Sustainability Problem: Lack of access to a clean supply of water and sanitation is still a major issue facing approximately 63 million people to this day, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).  Of this amount, most are concentrated in the Sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asian regions.  This issue increases the likelihood of transmitting water-borne diseases, which leads to a large number of infant deaths every year.  The Life Sack addresses Goal #6 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is to “ensure access to water and sanitation for all” by 2030, fostering better access to clean water sources.

Technology: Life Sack is a water purification device in the form of a container that attaches as a backpack.  The idea of the sack is that it could serve as both method of transporting grains and other food staples, and then be used as a solar water purification kit once the food has been received.   Charities commonly donate grains and staples in sacks – so the Life Sack essentially serves a similar function, but has the additional function as a water purification kit.

The technology used to filter water is known as SODIS (Solar Water Disinfection Process), which uses UV-A radiation together with the built in thermal treatment process to kill bacteria and microorganisms found in water.

Technology stakeholders:

• Local communities
• Charities
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
• Local governments

Implementation:

• Share technology with local communities in regions with poor access to clean water
• Collaborate with charities and NGOs already working in the regions to scale-up the use of the technology

Sources:

http://inhabitat.com/life-sack-solves-drinking-water-issues-for-the-third-world/

http://borgenproject.org/the-life-sack-improved-water-globally/

http://www.tuvie.com/life-sack-is-not-your-ordinary-grain-sack/