Hippos, dignified

I would be remiss if I didn’t blog this perfect example of how design can actually do good, rather than just look good: the Hippo Water Roller. It’s basically a sturdy water barrel with a push handle, but designed so cleverly that 200 pouds of water can be easily pushed by a child or old person.

What a tremendous asset to have in a place where fresh water is an hour-long walk away — and it’s humbling to be reminded that we live in a world where some people have the time and leisure to come up with concepts like the Hippo Water Roller, and some people would consider just having the Hippo Water Roller an unbelievable luxury. In fact, it’s the cost of the thing ($35), and of transporting them in bulk (a lot more), that is currently the problem. They should solicit individual donations as well as corporate ones — donate the cost of a single Hippo, and tell your friends…

ETA: Vicki tells me that individual donors should go to Operation Hunger. Which I shall. Thank you, Vicki!