Carbon Footprint: A 2.pdf PDF

2.1 CARBON FOOTPRINT Smiling Earth is a mobile app that integrates energy and transport-related data to raise citizens' awareness about their carbon footprint. It provides feedback on daily activities, aiming to motivate them to adopt healthier lifestyles and reduce CO2 emissions. The app aims to b...

2.1 CARBON FOOTPRINT Smiling Earth is a mobile app that integrates energy and transport-related data to raise citizens' awareness about their carbon footprint. It provides feedback on daily activities, aiming to motivate them to adopt healthier lifestyles and reduce CO2 emissions. The app aims to bridge the gap between science and specific actions, focusing on the impact of daily activities on the environment and health. Its value extends to individuals, cities, and communities, and could contribute to Positive Energy Districts. Although individual emissions in Western cultures surpass planetary limits, the carbon footprint is a measure used to evaluate and record consumers' impact on the climate. Customers frequently don't realize how much carbon dioxide they're emitting, and they can't tell how much of an influence they're having on the climate. Despite attempts, 89% of UK grocery buyers find carbon labels unclear, and only 14% are aware of their carbon footprint. Customers can assess their climate impact with the use of feedback regarding the numerical amount of carbon emissions. Customers can evaluate their emissions and seek to reduce their use with the aid of carbon footprint monitoring applications (CFTAs). By enabling users to store past data, get feedback, and contribute new data later, these apps serve as the foundation for long-term evaluation and modification of their carbon impact. As climate change is progressing, it is important to find mitigation strategies to achieve a temperature goal. The key to mitigating climate change is reducing people's carbon footprint, which can be achieved through both top-down programs and bottom-up methods. To reduce the worsening of climate change, they created the Deedster app which also called bottom-up method, the main goal of this app is to keep the increase in global average temperature to well below 2 C above pre-industrial levels. The app educates users about sustainable behavior choices and encourages them to adopt these new behaviors in their daily actions to decrease their personal carbon footprint. The Deedster app, used for a four-week challenge, was found to be a suitable tool for encouraging sustainable lifestyle changes. The app was found to be more effective in promoting low-cost behavior changes than effortful ones. COVID-19-related changes in usage patterns have demonstrated how digital technology can encourage more environmentally friendly and sustainable behavior. At the same time, there has been a stronger focus on the environmental impact and energy usage of digital services and applications. In order to investigate digital natives' awareness of their digital carbon footprint—that is, the impact of their use of digital services and applications—we take a bottom-up method in this research. In order to determine (1) how much digital natives are aware of and consider their digital carbon footprint, (2) what might spur efforts to lessen this footprint, and (3) what concessions they might be willing to make in this regard, we present the results of 21 semi-structured in-depth interviews Encouragement must be given to mitigate the effects of pollution and global warming in this day and age in order to safeguard our planet. The Sa'ah app was created in the hopes of simplifying the daily endeavor to reduce the amount of waste that is thrown out. It focuses on reducing trash in three different ways: reduce, reuse, and recycle. By offering alternatives to recycling and reusing products, as well as the choice to lend them out or just donate them, we help to reduce waste. By offering a platform for simple access and real-time user communication for educational purposes and more assistance, the Sa'ah app caters to all internet users. By providing access to all the necessary solutions on one platform, it eliminates the need to make several connections and do many actions in order to get the intended outcome. Growing environmental concerns have led to the emergence of eco-friendly apps as technology continues to progress. These applications are made to help people make more thoughtful decisions in their daily lives and lessen their environmental impact. Fundamentally, eco-friendly applications seek to inform and encourage users to adopt sustainable behaviors. These apps give us the information and resources we need to change to more environmentally friendly practices by increasing awareness of how our actions affect the environment. They act as a continual reminder that even seemingly insignificant actions can have a big influence on the world. These applications provide helpful advice on how to cut down on waste, energy use, pollution, and the adoption of environmentally friendly habits in day-to-day living. By evaluating the environmental effects of their food, energy, and transportation choices, users of eco-conscious apps can determine their carbon footprint. This highlights areas for improvement and raises awareness of individual carbon emissions. AWorld stands out as a creative solution among these environmentally friendly apps. It combines tools to measure and reward constructive activities for the preservation of the earth with interesting knowledge on sustainability subjects. People and companies alike are looking for creative ways to actively contribute to a greener, more environmentally conscious future as awareness of the urgent need to slow down climate change and lower our carbon footprint develops. The adoption of carbon footprint tracking apps is one such alternative that has become significant and well-liked. In addition to being technological wonders, these applications