EPA announces winners of Apps for the Environment Challenge

The Environmental Protection Agency announced yesterday the winners of their Apps for the Environment Challenge. Participants were given the task to create an application addressing an environmental concern using EPA data that would be easy to use by individuals. The winning applications address a variety of concerns from energy efficiency to uranium mines. Here are a few applications that caught our attention:

• Light Bulb Finder. Awarded with best overall application, the application helps users find the right energy efficient light bulbs for their home fixtures. Light Bulb Finder also calculates potential savings by switching to more energy efficient light bulbs and allows users to make purchases directly through their phone. This application was also created by two Wisconsin developers.

• Hootroot. A new twist on Google Maps, Hootroot gives directions to where you need to be but also calculates your carbon footprint depending on your choice of transportation. Users can compare the environmental impact of their routes by car, public transportation, bicycle and even flight.

• EarthFriend. This application is an interactive game that incorporates facts from EPA databases covering climate, air, land and water. EarthFriend also includes suggestions on what users can do to help the environment.

To learn more about EPA’s Apps for the Environment Challenge and the winners, click here.