Lifestraw
Simple Technologies with Complex Ambitions
Posted on April 6, 2009 by Julie Pachico
Have you heard of "appropriate technology?" It's a movement that helps the world’s poorest people with affordable, simple and practical inventions that address every day problems.
Some examples include:
- The Q-Drum, a circular drum that allows women and children to transport water by pulling a rope attached to the jug as it rolls on the ground, instead of carrying it on their heads.
- The Lifestraw, a portable, filtered drinking straw that allows water to be safely sipped from rivers, lakes and ponds.
- The Solar Home Lighting System, which allows children to study at night using solar-powered screens instead of electricity.
"We need to see the poor as customers rather than charity recipients," says Paul Polak, one of the notables in the appropriate technology movement. "We need a revolution in how multinationals design, price and market their products. There is a huge virgin market out there!"
Explore photos and videos of more inventions at Design for the Other 90%, the website for an exhibit currently touring U.S. museums.
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