Lifestraw

Lifestraw is an amazing piece of technology that can literally save lives, especially those that live in areas where clean water is not readily available. More than one sixth of the world's population are without access to safe water supply(source: gizmag.com). The Lifestraw has been referred to one of the top 10 things that will change the way we live. In keeping with the Earth theme this week this is extremely important especially for those without clean water. The lifestraw is different in a sense that it has no moving parts. It does not need to be plugged in or have to be charged. It's a device that is basically a filter with two chambers. In a basic explanation without going into too much detail is that the bacteria in the water is filtered with a mesh and also kills bacteria with iodine inside the contraption. This is created when a person sucks water just like a straw into the water.



Lifestraw has drawn some criticism because of the cost to make the units. It has been stated that Lifestraw cost are up to $2-$5 per unit. The makers of this product have decided to make it in China to keep cost as low as possible. Unfortunately the problem with the unit is that the people using the Lifestraw do not live close to clean water. In India it is usually takes 1 to 2 days to get access to water but by the time they get to the water and purify it, it's too late before they are already sickened with diarahea or disease. So accessibility to clean water makes using the Lifestraw difficult especially when most of the water usually has to be carried from long distances to a location. The cost per unit and the time to collect the water is not feasible according to UK's WATERAID With income at $1 per day the cost of the unit being $2-$5 is not cost effective. They are obviously working on solutions and education to help these people and others around the world. To read more info on the Lifestraw check it here at LIFESTRAW