App Store Insider: Earth Day Apps

I know Earth Day isn't until April 22nd, but we run on schedules here and I am scheduled to have this column done every Thursday, which would put next weeks column the day after Earth Day, making it completely irrelevant.  I decided to do an Earth Day theme this week for many reasons, but the main reason is just to make people aware.  I have no intentions of cramming anything down anyone's throat, so only pay attention if you want to.  I simply want to help you find a few applications that can assist you in saving a little bit of paper.  The little things can make a big difference.

Alright, so here is a little history lesson (not cramming, I swear).  Earth Day began on April 22nd, 1970.  It was started by a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin named Gaylord Nelson as a response to widespread environmental degradation.  The date is significant because Nelson wanted to involve as many college campuses for what he conceived as an "environmental teach-in."  He chose April 22nd because it was the most likely date students would be in class not taking exams or on break, and it wouldn't conflict with any major religious holidays.  The spring weather would also be decent enough to hold events. Earth Day isn't about rallies or events, at least not to me, it's about remembering to be aware of what's going on around you.  It isn't just a single day where everyone saves a tree or avoids creating roadkill, it is a single day that helps remind us that we need to do a better job everyday to help save the environment One day I showed my wife how cool it is that the iPhone is able to simply display a barcode from a coupon and that barcode can be scanned on your screen instead of having it print it out.  She recently reminded me that I needed to finish (actually start) my column and she recommend that I should point out a few applications, like the coupon reader, that could save time and paper. I have constructed a short list of applications below that could potentially save you the hassle of printing certain items out or having to write things down on paper, thus helping save the environment.  It isn't the most thorough list, and it won't change the world, but it may save you some time and get a few brain cells going to come up with other ways of reducing the amount of paper we waste. Earth Day Application Ideas

• Books

Instead of purchasing novels, magazines, or newspapers in print, purchase them through the App Store.  Apple's App Store offers tons of great classic books for cheap through applications like the popular Classics ($.99).  Amazon has even created an iPhone application called Kindle for iPhone (free) that allows you to view material purchased through their Kindle store.

• To-Do Lists

Constantly wasting paper on to-do lists?  The App Store is loaded with great listing and note applications like To Do's (Free). Applications like this allow you to quickly set up lists, and they are convenient as they are always readily available.

• Coupons

Alright, so there aren't tons of coupon readers out there or at least effective ones, but Coupon Sherpa ($1.99) probably offers the best experience you can get in this department.  The application allows you to view, print (if you have to), and even scan coupons directly on your iPhone.  Some of the coupons are even exclusive to the application, offering great ways to save some cash.

• Maps

Instead of printing out maps from websites, use your iPhone.  You can always use the iPhone's included Map application, but it requires an internet connection.  Users who aren't going to be near an internet connection, or if you are an iPod touch user, can download G-Map U.S. East ($24.99) or G-Map U.S. West ($24.99).  This application downloads all kinds of map information directly to your iPhone or iPod touch.  Since everything is downloaded onto the device, there is no need for an internet connection.  G-Maps does offer turn-by-turn directions, but the developer doesn't recommend using them while driving as there aren't any voice directions.  If you have a passenger reading off the directions, or if you simply take a bathroom break to check where you are, G-Maps should come in handy.

• Card Sharing

Finally we have card sharing.  There are quite a few great ways to share contact information without having to hand out wasteful business cards.  beamME pro vCard exchange ($7.99) seems to the best one based on current user reviews.  The application allows you to send and receive all types of information with a few easy steps.  They even go as far as pointing out in their application description that even if you don't purchase their application, try to save some paper.  Ahhh, brownie points. That's it for my simple list.  You could argue that some of these applications aren't the most effective, I may even agree with you, but it is a great way to start saving paper.  Like I stated earlier, this was meant to help generate ideas.  I could have listed every single application I found while searching, but these are the ones I am personally most familiar with as well as currently somewhat popular at the App Store.  Please feel free to list any applications in the comments section that you think can help reduce the amount of waste we create. Have a safe and happy Earth Day with your iPhone!

Submit your own App Store Insider ideas to: tyler[at]appleiphoneapps[dot]com

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