I was never a smart phone person until I had a baby.  I actually thought they were stupid and a waste of time.  Now that I have a toddler I use my iPhone more than ever.  With this baby around, some days I don’t even make it to my computer and my phone is my only connection to the world!  These apps are a few of the things that get me through the day in a somewhat organized fashion.

iRecycle FREE!   iPhone, iPad, and Android.  This is a great way to find places to recycle, especially if you’re looking to recycle that odd item!  My most recent item was an old yoga mat and I found the perfect place to take it!  This app will help you find places to recycling cars, construction materials, electronics, haz mat, etc.  Find local recycling opportunities and the latest in green news and ideas.

Locavore FREE!  iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Android.  This is a superb way to find fruits and vegetables that are currently in season, how long they are in season, and what’s coming into season next!  It’s fun to check what’s coming up next and start salivating…and meal planning.  You can also find nearby farmers’ markets, but I’m not sure all the hours and dates are totally accurate.

PETA  FREE!  iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch.  The PETA app is your go-to mobile app for keeping up on news about animal rights issues, taking lifesaving action from anywhere at any time on urgent alerts, and donating to help animals. You can share the issues that you’re most passionate about with your friends and earn points and fun badges in the process.  The letters that will be sent in your name are editable on your phone if you want to change parts of the letter, I think this also makes more impact so the recipient doesn’t just receive 500 of the same exact letter from PETA people.  I love to send letters and with this app I can feel like I’m making a difference while I’m stuck waiting in line somewhere!

Our Groceries  FREE!  iPhone, Blackberry, Android.  This one isn’t necessarily a vegan app, but it completely eliminates the, “Oh crap, I forgot my shopping list at home” moment.  As long as you have your phone with you, you have your list with you.  The BEST part?  Yes, it gets better – it can sync with other people’s phones!  My husband and I share our lists so he can add items whenever he thinks of them and when I open the app it’s all there when I’m ready to shop.  About the lists, you can have multiple lists that you can name.  We have a “Grocery” list, a “Hardware” list, a “Liquor Store” list, I even have lists with people’s names so I can add birthday/Xmas gift ideas as I think of them.  I feel so organized with this one!!!

Vegan Xpress  $1.99  iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch.  This little gem has A LOT of information packed into it!  With this app you can find what is vegan at over 100 different chain restaurants, everywhere from Applebees – ZPizza.  No more reading through a meat-lovers menu several times to find the one or two items that are available to us; it’s all right here!  Baked french fries at Chuck E. Cheese’s, Lemon Sorbet at Cold Stone Creamery, Chips & Salsa at Fuddruckers, House Salad at KFC.  I’m not saying you’ll get a balanced meal, but if you find yourself out with some serious chain-loving-carnivores you’ll know what to order without asking the waitress 100 questions.  The app also recently updated to offer vegan options for “food” at the grocery store.  Did you know Cracker Jacks are vegan?  Mmm…Hmm.  There are also updated lists for “beer” and “wine.”  In the “Info” section it says that 4 fast food chains reported having NO VEGAN options: Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, TFI Fridays, and White Castle.  Wow.

Chipotle FREE!  iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch.  I love this one!  As the mother of a toddler I try to avoid standing in lines, standing around and waiting often leads to a tantrum.  Fear not my hungry mothers and fathers, now you can order right from your phone, pay through the app with a credit card, skip the lines and just pick up your bag and say, “Muchas Gracias!” on your way out.  TOTAL rock-star VIP treatment.  You’re in and you’re out.  You can also find the nearest Chipotle, view all menu options, and save your favorites for next time.  After ordering you will receive a friendly email telling you when your order will be ready for pick up.  Now only if they offered curbside pick up so you could keep the kids in their car seats.

Illegal Pete’s FREE! iPhone, Android, Online Download.  This is pretty much the same as the Chipotle app (only local): order a burrito to your liking, pay, pop on by and pick up your burrito!

21-Day Vegan Kickstart FREE! iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch.  I’ve found this app to be helpful not only for new vegans, but also seasoned vegans; there are great recipes for each day (breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner) with full nutrition fact lists, detailed instructions, checklists, and color photos. On the first day you use the app, you’ll get the first week’s recipes. On the eighth day, you’ll get the next week’s recipes. And on the 15th day, you’ll get the final week’s recipes. Once the final week’s recipes are available, you’ll always have access to all of the recipes.

VegQuotes $0.99 iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.  This app is the bit of inspiration I need when I start to lose my passion for being vegan or when I want to be inspired by other vegans.  You’ll read quotes from Plutarch to Pamela Anderson to T. Colin Campbell (my hero!).  You will also have the ability to “favorite” a quote and email them to your friends for great vegan sharing.  I can’t say I use it every day, but I like having it on my phone!

Vegansaurus $1.99 (and worth every penny!) iPhone, iPod, iPad (soon to Android).  This is a food guide to all the San Francisco Bay Area vegan dining options with reviews, maps, and more!  Probably only useful if you live here or visit, but it’s a must have – even if you’re only spending a weekend in S.F.  The app shows you where you are on the map and then shows you what vegan friendly restaurants are around you.  I can be anywhere and when it’s time to eat I say, “Let’s see what Vegansaurus says.”  Then, most of the time, that’s where I eat!  No more whining about, “Oh, woe is me, I’m vegan and all I can get is a dry salad and french fries – I don’t know where to eat…”  NO MORE OF THAT!  Their mascot is cute too.  Someone needs to make this app for every metro area!!