Smartphone Technology in the Grocery Store
We all know someone who uses their smartphone to its full potential. It wakes them up, tells them their sleep patterns, displays their calendar for the day, suggests something healthy to eat for breakfast, plays their favourite morning music on the way to work, counts how many steps it took them to get to work, reminds them to call their Mom on her birthday, suggests a short yoga workout that can be done at their desk, counts the calories they burned doing it… you get the point.
Our phones have plenty of potential especially when we download useful apps.
When it comes to making healthy, sustainable choices in the grocery store, technology can be very helpful. Here’s a short list of smart phone apps we find useful.
Non-GMO Project App
Designed to support consumers in knowing what’s in our food and avoiding GMOs, this app features a list of the brands and products that are enrolled in the Non-GMO Project’s Product Verification Program.
The list of Non-GMO Project brands and products in this guide is searchable by product type, brand name, product name, barcode and key word. In addition, you can use it to find Supporting Retailers in your area who can help you with your non-GMO shopping. The guide also includes tips for avoiding GMOs, including a list of GMO crops and common ingredients at risk for GMO contamination.
The Non-GMO Project’s program is the ONLY third-party non-GMO verification program in North America, and “Non-GMO Project Verified” is the only non-GMO claim backed by transparent and rigorous standards.
Localize QR codes
Localize is a shelf labeling system that we have implemented here at The Big Carrot. Products are rated on how ‘local’ they are based on ingredients, company ownership and location of production. Every product that has been “Localized” has a shelf tag with its score and a QR code. With a simple QR reader app you can scan the code and get heaps more information about the product and company that produces it.
EWG’s Dirty Dozen app
The Environmental Working Group has complied a list of the fruits and vegetables with the least and most pesticide residues. The lists are handy when you are shopping because memorizing the lists is tricky! This app helps you make healthier choices and avoid pesticides on your plate. When it comes to the Dirty Dozen list you can choose organic if you don’t already buy all organic produce.
SeaChoice
Making sustainable seafood choices is so important for the health of our seas. SeaChoice has created this easy-to-use application to help you identify the most sustainable seafood choices you can make everywhere you go!
Voice Memo for grocery list
Remembering something you need ‘to do’ or ‘pick up’ generally happens when you can’t write it down. This is where the Voice Memo app (or the Notes app) comes in handy. You can just record yourself telling yourself to do that important thing. You just have to remember to listen to the recordings later.
What apps do you use to enhance your grocery shopping experience?
Sarah Dobec is the Public Relations and Education Outreach Coordinator at The Big Carrot
