New Smartphone App Helps Reduce Carbon Footprint

Another app for smartphones will have mobile users conserving energy by opting to buy energy-efficient bulbs. The new app called the Light Bulb Finder helps users make informed choices about lighting.

All users have to do is stroll around at home with their iPhone (News - Alert) in their hands and enter some basic information about the bulb styles in use and the existing current fixtures. That's it! Light Bulb Finder flashes its recommendations in seconds. Opting for energy saving replacements, the app displays of all the bulbs it recommends with the price, the payback period and also lists the number of dollars you save. Of course it does mention by how much the carbon footprint is reduced because of that particular buy.

The app is rather informative and interesting in that it allows users to choose energy-efficient bulbs that have the fit and style that they are looking for. The purchase can be made via iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. Or they can refer to the shopping list on their device to purchase recommended bulbs at neighborhood stores.

A tremendous advantage with this app is that users get to see and feel how such bulbs would actually fit in their homes before making the purchase. The app is available for free download via the App Store on iTunes. The app is also available for Android phones via the Google (News - Alert) Android Market and Verizon's V Cast app store. 

Adam Borut, president of Eco Hatchery, a sustainability consulting and software firm that created the app, said in a statement, “The app helps users make informed choices and realize considerable dollar savings while conserving our natural resources.”

He further added that lighting technology had come a long way in the past couple years, and consumers now had access to a wide range of styles and brands with the look and light quality that they demand.

Will this app actually help conserve energy? It's up to mobile users to make it happen.