Close GPS nav apps may be good for individual driversâ commute times but may be slowing traffic overall and ruining neighborhood vibes across the nation. EarthTalk Apr 9, 2021 Apr 9, 2021 GPS nav apps may be good for individual driversâ commute times but may be slowing traffic overall and ruining neighborhood vibes across the nation. Dear EarthTalk: What are the environmental pros and cons of so many of us relying on GPS apps (Waze, Google Maps, etc.) to get around these days? â B. Rogers, Newark, New Jersey Itâs hard to measure whether having GPS apps on our smartphones is positive or negative for the planet, but some environmentalists are skeptical. Indeed, the rise of Waze, Google Maps, Inrix and other apps that respond to live traffic data to reroute drivers accordingly â not to mention the concomitant proliferation of app-following Uber and Lyft drivers â has turned millions of formerly main-route-following drivers into sneaky shortcut seekers. Formerly quiet peaceful neighborhoods may never be the same again.