Water Purification

Global problem

• several billion people may not have access to clean/safe water for personal uses
• boiling water using firewood is a common practice
• technologies that can purify water will reduce firewood consumption, help preserve vegetation that will improve the quality and quantity of water

Innovative solution

• create technology that purifies the water without firewood
• distribute these
• need support from institutions - such as funding agencies

Monitoring and accounting

• need to demonstrate that these technologies do actually decrease firewood consumption
• monitor use remotely
• trees saved from destrution can count for carbon offset certificates if good data is available
• carbon offset funds can be used to deliver better water purification systems

source = http://www.pdx.edu/sweetlab/sweetsense

 

References and Links:

http://www.pdx.edu/sustainability/solutions-blog/sweet-solutions-monitoring-global-public-health-solutions-from-psu

http://www.pdx.edu/sweetlab/

http://www.globalwaterforum.org/2013/12/01/improving-global-impact-how-the-integration-of-remotely-reporting-sensors-in-water-projects-may-demonstrate-and-enhance-positive-change/

Manna Case Study - http://www.economistinsights.com/sustainability-resources/event/sustainable-business-summit/multimedia