Hippo Water Roller
The Hippo Water Roller, designed in 1991 by South Africans Johan Jonker and Pettie Petzer, provides a safe and efficient alternative to the traditional African practice of carrying water on one’s head, which can result in serious cranial and spinal injuries. The rotationally molded, UV-sterilized, polyethylene barrel holds approximately 24 gallons of water, compared to the 2.5- to 5-gallon capacity of traditional methods. One trip with the Hippo Roller transports enough water for a family of five to seven for up to one week. Beyond the Hippo roller\’s immediate function and efficiency, its implementation has resulted in quantifiable, tangible social impact in part of South Africa. In communities that use the Hippo Roller, men have begun to view fetching water as a more masculine, worthwhile chore, and education and literacy rates for women and children have improved. Price:$90
