World Water Day 2023: LifeStraw Releases 2022 Responsibility Report. Launches Peak Series Water Filtration Systems

LifeStraw, a public health B Corp and Climate Neutral Brand on a mission to provide equitable access to safe drinking water, released its 2022 Responsibility Report on World Water Day, an annual United Nation’s observance day celebrating fresh water and raising awareness of the 2 billion people living without access to safe water across the world. 

“World Water Day highlights the importance of the work we do year-round to make an impact in providing equitable access to safe drinking water to people and communities around the world,” said Alison Hill, CEO of LifeStraw. “This day is especially significant to us this year as we share our 2022 Responsibility Report and reflect on what we were able to accomplish last year while continuing to fuel our work into the future.” 

With a renewed focus on implementing grassroots programmes alongside partners worldwide as travel and more in-person interaction became possible, LifeStraw connected over 3.3 million people with access to safe water. The 2022 Responsibility Report outlines the results of its commitment to positively impact people and the planet this past year and beyond.

“Our team supported programmes across the globe from Brazil to Ghana, to Kenya to places like Jackson, Mississippi and eastern Kentucky,” said Hill. “With incredible gratitude to our partners across the world, we’re proud to share the accomplishments of our work throughout the past year. Many programmes were interconnected with climate change and climate resilience, as well as our own commitments to a more sustainable future.”

Highlights of LifeStraw’s work in 2022 include:

● Humanitarian and Disaster Response

LifeStraw responded to 17 natural and humanitarian disasters. These include programmes in Navajo Nation, Haiti, Tigray, Ethiopia, Ukraine, Jackson, Mississippi, Fort Meyers, Florida, eastern Kentucky, and Pakistan. In 2023, LifeStraw is focused on responding to the massive earthquake on the Syrian/Turkey border, providing 1,278 filters and purifiers, and reaching 12,150 people with safe water.

● LifeStraw’s Give Back Programme

Over 7.6 million people have received a year of safe water since the programme’s inception in 2014; for every product sold, a school child receives safe water for an entire year. In 2022, LifeStraw expanded the Programme to the famine and drought-stricken region of Turkana County in northwestern Kenya, working in 538 early child development centers and providing access to safe water to over 60,000 kids. LifeStraw continues to employ over 40 full-time staff members in western Kenya who operate its programmes year-round.

● Guinea Worm Eradication

In 2022, LifeStraw made its largest ever single donation to the Carter Center of over 1.1 million LifeStraw Guinea Worm filters to support eradication efforts. There were only 13 cases in four countries this past year, down from over 100,000 cases in 18 countries when LifeStraw began its work with the Carter Center in 1994. 

● Climate Impact

LifeStraw completed a more in-depth carbon audit to support the establishment of science-based targets and a road map to reductions. It continues to fully measure and offset all of its emissions as a Climate Neutral Certified brand. In 2022, 152 million single-use plastic water bottles were offset by the purchase of LifeStraw Home pitchers and LifeStraw bottles. The recycling of test water saved 100,000 liters of water at LifeStraw’s lab in Vietnam, and the brand launched its first products made from 50% post-consumer recycled plastic.

LifeStraw’s 2022 Responsibility Report also details its standards for ethical sourcing and production, international testing standards, and packaging sustainability efforts. LifeStraw also continues to further its work both internally and externally to reflect its commitment to diversity and inclusion and to raising the visibility of social justice and climate justice globally.

To see the entire LifeStraw 2022 Responsibility Report, visit https://lifestraw.com/pages/responsibility-report-2022              

LifeStraw, has also officially announced the European launch of its Peak Series water filtration systems. The series has been created for use in the great outdoors. 

Building on the success of the original LifeStraw design, the Peak Series features six models. All offer premium durability and versatility in lightweight and compact carrying options. The range comprises: the Personal Water Filter Straw (redesigned after 17 years!), the 650 ml and 1L Collapsible Squeeze Bottle Water Filter System, the 3L and 8L Gravity Water Filter System, and the 8L Gravity Water Filter + Water Storage Bag.

“Peak Series products will enable outdoor adventurers to explore the backcountry by providing reliable access to safe water,” said Alison Hill, CEO of LifeStraw. “In turn, sales of these products enable us to deliver on our mission to provide equitable access to safe drinking water across the globe.”

LifeStraw’s work to make a positive global impact is ongoing. For every LifeStraw product sold, a child in need receives access to safe water for an entire year. With more than 7.6 million people reached to date, the programme maintains local, on-the-ground teams of educators within each community to provide consistent and comprehensive education, follow-up, product maintenance, and data collection. 

The Peak Series incorporates innovative designs and upgraded materials to offer a safe, reliable water solution in the outdoors, as outlined in this video. The new Peak Series offers:

● Extreme durability: the series is built with tougher, thicker premium materials that withstand long-term wear and tear.

● Leak-proof storage capabilities: custom caps prevent leakage and enable leak-proof storage while not filtering.

● Enhanced microfilter performance: the products remove bacteria and parasites. Also included is a backwash accessory that helps maintain flow rate and remove sand and silt from the filter.

● Highly versatile: designed with quick connects and universal threading, the products are interchangeable with other pieces of gear, and the filters thread onto universal water bottles.

● Ultra-compact with no extra parts: The filters are removable and reconfigurable for ultimate packing flexibility.

The original LifeStraw Personal Water Filter Straw, the most popular outdoor water filtration device available, has been updated with a fresh design and reimagined for improved versatility, sustainability, and usability. The new Peak Series Personal Water Filter Straw (£29.95) is an ultra-lightweight personal water filter that boasts a better grip, an enhanced flow rate for easy sipping, a built-in gravity hose attachment, and universal threading for attaching to squeeze bottles. No backpack, pocket, or glove compartment should be without one.

Ideal for trail running, thru-hiking, climbing and more, the Peak Series Collapsible Squeeze Bottle Water Filter System (650 ml £44.95 / 1L £49.95) is an all-in-one water storage and filtration device made from premium durable materials that are twice as thick and strong as any squeeze bottle system on the market.

The Peak Series 3L Gravity Water Filter System (£79.95) with a 47-inch hose is a simple, economic, lightweight, and compactable option for small-group camping and backpacking. The optimized filtration cartridge boasts a high flow rate and ability to remove sand and silt without clogging, while the water storage bag is extra strong and leak-proof.

The best in dromedary bags meets the best in filtration performance with the Peak Series 8L Gravity Water Filter System(£99.95). It’s easy to hang from a tree or RV for quick hydration at basecamp.

A replacementPeak Series Membrane Microfilter is available (£22.95).