A new environmentally focused app created by a Somerset charity could help tackle two of society’s biggest challenges at once.
The free app, launched by Taunton-based sustainability charity The Eco Centre, aims to reduce both the cost of living and environmental impact through practical, everyday actions.
Eco-Save will empower users to lower their bills by cutting energy, water and waste in a way that’s simple and achievable – while helping to fight climate change.
Steve Howell, director and founder of The Eco Centre, said: "We are living in the midst of a climate and environmental emergency, and at the same time, many households are under severe financial pressure.
"Eco-Save offers a simple solution to tackle both problems together: helping people save money on bills while reducing their environmental footprint."
To support the app’s national launch, The Eco Centre has launched a crowdfunding campaign with backing from the Aviva Community Fund.
Aviva will match every public donation up to £50,000 until Wednesday, December 31, doubling the impact of every contribution.
The Eco-Save app is designed to be user-friendly, practical and completely free.
Donations to support it are being welcomed at crowdfunder.co.uk/p/eco-save.
It offers targeted advice and tools to help users reduce energy use, water waste, plastic consumption and pollution.
Features include money-saving and energy-saving tips, low-cost ideas for cutting water, waste and plastic, guidance on reusing and recycling materials, budget-friendly and sustainable recipes, progress tracking for financial and environmental savings, personalised advice based on location and season, links to local sustainability projects and services, and social incentives to encourage ongoing use.
The app is currently in pilot testing, but The Eco Centre hopes to enhance and expand its features for a full UK rollout.
Mr Howell said: "With public support and match funding from Aviva, we can roll this out nationwide and make a real difference to thousands, if not millions, of people.
"Small steps add up and each one saves money for households and reduces emissions.
"Free, easy-to-use and accessible, Eco-Save has the potential to save thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions annually, significantly cut household waste, plastic use, water consumption and pollution, lower bills, and strengthen community sustainability efforts."
In the six months to May 2025, 7.1m low-income households were going without essentials, according to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
The charity believes that practical tools like Eco-Save can support both immediate needs and long-term environmental goals.
Mr Howell urged the public to back the campaign before the match funding window closes.
He said: "With your support, our current prototype can be developed into a mainstream app maintained by a growing volunteer network and expert contributors.
"Every £1 donated brings us closer to making Eco-Save a tool that supports people and the planet – it’s a win-win.
"Please donate now, before match funding runs out at the end of December.
"We greatly appreciate everyone who supports our mission."
