I came across this top ten list of best, appropriate technology to help the poor in third world countries.

What’s appropriate technology?

The goal of Appropriate Technology (AT) is to increase the standard of living for the developing world without condescension, complication, or environmental damage. Typical AT inventions are more labor intensive, require fewer resources, and use low cost or readily available materials wherever possible. Special attention is paid to the social, cultural, and ethical aspects of the communities the technology is intended for.

Human ingenuity is amazing.  The LifeStraw – portably, easy to use, intuitive really could change the face of poverty in countries without potable drinking water.  And the solar powered light bulb, which sounds like a punchline, will literally give people more hours in the day.  How much work do you get done after it’s dark outside?

After Hurricane Ike, our drinking water was contaminated.  Fortunately, we had a gas stove so we could boil water even without electricity, but it still was amazing how much of our thoughts and energy were consumed just with hygiene and water issues.  I literally spent hours making sure there was water to drink, water to wash the dishes, making sure the kids washed up correctly, dispensing hand sanitizer, and plotting how to cook with the least amount of water possible.   Incidentally, that’s why we got our Berkey.

Safe drinking water is the #1 thing (IMO) that would save lives and increase their quality.  If a woman or child doesn’t have to spend 6 hours a day fetching water, because of Hippo Roller, what else could they do?  Who could they become?

The Pot in Pot refrigeration system is absolutely intriguing. We might try that as part of a science project this summer!  I live in a tropical climate, and I also want to experiment with solar ovens.  You know, in case we end up in a Hooverville or the Apocalypse draws nigh, or something.

What inventions do you think could change the world?