices for the environment right from your fingertips.
Below are just a handful of apps you can download for free on either iOS and Android; all of which will help you make better decisions and have a positive impact on the world we live in.
“If just 1 in 10 Brits Refilled just once a week, we’d save around 340 million plastic bottles a year!” ~ Refill HQ
When you’re out and about, and are in need of a drink, avoid purchasing a single-use plastic bottle. Instead, carry a reusable water bottle and use the Refill app to find where you can fill up for free; there are over 12,000 Refill Stations across the UK.
So, you’ll not only stay hydrated, but you’ll also save money and most importantly help reduce plastic pollution. Download the app for iOS and Android.
If you’re after good food at a bargain price, and you want to help the planet – oh and you love surprises, then this is the app for you.
Too Good To Go connects users with businesses that have surplus food, so that this food can be enjoyed instead of wasted. Users get delicious meals at a great price, businesses reach new customers and recover sunk costs, and the planet has less wasted food to deal with – it’s a win-win-win. Download the app for iOS and Android.
As well as helping businesses reduce their food waste, you should also keep an eye on your own foods and prevent wastage at home.
Using the NoWaste app, you can easily track, organise and manage the food in your home. By setting up a list of the foods you have in your fridge, freezer and cupboards, you can easily keep check of the foods you have; helping you to avoid any unnecessary purchases if you already have something. As well as this you can see what needs to be used first and avoid wasting any food that has expired.
You’ll also be able to plan your meals, create shopping lists and track your food waste and savings. Download the app for iOS.
If you’re having a clear out of your wardrobe, think before you throw them away. Did you know that approximately 50 trailers full of unwanted clothing go to landfill sites everyday in the UK? With many clothing taking over 50 years to fully decompose.
However, by using the reGAIN app, you can ensure that your unwanted items of clothing go to good use by donating them to charity. But that’s not all. As a thank you for doing your bit for charity – and for the planet, you’ll be rewarded with exclusive discounts so you can save money on something new! It’s another win-win situation. Download the app for iOS and Android.
Whether you’re doing research for your latest assignment, browsing for that new outfit or simply searching for the name of that new song you heard on the radio, you probably use a search engine regularly.
And more often than not, Google is probably the default search engine you use. But have you ever considered using an eco-friendly search engine?
Ecosia is a search engine like any other, but they use the profits to plant trees. Similarly, OceanHero is a search engine where for every five searches you do, you help to recover one plastic bottle from the ocean.
So, the next time you search online, think about how you can help save the planet in the process!
If you haven’t already heard, one of our nominated charities of the year is Planet Patrol. The mission of Planet Patrol is to make sure that litter stays out of nature. They combine activities such as paddle boarding, running and yoga with litter picking and data collection.
By gathering evidence about the brands, types and locations of litter polluting nature all over the world, through their app, they are continuing to build a vital database to develop solutions to the problem, hold polluters accountable and shape government policies to eradicate single use materials and stop it from destroying our planet.
And whether it’s by joining an organised clean-up or simply snapping a picture of litter when you’re out, you can get involved and help too. Download the app for iOS and Android.
#HostEnvironmentalPledge.
Getting serious about the environment we live in.
To become more ‘environmentally friendly’, Host is launching the #HostEnvironmentalPledge campaign to encourage responsible behaviour and drive sustainability across our sites throughout the UK and Ireland.
It’s a simple campaign! For every percent we reduce our overall utilities (electric, water and gas) consumption by we donate to one of our nominated charities.
Host is dedicated to making a positive social and environmental impact, a commitment that is deeply rooted in our comprehensive Sustainability Strategy, which outlines our approach to creating lasting, meaningful change. We invite you to explore our Sustainable Living Guide to learn more about how we are working toward a better future for all.
With your first year of university well underway, it won’t be long before you’re no longer a fresher. And whilst it might still be months away, your second year of uni will be here before you know it.
So, have you started thinking about where you’re going to live for your second year? If not, now is the perfect time to start searching and weighing up your options. First year's aim to have their second year accommodation sorted before Term 2 (January). Below are some things to consider when choosing your second-year accommodation.