# We Need an App Using Energy to Recycle - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/11/how-to-use-smartphone-app-energy-recycle/ - Published: 2019-11-12T23:15:18-05:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## Let’s create an app to take our energy to recycle.  We need an app to take our collective energy to recycle. Period. We use our smartphones for almost everything. That’s from finding the perfect restaurant and getting directions to playing games.  Or you might check out your social media with 24/7 access to information. But did you know that your smartphone can help you reduce your carbon footprint, too? Yes so common and let’s do this!! #### Here’s how your device can be used as an eco-friendly tool: Reduce & Recycle With the [iRecycle](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/12/americas-going-green-for-the-holidays/) App #### **1. Waste not, want not.** This holiday season, look for wrapping and shipping [products made from recycled materials](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/07/6-unexpected-products-made-from-recycled-materials/). When wrapping holiday presents, look for gift bags and bows made from recycled plastic. When shipping holiday gifts, use plastic bubble wrap, envelopes, plastic shipping tape, and plastic air pillows that are made with recycled plastics. ![App energy recycle ](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/ 03/wpid-wp-1426375499664-e1568944624747.jpeg?resize=177%2C149&quality=52&ssl=1) ####   ####   ####   ####   #### **⏎ 2. ⏎ Boost your recycling IQ. Imagine that app that can take our energy to recycle more. I mean to find out which plastics are accepted for recycling in your community and where. Recycling programs vary across the country. However most curbside programs collect plastic bottles. In addition to bottles, many communities recycle plastic containers. That’s such as yogurt cups, butter tubs, trays and lids. Because Earth911.com lets you search by zip code to find out what and where to recycle in your area. You can even download Earth911’s iRecycle app to your smartphone and recycle on-the-go. #### **3. Look for more bottles.** Look beyond water and soda bottles. A “bottle” is any container with a neck or opening. One that’s smaller than its base. Plastic bottles include egg nog and [liquor](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/02/how-smart-homes-lead-to-greener-lifestyles/) bottles as well as milk jugs. In addition are beverage containers and bottles for salad dressing, oil and other condiments. Many food jars such as those for peanut butter and mayonnaise often are recyclable. As well as bottles for shampoo, toiletries, laundry detergent and household cleaners. ![Recycle more plastic with an app](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/ uploads/2015/03/wpid-wp-1426895132133.jpeg?resize=420%2C279&quality=52&ssl=1) #### **4. Don’t flip your lid.** Remember to twist caps back on bottles before you recycle them.  Recyclers want caps, too. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 75 percent of the waste generated by Americans can be recycled. However, only 30 percent actually is recycled. Created by [Earth911](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/10/earth911-com-nyc-launch-party-gives-away-green-lighting-book/), the iRecycle app helps earth-conscious folks. All by finding local recycling opportunities in their community and on the go. The app, which is compatible on iOS and Android devicesis free. It also offers more than 1.6 million ways to recycle 350 different recyclable materials. It is the only consumer-centric device on the market that can detect real-time energy consumption down to the appliance level. [Studies](https://web.archive.org/web/20150225221935/http://www.smappee.com:80/us/blog/energy-en-2014-10-12/) have shown that real-time energy data can reduce usage by 12 percent. Through the companion mobile app to our energy for a recycle nation is to let users have more insights. Especially into their energy usage than ever before. All so they can see when the TV is on standby mode. Thereby they can turn it off completely or if the refrigerator is consuming a bulk of the energy. Thereby to make a choice to switch to a more energy efficient device. [Smappee](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/02/smappee-works-with-nest-to-save-money-on-your-gas-and-water-consumption/) comes with Comfort Plugs, which have home automation features to help users turn on and off home appliances while on the go. #### A smart home with Smart Energy is a green home. Home automation makes it happen by providing control over various systems (lighting, security, temperature, electrical, and more) while the homeowner is away with just a few smartphone taps. In this case, home automation, smart [Energy management / home technology helps conserve](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/11/cenergistic-a-new-era-in-energy-conservation/) energy and save money rather than waste these precious resources. Ultimately, setting up home automation gives you peace of mind knowing that your budget—and the planet—won’t get hurt by high power consumption. Go smarter and greener: adopt home automation and reap its cost-saving and energy-saving benefits. #### Buy Refurbished Electronics waste is a big problem in the United States. Not only do electronics contain hazardous materials, they pile up in landfills. Consequently, the truth is electronics can be [recycled](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/powering-sustainable-development-one-phone-at-a-time/) and reused. So one way to reduce your carbon footprint is to buy a [refurbished smartphone](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/04/refurbished-smartphone-a-sustainable-choice/). Carriers like T-Mobile offer a wide selection of refurbished cellphones, including the Sony Xperia Z1S. This model has a five-inch screen. It’s also one of the largest battery capabilities available in a smartphone (300 mAh battery) and is waterproof. #### Navigate Through Rush Hour With the Waze App The EPA reports that passenger vehicles like cars, trucks, vans and SUVs make up 62 percent of all the greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. And, it’s estimated that light-duty vehicles emit 8,000 pounds of CO2 annually. Commuters stuck in rush hour traffic are the biggest polluters. But those traffic headaches can be avoided. Now [with the Waze app](https://web.archive.org/web/20190708045917/https://www.waze.com/). The free community-based mapping and traffic navigation app is compatible on both Android, Windows and iOS devices. Because millions of drivers work together to share conditions of the roads. All via the app while the directing drivers through the fastest route. Especially it’s great around congested areas. As well as you’ll make it to work faster. Also you’ll save on gas while reducing your carbon footprint. #### Go Paperless With Smartphone Apps There are dozens of apps helping eager environmentalists go paperless. From cloud- based file-sharing [apps like Dropbox and Google Drive](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/05/carprint-green-driving-new-app-helps-drivers-save-money-and-fight-climate-change-for-may-national-eco-driving-month/). As well as note-taking apps like Evernote. Because [these types of applications help preserve the environment](https://www.pcworld.com/article/2027873/go-paperless-or-die-trying-15-tablet-apps-for-ditching-dead-trees.html#slide1) by not using any trees. So again everything is done digitally. Furthermore and in addition to reducing your carbon footprint, these apps help simplify your life. Because they are making it more organized and having documents stored all in one place. All in the cloud, and always accessible on with your device. #### Reduce Your Energy Consumption In conclusion and according to the Department of Energy, cooling and heating account for 48 percent of the energy usage in American homes. However, much of that is wasted. When paired with smart thermostats like Microsoft’s Ecobee or Nest, your smartphone becomes your thermostat’s remote control. It thereby enables you to take control over your energy consumption. Most noteworthy even when you’re on the go. Using a smart thermostat is a smart way to cut down your energy usage, reducing your carbon footprint.