The Heads on Fire Community

Today, while introducing a new intern to the basic concepts of the Fab Lab, we began to discuss various humanitarian efforts currently in effect; primarily the Hippo Roller, LifeVillage, wood burning stoves and the Fab Lab network's own FabFi.

The Hippo Roller is designed to decrease the burden of those living in third world countries where water is lacking. In many countries, people standardly have to walk for miles carrying five gallon ( Approximately forty-two pounds) of water on top of their heads, causing damage to the spine. The Hippo Roller allows one to transport 24 gallons (Approximately 200 pounds) of water by rolling the "wheel" forward, the transfer of energy effectively making the weight just 22 pounds, a weight manageable by most. The container acts as the wheel of the Roller, thus it is incredibly durable and able to withstand rough terrain. It comes with a large screw on cap, allowing for easy cleaning. Compared to the cleaned out gasoline and paint containers, the Hippo Roller is a significant improvement. The Hippo Roller's convenience allows for communities to spend more time educating their children (considering that children would standardly make these trips for water) and growing crops.

LifeVillage is a project by Solar Envision International that is effectively a housing solution for any community, no matter the location. The LifeVillage comes equpped with solar panels that can provide 1.5 to 4 kilowatts of electricity that stores to a battery for use in the evening and a self-contained water treatment unit that captures and reuses water. This can be used to great effect in third-world countries, providing electricity, water and shelter that can be used for hospitals, schools and other facilities. The LifeVillage is standardly shipped in two large containers and takes two weeks to arrive at it's destination. It takes anywhere from one to three days to assemble.

Wood-burning stoves can be incredibly effective in a small community, providing both warmth and cooked meals. In Northern Africa, the violence due to political anarchy proves to endanger the lives of those who venture outside of their communities to gather wood necessary to cook their meals. A teenager by the name of Spencer Brodsky began a program to raise awareness by raising money to purchase 400 stoves for the communities of Northern Africa for $30 each. He managed to exceed his expectations by raising $109,321, enough money to by 3,644 wood burning stoves.