are powerful instruments that enable people and businesses to track, control, and eventually reduce their carbon emissions. Innovative digital solutions called Carbon Footprint Tracking Apps are made to quantify, track, and control the carbon emissions of a person or business. These applications function as all-inclusive environmental calculators, providing information on how everyday activities, energy use, transportation decisions, and other factors affect the environment. They assist customers make well-informed decisions to lessen their environmental impact by giving them a clear understanding of their carbon footprint, which is frequently stated in units like CO2 equivalents. The ability to track carbon emissions in real time is one of the major benefits of Eco-conscious app. With the help of this feature, users may observe the instant results of their decisions, such as changing the thermostat or opting to walk rather than drive.A more sustainable lifestyle and corporate operations are facilitated by real-time feedback, which enables people and businesses to make decisions instantly that lower their carbon footprint. These apps frequently provide information about the wider environmental impact of actions in addition to tracking carbon footprints for individuals or organizations. Users can learn more about how their decisions impact natural resource consumption, water use, and air quality. A stronger sense of responsibility for the planet's welfare is fostered by this holistic viewpoint, which challenges people and organizations to think about the broader ecological effects of their decisions. Eco-friendly applications are essential for encouraging college students to live sustainably, according to the findings of the study by Agicent (2023). By providing useful answers to common environmental problems, these apps assist students in making decisions that are good for the environment. There is an app to help students who care about the environment in every part of college life, from lowering carbon footprints to encouraging zero-waste lives. Students frequently look for effective alternatives, such as a reputable essay writing service, to handle their academic tasks, such as write an essay for me, in the midst of the busy life of attending lectures, doing projects, and meeting deadlines. Similar to this, students can use a variety of apps made to make sustainable development easier in order to maintain an eco-friendly lifestyle. In the modern world, technology is becoming more and more integrated into our everyday activities. This gives us the opportunity to improve the environment in addition to making our lives easier.One practical method we may reduce our carbon footprint and protect the environment is through mobile applications. Tripti Rai (2023) asserts that every smartphone app has a positive environmental impact. Their carbon footprint is smaller. Apps for smartphones also help to reduce our carbon impact. People can save time and energy by not having to drive to a physical location or stand in line. Nowadays, a lot of tasks may be finished with a single button press. Using apps reduces the need for electricity as well because they use a lot less electricity than using an electronic device. Mobile apps can also assist lower the number of cars on the road because customers can now obtain goods and services without physically visiting a store. This leads to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, both of which are factors in climate change. 2.2 TANGIBLE CONTRIBUTION / PHYSICAL RESULT People are becoming more aware of how important eco-friendly apps are for creating real environmental benefits, mostly by encouraging users to take actions that are good for the environment. These applications act as effective platforms by promoting energy efficiency, waste reduction, and optimizing natural resources, collectively contributing to environmental preservation. According to Boiral et al., 2015, digital tools can significantly enhance environmental performance by integrating sustainable practices within everyday routines, offering concrete ecological advantages. Furthermore, Boiral et al. (2015) also state that eco-friendly apps often reinvest portions of their earnings into environmental programs such as reforestation and pollution control, further solidifying their physical impact on the environment. By embedding these tangible contributions within their frameworks, eco-conscious apps not only raise awareness about environmental issues but also empower users to achieve a sustainable and lasting positive impact on their ecological surroundings. The rapid development of technology has provided a platform for various applications to mitigate environmental impacts. This review delves into the tangible contributions or physical outcomes of using eco-conscious apps, focusing on their role in reducing carbon emissions, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing environmental awareness. According to Boston Consulting Group (2018), Grab, a prominent ride-hailing application, has significantly contributed to reducing carbon footprints by optimizing routes and supporting carpooling. Studies have shown that ride-sharing can decrease the number of vehicles on the road, leading to reduced emissions. The Boston Consulting Group's 2018 report highlighted that ride-hailing services like Grab could cut emissions by up to 30% in urban areas, emphasizing the decline in the number of cars and the promotion of electric vehicle use. The Boston Consulting Group's 2018 report underscores the transformative potential of ride-hailing services such as Grab in urban settings. These services play a crucial role in reducing the number of personal vehicles on the road, which directly correlates to a decrease in carbon emissions. By optimizing routes and promoting carpooling, Grab and similar platforms enhance the efficiency of urban transportation