innovation

Pedaling to Cleaner Water

Topics: Water

This isn't an adult tricycle, it's an innovative way to reduce the number of people — estimated at 1.1 billion — who lack access to clean drinking water.

The Aquaduct is essentially a bicycle that can transport and filter up to 20 gallons of water at a time.

It's simple to use: Just ride to your local water source and pour water into the rear holding tank. As you ride home, the pedaling forces the water through a filtration system and into a smaller holding tank in the front. You can also filter the water by pedaling in place.

Watch the video to see how it all works.

Clean Burning Stoves

Recognizing the health and pollution concerns associated with traditional wood-burning stoves, researchers from Envirofit are developing a cleaner burning stove that reduces smoke output and uses less firewood. It is estimated that "80 percent of rural households in developing countries cook with solid fuels like wood, coal, crop residues and dung." (World Health Organization)

From the Archives

Harnessing Design and Innovation to Fight Poverty

Previously filed under: Technology
A new trend in employing innovative technology and design to improve the lives of the world's poor is gaining much attention—but it's not without its critics.

From the Archives

The Old Saga of Not Enough Jobs

Previously filed under: North America, Global Economy
Many workers fear that technological innovations and outsourcing will lead to fewer available jobs. Economist Bernard Wasow argues that this is not necessarily true.

From the Archives

Neal Keny-Guyer - Social Entrepreneurship at Mercy Corps

Topics: Humanitarian Aid
Previously filed under: Interviews
Neal Keny-Guyer views Mercy Corps' innovative practices and commitment to social entrepreneurship as key to success.

From the Archives

Gross Domestic Innovation

Previously filed under: Asia, Global Economy
Purdue University researcher Balkrishna Rao says that OECD countries will need to be more innovative in order to adapt to a growing global workforce.

Breaking News

First Major Utility Company Invests in Solar Energy

OneWorld Daily Headlines - Tue, 08/19/2008 - 10:28
For the first time, a big, American utility company is investing in large-scale solar energy. Pacific Gas & Electric has decided that solar is part of the answer for California's energy needs.

Cairo Tries to Get Ancient, Rattling Cabs Off the Streets

International Herald Tribune - Wed, 08/20/2008 - 04:21
In Seoul, the Hyundai Pony is a museum exhibit. In Egypt, the decades-old car can still be used as a taxi, so long as it doesn't fall into a canal.

In Israel, Kosher Extends Beyond the Kitchen

Christian Science Monitor - Tue, 08/19/2008 - 23:00
A kosher 'social seal' on nearly one-third of Jerusalem restaurants conveys ethical, not just dietary, standards.

In Vietnam, Even the Dead Feel the Pinch of Inflation

International Herald Tribune - Wed, 08/20/2008 - 06:15
Vietnam is suffering its first serious economic downturn since it moved from a command economy to an open market nearly two decades ago.

Mobilizing Against Hunger in Haiti

OneWorld Daily Headlines - Mon, 08/18/2008 - 13:37
In notoriously hunger-stricken Haiti, a grassroots movement is revitalizing deforested land, conserving rainwater, and leading discussions on the root causes of the ongoing food crisis.

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