In today’s world, mobile apps have transcended entertainment and convenience; they are now tools for driving positive change in society. From addressing global challenges like climate change to promoting community well-being, apps designed for social good are making an impactful difference. With the right mix of technology and purpose, these apps can engage users to take meaningful actions and improve lives. In this post, we’ll explore examples of apps that tackle social issues, promote community welfare, and how organisations like Pocket App are contributing to these causes with projects like the My Footprint app for WWF.
1. My Footprint – Tackling Climate Change One Step at a Time
One of the most prominent examples of a mobile app driving environmental awareness and change is the My Footprint app, developed by Pocket App in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The app empowers users to take practical steps toward reducing their carbon footprint and living more sustainably.
Key Features:
Challenges for Positive Impact: The app encourages users to engage in challenges designed to reduce environmental harm, such as reducing plastic waste, conserving energy, or opting for sustainable transport.
Personalised Tracking: It provides users with a way to track their carbon emissions and environmental impact, motivating them to make greener lifestyle choices.
Community Engagement: Users can share their progress with others, fostering a sense of community around climate action and inspiring broader participation.
The My Footprint app demonstrates how digital tools can motivate individuals to collectively address global issues such as climate change, making it easier for users to adopt sustainable behaviours in their daily lives.
For more on this app, visit the My Footprint project page (https://www.pocketapp.co.uk/work/wwf/).
2. Be My Eyes – Connecting the Visually Impaired with Volunteers
Be My Eyes is another remarkable example of how technology can break down barriers and foster inclusivity. The app connects visually impaired individuals with sighted volunteers who provide assistance through video calls. Whether it’s reading labels on products or navigating unfamiliar environments, Be My Eyes brings volunteers to those in need in real-time.
How It Works:
Video Calls for Real-Time Help: Users can request help with tasks like reading instructions, checking expiry dates, or navigating through an unfamiliar space.
Global Volunteer Network: The app has a growing network of volunteers available 24/7, enabling quick support for users across the world.
By leveraging mobile technology, Be My Eyes facilitates an immediate, human connection that empowers visually impaired individuals to navigate their surroundings more independently.
3. Charity Miles – Turning Fitness into Charity
Charity Miles turns physical activity into a force for good by allowing users to raise money for charity through their workouts. Whether you’re walking, running, or cycling, the app tracks your distance and converts it into donations for a cause of your choice.
Features:
Multiple Charities to Support: Users can select from a wide range of causes including cancer research, hunger relief, and education.
Corporate Sponsorships: The app partners with companies that sponsor users’ miles, turning fitness efforts into fundraising for a positive cause.
This app proves that even everyday activities like exercise can contribute to social good, making fitness both rewarding and impactful.
4. GoodSAM – Connecting Citizens and Emergency Services
GoodSAM (Good Smartphone Activated Medics) is a life-saving app that connects trained first responders with people in need of urgent medical help. It acts as a bridge between emergency services and nearby trained individuals, enabling faster responses in critical situations.
Key Highlights:
Instant Alerts: The app alerts qualified volunteers when someone nearby needs medical assistance, helping to provide immediate care while emergency services are en route.
Integration with Emergency Services: GoodSAM works with emergency dispatch systems, ensuring seamless coordination between volunteers and medical professionals.
By leveraging mobile technology, GoodSAM helps save lives by reducing response times during emergencies, a testament to how apps can play a pivotal role in community well-being.
5. Too Good To Go – Fighting Food Waste
Too Good To Go is an app tackling the global issue of food waste by connecting consumers with local businesses that have surplus food. Users can purchase this food at a discounted price, preventing it from being thrown away and reducing overall food waste.
Impactful Features:
Local Impact: The app helps reduce waste on a local level by enabling people to rescue meals from restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores that would otherwise go to waste.
Environmental Benefits: By preventing food waste, the app contributes to reducing the environmental burden of waste disposal and unnecessary food production.
This innovative solution not only addresses environmental sustainability but also promotes affordable food access, creating a win-win for both businesses and consumers.
Conclusion
Mobile apps have become powerful tools for driving positive social impact, from improving accessibility and inclusivity to tackling environmental issues and enhancing community health. With examples like My Footprint, Be My Eyes and Too Good To Go, it’s clear that mobile technology can empower individuals to take meaningful actions in their everyday lives.
At Pocket App, we are proud to contribute to social good through projects like the My Footprint app, enabling users to reduce their carbon footprint and drive positive environmental change. As mobile app developers, we believe in the potential of technology to make a difference and are committed to creating apps that support social causes.
For more information on how we can help you create an app that contributes to social good, visit our blogs: https://www.pocketapp.co.uk/news/ or explore our case studies: https://www.pocketapp.co.uk/work/
