Apps Research

As I searched for apps similar to my concept, I ran across a website called “Trash Backwards.”

They share a similar concept, however, I didn’t find the website to be user friendly in regards to pointing me in the direction of their mobile app nor was I able to find the app for them on the Google Play store although they said they were in the process of developing it.

In the section of their website, entitled, “Our Story”, here is what they had to say about their company and their initiative:

“We’ve set about finding a way to address the problem at its root, not just for our local community, but for our shared global community. How could we stop the flow of trash from our hands to our landfills and incinerators, and along the way unintentionally to the oceans?

Trash Backwards is our answer. We publish original content aimed at helping people rethink their old stuff, finding new ways, to refuse, reduce, and reuse what’s already in existence so that less virgin material needs to be consumed for production of new stuff. We have also developed a database of rethink, reduce, reuse, and recycle solutions from around the world, and we’re developing a web tool and mobile app to share this resource widely.”

The last known update for their app was May 7, 2013 and from the looks of it, their app is just a feature on the site that allows for you to search for your items quicker, not an actual mobile app.

It features the following buttons: Reuse It, Get Rid of It, Make It, Fix It.

2. The second app that I found similar to my concept was the “Creating Change App.”

Last known, they were waiting to receive funds of $17,000 from their Kickstarter for “the development of the original content that will be available: beautifully photographed, thorough tutorials both written and high quality video. Our Kickstarter project will allow us to make this app available on both iPhone and android platforms and bring Create Change to you!”

Here’s how they describe the use of their app:

“Simply search the Create Change app for your no-longer-necessary items (for example: bottle caps, bike tires, ripped shower curtain, and dryer lint) you will instantly see results featuring creative way how you can repurpose the items instead of throwing them away. The Create Change tutorials will walk you through the steps. Browse the beautifully photographed galleries by choosing a category on the home page an be inspired to create change.”

Unfortunately, it seems as though the project was abandoned and their funding was unsuccessful as they were unable to reach their goal on August 29, 2012.

3. The third app I found was CORA. It was too was a concept hoping to come alive through crowdfunding. “Today is the first day of the CORA crowdfunding campaign, and the project has already gathered over $1,000 in pledges from 15 supporters. Stop by the blog at www.teamcora.com to follow the progress of the mobile app and sign up for the private beta. There you can also join the conversation and discover new ideals to help you reduce, reuse, gift, repurpose or recycle your everyday stuff.

The following is how it was proposed to work:

“After downloading the app, simply type in any item that you no longer need, and choose its next life. The new CORA app will enable you to find neighbors who need your stuff, as well as businesses that want it (and may even pay you for it.)

Overall, it seems as though most of what I found was conceptual ideas, no actual working apps.