LifeStraw Review – Should You Try It?

It’s no secret: There is a serious water crisis taking over the world. And lately these water problem isn’t something only happening in far off, developing countries. It’s an issue that is getting closer and closer to home. While there are several solutions to this water crisis, very few are as easy to use and as effective as LifeStraw.

What Is LifeStraw?

LifeStraw is a small straw-like device that filters out the contaminants found in polluted water while the user drinks. Not only does this give users peace of mind, but in many cases, it’s the only way for people to get the clean water they need.

LifeStraw has a single goal: To redefine safe drinking water by using technological innovation. By producing quality designs, LifeStraw hopes to give sustainable access to safe drinking water to more and more people.

The way the company attempts this is twofold. The first being through creating a product that can be used in even the most rural areas of the earth to give people clean drinking water. The second method LifeStraw uses is engaging governments, donors, and even individuals to spread the knowledge of the water crisis spreading through the world. By doing this, they hope to get these groups actively involved in creating a solution.

The History of LifeStraw

LifeStraw was started when the Carter Center asked Vestergaard, the parent company of LifeStraw, to create a water filter that would remove Guinea worm larvae from water. These larvae were contaminating drinking water and Carter Center was looking for a solution to this issue. Vestergaard met the challenge by designing a cloth filter.

Over the years, this cloth filter evolved into a pipe form water filter. Now, more than 37 million LifeStraw Guinea Worm filters have been used to cause the near-eradication of the disease the larvae and worms caused.

Vestergaard was so impressed with the results of their LifeStraw Guinea Worm filter that they decided to create a version of the product that didn’t just remove worms and larvae from the water, but almost all microbiological contaminants. In 2005, the results of these efforts were realized by the straw-like filter that is now LifeStraw.

LifeStraw can be used by those in developing countries or rural areas who don’t have access to safe drinking water. It can also be used in emergency settings, especially those that are due to natural disasters. Because natural disasters often cause water sources to become contaminated, LifeStraw is the perfect solution for those who need access to clean water immediately.

The Development of LifeStraw

While LifeStraw was an amazing technological advancement in itself, Vestergaard soon realized that it only helped with part of the problem. The company realized that it needed to create a filter that could meet the needs of varied, different groups of people, with the emphasis being on groups. In 2008, LifeStraw technology was used to create an in-home system. However, the big advancement of LifeStraw that year was LifeStraw Family, which can be used to purify large amounts of water.

Since 2008, the LifeStraw portfolio has continued to expand. In 2013, LifeStraw created LifeStraw Community, a purifier that can be used in more institutional settings. LifeStraw Community has been especially beneficial for clinics, hospitals, and schools. In 2014, the LifeStraw Go water bottle was introduced to the product line. LifeStraw Go is a refillable water bottle that purifies water on the go. The latest LifeStraw product was released in 2015. The LifeStraw Mission is a collapsible bag that can be used for campsites, hiking, and expeditions.

With the expansion of the LifeStraw product line has also come an expansion of its reach. LifeStraw can be found in products and projects in over 64 countries across the globe. While this is a great start, LifeStraw hopes this is just the beginning. The company hopes to continue to introduce new LifeStraw products, ones that will meet various needs and help those who need water the most.

Follow the Liters

LifeStraw doesn’t just provide quality water filtration systems to those in need, it has also created the LifeStraw Follow the Liters program. Launched in 2014, this program was created to contribute to providing LifeStraw products to communities across the globe.

With Follow the Liters, a part of every consumers purchase goes towards purifiers that help schools in developing communities. Every single consumer purchase gives one child in a developing community safe water for an entire school year.

LifeStraw Products

Consumers can purchase LifeStraw products on the LifeStraw website, though the products are distributed by Eartheasy.com. A list of the products offered by LifeStraw, as well as their prices and any running discounts, is below.

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

The original LifeStraw device, this product is perfect for those who like to hike, backpack, camp, or travel in places that might not always have clean water. It’s also ideal for those looking to prepare for an emergency.

This personal filter filters up to 1,000 liters, or 264 gallons, of contaminated water, giving users clean and clear water. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter removes 99.99% of waterborne bacteria and waterborne protozoan parasites. And, it’s extremely light at only two ounces, making it very easy to carry around.

Buy 1: $19.95
Buy 2: $18.95 each (5% off)
Buy 3: $17.96 each (10% off)

LifeStraw Go

One of the more recent developments of LifeStraw, this refillable water bottle is perfect for those on the go.

This water bottle filters up to 1,000 liters, or 264 gallons, of contaminated water, giving users clean and clear water. LifeStraw Go removes 99.99% of waterborne bacteria and waterborne protozoan parasites.

Buy 1: $29.95
Buy 2: $28.45 each (5% off)
Buy 3: $26.96 each (10% off)

LifeStraw Steel

This sleek, smooth design is the stainless steel version of the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter. It has a two part filtration process that leaves water clean and clear, removing bacteria, protozoa, chlorine, and organic chemical matter.

This personal filter system filters up to 1,000 liters, or 264 gallons, of contaminated water, giving users clean and clear water. LifeStraw Steel removes 99.99% of waterborne bacteria and waterborne protozoan parasites.

Currently, LifeStraw Steel is sold out. However, when it is available for purchase, the price is as listed below.

Buy 1: $54.95
Buy 2: $52.20 each (5% Off)
Buy 3: $49.46 each (10% Off)

LifeStraw Mission

LifeStraw Mission uses gravity to power its water purifying abilities. It uses an advanced ultra-filtration membrane that removes almost all viruses, bacterium, and protozoa found in contaminated water. LifeStraw Mission can filter up to 18,000 liters, or 4,750 gallons, of water. It requires no electricity, no batteries, no running water, and no replacement parts.

LifeStraw Mission is a lightweight, easy to fill bag that is compact and easy to fill. Windows on the bag make it easy to keep track of water levels and a shoulder strap makes it easy to carry. LifeStraw Mission can also be hung from a tree.

Buy 1: $119.95 each
Buy 2: $113.95 each (5% Off)
Buy 3: $107.96 each (10% Off)

LifeStraw Family

This lightweight and portable product is perfect for families that like to hike or camp. It uses an advanced ultra-filtration membrane that removes almost all viruses, bacterium, and protozoa found in contaminated water. LifeStraw Mission can filter up to 18,000 liters, or 4,750 gallons, of water. It requires no electricity, no batteries, and no running water. It has a flow rate of 9 to 12 liters an hour.

Buy 1: $74.95 each
Buy 2: $71.20 each (5% Off)
Buy 3: $67.46 each (10% Off)

LifeStraw Community

The largest of the LifeStraw products, LifeStraw Community was designed to be used by entire communities, whether schools, clinics, or villages. It has a built in storage and can provide safe drinking water that is free of viruses, bacteria, and protozoan cysts.

LifeStraw Community can produce 70,000 to 100,000 liters of clean water. This amount is enough for a community to use for several years.

LifeStraw Community is currently sold out. However, when it is available for purchase, the price is $325.95 per unit.