networks. Furthermore, these services are at the forefront of encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles, which significantly lower emissions compared to traditional gasoline- powered cars. The integration of electric vehicles into ride-hailing fleets not only reduces the carbon footprint but also promotes cleaner air in densely populated areas. Overall, these efforts contribute to a more sustainable urban environment, aligning with global goals to combat climate change and improve air quality. The tangible contributions of eco-conscious apps have garnered attention for their ability to facilitate substantial environmental benefits, often through direct user engagement with sustainable practices. Recent studies have highlighted how these digital platforms can lead to measurable ecological improvements by promoting behaviors such as waste reduction, energy conservation, and resource optimization. Mobile solutions such as apps and games have become attractive channels to deliver personalized and socially responsible interventions. According to Nkwo et al., 2020, numerous apps and games are designed with an environmental focus, which is crucial in inspiring individuals and communities to take positive actions aligned with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These tools promote environmental protection and sustainability, including global climate change action plans, and also improve people's health and well-being. Moreover, these apps often allocate portions of their profits to fund environmental initiatives, such as reforestation projects and clean-up drives, further amplifying their physical ecological impact. By integrating these tangible contributions into their operational models, eco-conscious apps not only foster environmental awareness but also provide users with the tools to make a positive, lasting impact on their surroundings. Eco-conscious apps often provide users with tools to track and reduce their carbon footprints. A study by Smith et al. (2021) highlights the effectiveness of apps like JouleBug and Oroeco in helping users reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions through gamification and personalized recommendations (Smith et al., 2021). These apps provide data-driven insights that encourage users to adopt sustainable habits, such as using public transportation and reducing electricity use. Eco- conscious apps have become instrumental in providing users with innovative tools to track and minimize their carbon footprints. According to a study by Smith et al. (2021), apps like JouleBug and Oroeco significantly aid users in reducing their energy consumption and carbon emissions. These apps leverage gamification elements, making the process of adopting sustainable habits engaging and rewarding. By offering personalized recommendations, they cater to individual lifestyles, further driving effective behavior change. Users receive data-driven insights that encourage practical actions, such as opting for public transportation or minimizing electricity usage. Applications such as Recycle Coach and iRecycle have shown a significant impact on improving recycling efforts. According to Johnson and Green (2020), users of these apps reported a 20% increase in household recycling rates, facilitated by educational content and local recycling guidelines. These apps serve as effective tools in educating users about proper waste disposal and recycling practices. This improvement is largely attributed to the educational content provided by the apps, which helps users understand proper waste disposal. Additionally, they offer local recycling guidelines, ensuring that users are informed about the specific recycling practices in their area. These features make the apps valuable tools for educating the public on effective recycling methods. As a result, they contribute to more sustainable waste management practices in communities. According to Chuan et al. (2024), in order to overcome the common attitude-behavior gap in environmental activism, this study created and assessed a theory-driven mobile application that helps users build pro-environmental habits and change their behavior. First, the app educates users about the interconnectedness of environmental issues and provides a range of pro-environmental behaviors that users can adopt on a regular basis. Through individualized daily reminders, progress tracking, inspirational messages that praise their accomplishments, and reaffirmations of the positive effects of their actions to promote eco-habit building, the app further encourages users to reach their behavioral goals. The effectiveness of the app was assessed using an orderly mixed-design approach that combined focus groups and a pre-and-post-design experiment. Both qualitative and quantitative evaluations demonstrated how well this smartphone software promoted the formation of eco-habits. According to Angelaki et al. (2021), smartphone applications with motivational elements can help educate teenagers about sustainable urban travel practices and make them more conscious of their environmental impact. Therefore, current persuasive techniques are taken up, put into practice, and included into six mock screens of a potential mobile application called ESTA, which was created for this reason using a user-centered design method. The results of secondary education students' assessments of these screens are then thoroughly examined and presented. In order to help adolescents develop a healthy and environmentally conscious transit mindset and make more sustainable mobility decisions that will follow them throughout their lives, the analysis considers the prospect of everyday ESTA use. Two use cases illustrate the potential efficacy of ESTA: the "Daily Commuting" case targets teenagers who wish to move around their neighborhood or place of residence after their daily activities and routine, and the "Weekend Entertainment" case targets teenagers