People rarely consider water quality until they are hiking or searching for clean water. About 884 million people worldwide lack safe drinking water, making access to safe water a daily concern for many.
LifeStraw is a simple, portable straw that purifies water from streams, lakes, or other sources without electricity. Just place the straw in water and suck as you would with a normal straw. Its internal membrane filters contaminants so you can drink safely on the go.
The LifeStraw, a 22 cm-long purification tube, was developed in Denmark in 2005 to address unsafe drinking water in less-developed regions. It earned wide recognition: Time Magazine named it one of the Best Inventions in 2005, Gizmag called it an Invention of the Century, the New York Times described it as a “water purifier that could save lives,” and Forbes listed it among “ten things that will change the way we live.”
What it removes: LifeStraw can remove 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria and many parasites, including E. coli, Campylobacter, Vibrio cholerae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella, and Salmonella. Each LifeStraw can filter at least 1,000 liters of water and is easy to use—ideal where clean water is scarce.
Impact: Diarrhea-related illnesses are a leading cause of death in children and claim more young lives than AIDS, malaria, and measles combined in some regions. When implemented in communities with limited access to clean water, LifeStraw has been shown to reduce diarrheal disease by up to 40 percent. With about 1.8 million deaths annually linked to unsafe water, the device has significant life-saving potential.
Who it helps: Whether you are a hiker needing safe water from natural sources or someone living where clean water is restricted, LifeStraw reduces the risk of contamination and illness. Its portability, ease of use, and proven filtration make it a practical tool for emergencies, travel, and everyday survival in affected regions.
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