LifeStraw is a brand that makes water filters and purifiers. The first LifeStraw was created as a portable water filter shaped like a straw. It can filter up to 4,000 liters of water, which is enough for one person for three years. It removes nearly all waterborne bacteria, microplastics, and germs. Later, a bottle was made that included a LifeStraw filter inside a 650-millilitre (22 US fl oz) BPA-free plastic sports water bottle. In addition to these portable filters, the company also makes large purifiers that use gravity to remove viruses. These are meant for use by families and communities.
The filters are created by Vestergaard Frandsen, a company based in Switzerland. Originally, they were made for people in developing countries and for use during emergencies. However, the filters have become popular as everyday products. They are now used by survivalists and outdoor lovers, as well as to help solve the problem of not having enough clean water worldwide. The filters work without needing batteries or chemicals. They use hollow fiber membrane technology. Some models also include activated carbon.
It is important to know that the original LifeStraw does not use reverse-osmosis membranes and cannot remove salts or minerals.
History
The devices were given out during the 2010 Haiti earthquake, 2010 Pakistan floods, 2011 Thailand floods, and 2016 Ecuador earthquake, as well as other situations. In Kenya's Mutomo District, which has faced long-term drought, the Kenya Red Cross provided filters to 3,750 students and 6,750 families. In 2015, the devices were used in Rwanda. The company supports a retail program that gives back, and by 2018, this program had given safe water to more than 1 million students in rural Kenya.
Construction
The original LifeStraw is a plastic tube that is 22 centimeters (8 5⁄8 inches) long and 3 centimeters (1 1⁄8 inches) in diameter. When water is drawn up through the straw, it first passes through hollow fibers that filter water particles as small as 0.2 micrometers. This process uses only physical filtration methods and no chemicals. The entire process is powered by suction, like using a regular drinking straw, and can filter up to 4,000 liters (1,100 US gallons) of water.
The first version of the filter did not remove Giardia lamblia, but newer models claim to remove at least 99.999% of waterborne protozoan parasites, including Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and microplastics. The original device does not filter viruses, chemicals, salt water, or heavy metals. However, newer versions of the product, such as the LifeStraw Go Series or LifeStraw Home, are advertised as being able to remove chemicals and heavy metals, including lead.
Critical response
LifeStraw is often praised for its ability to quickly and effectively remove bacteria and protozoa from water. It is also accepted by many consumers.
While LifeStraw products are sold in stores in the United States and Europe, most are given away for free in the developing world. These devices are often distributed through public health campaigns or during emergencies by non-profit organizations and other groups.
LifeStraw has received positive attention in international media and has won several awards. These include the 2008 Saatchi & Saatchi Award for World Changing Ideas, the "INDEX: 2005" International Design Award, and "Best Invention of 2005" by Time Magazine. It was also displayed at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. In 2019, the LifeStraw Home water filter pitcher was introduced and won the IDEA design award and the Red Dot design award.