who wish to engage in more environmentally friendly weekend travel practices by utilizing the public transportation options available to them. According to Hynes, M., & Fahy, F. (2024), mobile digital devices have evolved primarily from voice communications to mini-computers that are used by all generations and have constant internet connection. Smartphones and other digital gadgets and services are becoming more and more popular, and this widespread adoption has led to a rise in the need for mobile software applications. Is it possible to better implement mobile digital apps to promote the essential behavioral and lifestyle adjustments needed to address the effects of climate change in light of the evidence of the growing climate crisis? We can gain a deeper understanding of the usefulness and efficacy of apps in encouraging lifestyle changes by applying an analysis of the body of research on mobile apps and integrating it with first-hand information from new eco-app users. This will help us better design, mdevelop, and implement these digital tools for environmental. According to Archarya (2023), this study examines the ground-breaking app EcoSaver, which uses gamification to transform energy management for home management firms. By making energy usage an exciting experience, the gamified software seeks to engage users in a fun and rewarding way. This study explores EcoSaver's features, workings, and user experience, drawing on research on gamification, energy management apps, and user engagement. It examines the effects of gamification on energy conservation, user behavior, and the encouragement of environmentally friendly behaviors. Lessons gained to increase EcoSaver's efficacy and scalability are also highlighted in the report, along with the difficulties faced during app development. This study highlights the potential of gamification as an effective tool for encouraging eco-conscious behaviors and spurring good environmental change by thoroughly examining the app's effect on energy efficiency. According to Werenowska (2021), safeguarding the environment is humanity's primary responsibility and difficulty. Negative environmental changes necessitate promoting actions that will lessen our adverse effects. As a result of media development, customers can now get information through a variety of means. Mobile applications and other new media are growing in popularity. Since young individuals can change their attitudes, actions, and habits more readily than older people, their potential influence on young customers cannot be overstated. 3. USE PURPOSES GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines, continues championing sustainability through its GForest feature. In partnership with the ABS-CBN Foundation, GCash has planted over 88,000 seedlings in the La Mesa Watershed, contributing to preserving Metro Manila's primary water source. Since 2022, this collaboration has supported reforestation and raised awareness about climate change. The goal is to plant 2.3 million trees nationwide by the end of the year. The initiative also aligns with the "Save the La Mesa Watershed Project," which has been protecting the area for over two decades. GCash users can actively join these efforts by planting virtual trees in the GForest feature, including the Malapaya tree—a sustainable source of biodegradable products. Through these activities, GCash reinforces its commitment to environmental conservation and a greener future for Filipinos. The project positions GCash not just as a financial technology platform, but also as a pioneer in promoting environmental sustainability. By including green initiatives like GForest in its app, GCash demonstrates how businesses may innovate to assist conservation while engaging customers meaningfully. As technology advances, eco-friendly apps arise to address growing environmental issues. These apps are intended to help individuals reduce their environmental impact and make more conscientious decisions in their daily lives. At its foundation, eco-friendly apps seek to educate and encourage users to adopt sustainable practices. By raising awareness of the environmental impact of our behaviors, these applications provide us with the skills and knowledge we need to adopt more environmentally friendly habits. They serve as a continual reminder that even the tiniest actions can have a big impact on the world around us. Environmentally conscious applications are often intended to reach a large audience by providing useful information and practical tools to support the adoption of eco-friendly practices. In essence, these apps (Gcash or other eco-conscious apps) are easily available to anyone who wants to make a positive environmental impact and embrace sustainability. The rise of eco-friendly apps highlights how technology can directly address environmental issues. Apps like GCash and others combine information and action, making it easier for people to align their daily decisions with sustainable habits. This combination of accessibility and usefulness is critical for driving large-scale behavioral change. Similar to Ant Forest, “GCash Forest” users collect “green energy” points for making environmentally friendly decisions, such as walking instead of driving, opting out of single-use plastics or paying utility bills online. With enough energy points, users can plant a virtual tree in the app, which translates into real trees planted on their behalf by GCash. GCash Forest is about making it easier, more convenient and even rewarding for everyone to take care of our environment for the benefit of future generations,” said Anthony Thomas, chief executive of Mynt, the operator of GCash. This method allows consumers to participate in sustainability initiatives while also increasing environmental awareness. This project, by GCash, combines technology with social responsibility, perhaps creating a more eco conscious and engaged user base.