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Health & Fitness

Go Green this Earth Day with Six Eco-Friendly Apps

Recycle your old phones and try out AT&T's top six mobile apps for creative ways to go green this Earth Day.

Last fall, AT&T set a Guinness World Record by collecting 50,942 cell phones for recycling within a single week. To celebrate Earth Day, AT&T is inviting consumers to participate in the AT&T Reuse & Recycle Trade-In Program, by bringing in unwanted wireless phones to AT&T company-owned retail stores for recycling, in exchange for an AT&T Promotion Card. The card contains AT&T credit that can be used to buy new AT&T wireless products, pay your bill or donate to AT&T’s supported Cell Phones for Soldiers organization. AT&T is committed to environmental sustainability and proud to celebrate the 43rd Annual Earth Day. Once you recycle your old phone and select a new one, try out these six apps to help preserve the environment with the click of a button:


AT&T’s Top Six Apps to Go Green this Earth Day

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1. Climate Mobile

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The global theme for Earth Day 2013 is "The Face of Climate Change." 2012 was marked by many record-breaking climate changes. The United States faced its hottest year in history and the World Meteorological Organization revealed that the first decade of this century was the hottest of all time. From politicians to pals- everyone is discussing climate change these days! Take action and judge for yourself. With Climate Mobile, you can crunch data from international satellites and weather stations. The climate analyzer makes examining variables and creating charts effortless. Find the facts so you can quickly dissect claims and decide for yourself whether there is a rising concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere or if Artic Ice is disappearing. It’s easy to be an informed citizen-scientist when all the information is at your fingertips with this neat app. Available on iPhone, free.

2. greenMeter

According to a recent report, San Diegans drive even more miles than individuals in Los Angeles. Being behind the wheel so much can significantly increase one’s environmental impact. greenMeter computes your vehicle’s power and fuel usage characteristics and evaluates your driving to increase efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and cost, and lower your environmental impact. Results are displayed in real time, while you’re driving, to give instant feedback. On top of that, this app does not need GPS, which means that all generations of the iPhone can use it. You don’t have to have a smart car to make eco-friendly driving decisions! The greenMeter can measure any vehicle’s fuel and crude oil consumption and even carbon emissions. Monitor greenMeter and adjust your acceleration and driving habits to get the most out of your tank. Mother Nature and your wallet will thank you! Available on iPhone, $5.99.

3. GoodGuide

It’s easy to shop sustainably with GoodGuide! Doing your homework before shopping is no longer necessary. The GoodGuide app uses scientific ratings to instantly reveal whether products are safe, healthy, green and ethical. Simply use your phone to scan the barcode of a product. Within seconds, the app will provide a score split into individual measures based on issues you care about. So next time you’re at your local grocery store, use GoodGuide to make good choices. With information on over 170,000 products, shopping has never been so effortlessly conscientious. Free for Android and iPhone,

4. Hootroot

HootRoot is essentially Google Maps for the eco-friendly. It provides directions to help you navigate to your destination in the most environmentally-friendly way. It lists the potential environmental footprint you make by walking, biking, using public transportation, driving or even flying! The app won the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s award for being a top app for the environmental challenge. So give a hoot and green your route! Free for Android and iPhone.

5. PaperKarma

PaperKarma is the easiest way to cut your paper waste. Simply pull out your phone and snap a picture of the junk mail. PaperKarma identifies the junk mail and uses a database to contact the sender to remove you from its distribution list. Whether you’re a busy Mission Valley executive or a mother of triplets; PaperKarma is your personal assistant when it comes to junk mail! Free for Android and iPhone.

6. JouleBug

Joulebug was designed to encourage sustainable living through gaming and social interaction. It is a fun way to get children involved in reducing their ecological footprint and claims to save you an average of $200 per year! The app organizes energy-saving tips into achievements, motivating players to live a green life. It converts small habits into straightforward units of impact, and embedded videos share simple tips to maintain an environmentally-friendly lifestyle. You can play with your Facebook and Twitter friends, climbing the Leaderboard while helping the planet! When adopted by corporations, the app can have an even bigger impact. Employees can compete with each other to lower their footprint and at the same time set energy efficiency goals that can help a business be socially responsible while saving money. Available on iPhone, free.

You can also use your favorite device to play AT&T’s Recycle Game at http://www.att.com/gen/landing-pages?pid=22260

Be a part of the a record-breaking program and learn how to recycle your old phone at http://www.att.com/gen/general?pid=20369

Happy Earth Day to all the sustainable San Diegans!

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