A new augmented reality app came to my attention recently, CHOICE’s CluckAR. The idea behind CluckAR is to help conscientious consumers find genuine free range eggs because the packaging of some free range eggs is misleading. In Australia egg producers can have 10,000 hens per hectare and still advertise their eggs as being free range. Not only can they have thousands of hens crammed into one hectare, there is no requirement for the hens to spend time outside as per the free range standard signed off by the Australian consumer affairs minister.
I love eggs and so does Hubby. We started buying free range eggs several years ago but I was surprised to read that not all free range eggs are created equal. Call me naive but I trusted those claims of free range on the packaging. Anyway, CluckAR to the rescue! I can now scan the egg carton in the supermarket and if the rating is poor then the carton goes back on the shelf, if the rating is good I take a screenshot for future reference and it is also possible to use the app and pin the location of the store selling genuine free range eggs on a map which can be viewed by other users of the app.
Below are the results from tests on cartons I had at home, I know which ones I won’t be purchasing again.
I love this app. Some of the comments that flash up are quite funny!! But they get the message across. I have changed my buying habits since getting the app.
I love the comments too! Worse than a backpackers and Yeah but nope are my favourites š These apps are so useful for informing people who really try and want to do the right thing.
We can change the world in small ways!!!
So true! š
Like you I’d not have looked beyond face value, Sam! š¦ Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome Jo! I’ve also been told that there are similar ‘loopholes’ with the term organic but I haven’t looked into that…yet. Disappointing when you think you’re doing the right thing only to find out that there are layers to doing so.
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I know, worrying isn’t it? However, if we all do a little bit towards making a difference it has to be better than doing nothing at all š