New Zero Waste app

There is a new app out on iOS (Andriod coming soon) to help people find their local businesses facilitating a zero waste lifestyle.

The app is downloaded for free, but then the user pays per city they wish to unlock (99p). It is possible to see how many (if any) businesses are listed for the place, and the categories they are in, before deciding if you wish to unlock it.

Screen shot from the app showing how many zero waste businesses and what types are listed in the city of Paris.
The overview of a city you see prior to purchase

Why I love it

I really love that each city’s listings are crowd sourced by the people who live there. It is super simple to add business details and a photo. I don’t just use it for the city I live in, I see if my holiday locations are listed too. The app also works offline once the city is unlocked.

The menu button at the top left allows me to open the companies website, the location in Google Maps, or copy the address to another system. The integration with Google Maps means that updates to information such as address, opening hours, website, telephone number are synced.

If you know something has changed you can use the “suggest edit” link in the details of a location in Google Maps.

Screen shot from the app showing the listing for the zero waste shop, Bulk Market, London
An example listing from London. Bulk Market, Hackney.

The app is in its early days, so there may be teething problems. I had it crash after I had loaded a new entry. However a quick email to the creator and she confirmed my listing had been received.

There is a check on listings being put up so your entry is not instant. This is to ensure that inappropriate businesses are not included.

How you can help

The developers are looking for people to add listings all over the world so check out your location. If your favourite places are not listed add them in.

If your town / city is not there at all, contact the creator and ask for it. Currently there are 27 locations with more about to come online. Check out the full list here.

Your help is also needed promoting the app via social media and zero waste networks. This will only work if people are adding to it as well as using it for reference.

Going Green Linky logo, green paint splatter
This post has been linked to “A Green & Rosie Life” #GoingGreenLinky

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