This post was written in collaboration with DayOne Response and may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.
Have you ever visited a place where the water isn’t drinkable? Where there are no water fountains and you need to make a run to a corner store or boil a kettle just to have a sip? It’s kind of inconvenient, right?
Living in China, going through a little extra effort for drinkable water has become a reality of life for me. But thankfully I have easy access. My roommates and I order reusable water coolers that our “water man” delivers right to our door, and my office provides constant free drinking water as well.
When traveling in Southeast Asia I used to buy giant bottles of water which I try to refill for a few cents at one of the many water machines. Now I’ve finally invested in a filtered water bottle so I’m not constantly contributing to the world’s landfills with bottles that never get recycled.
But what about those of us who don’t have a “water man”, or can’t rely on one small filtered bottle. What about people who don’t have a kettle, or can’t run to the store?
Pin Me!
Providing Clean Water to Those in Need
When disaster strikes, how can we ensure that clean, drinkable water is transported to those who need it? Bringing giant cartons of bottled water isn’t too practical, and that method only works in the short term. What if we could provide an affordable, immediate, and long-term solution?
That’s where DayOne Response comes in.
How Do DayOne Response Waterbags Work?
DayOne Response waterbags can hold up to 2.5 gallons (10 L) of water and will purify it all in just 30 minutes. Not only are they quick, these waterbags fold flat, making them perfect for disaster relief.
DayOne Response waterbags don’t just filter your basic contaminants, they also remove cysts, viruses, bacteria, and arsenic from contaminated water sources using P&G disinfectant packets and a filter.
Just one DayOne Response bag can last a family of four up to two months.
Photo by DayOne Response
How DayOne Response Works With Those in Need
DayOne Response aims to deliver clear water starting day one at disaster sites around the world.
No more giant cartons of bottled water. No more waste. No more short-term, impractical solutions.
Currently, DayOne Response partners with AmeriCares, International Child Fund, World Vision, and International Medical Corps to deliver clean water to over 20 different countries. They were there for Ebola aftermath response, Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, the Ugandan Refugees, the Nepal Earthquake, and more.
Ranked #1 by the US Marines in water performance and user operation, it’s easy to see why so many humanitarian organizations are eager to use DayOne Response waterbags to filter, treat, and safely store clean drinking water.
So… How Can I Help?
I know what you’re thinking: “Clean water is great and all, but what does this have to do with me?”
Well, I’m happy to say that there are plenty of ways you can help provide clean water to those in need, without winning the lottery or donating your life savings.
Photo by DayOne Response
1. Buy a Waterbag For Yourself
Heading on a big adventure? DayOne Response isn’t just for disaster relief. These waterbags are perfect for those on long-term treks without a stable water supply, as well as longer outdoor recreation trips for hiking, fishing, and more.
They’re portable, folding flat for simple storage, with backpack and handling straps to make the full bags less unwieldy. They even have a straw so you can drink while hiking!
If you live in an area prone to flooding, hurricanes, and other natural disasters, it may be smart to purchase a DayOne Response bag to keep your loved ones safe, just in case. You’ll be helping yourself and your community while contributing to a great organization.
2. Sponsor a Waterbag for Those in Need
Not hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, or adventuring through the Amazon anytime soon? You can still make a small contribution to help those in need.
Consider sponsoring a waterbag to be used for disaster relief worldwide. DayOne Response is always looking for sponsors and will put your waterbag to good use.
The World Needs You
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the number of disasters and catastrophes we see on the daily news. From Hurricane Katrina to the Earthquake in Nepal, to the Ebola epidemic, it’s easy to become numb to all of the suffering in the world.
But sometimes we need to remind ourselves that there are plenty of little things we can do to help. If you’re not happy with how the world is run, or the politics of your home country, you can do something about it.
Find a cause that speaks to you. Whether it’s DayOne Response, Planned Parenthood, or your local soup kitchen. Whatever cause you choose to support, do it with a full heart and know you’re making a difference.
What world relief causes do you support and why? Let me know in the comments below!
What an incredible company! Thank you for sharing this! I’m looking into sponsoring a bag now!
That’s so awesome Sky! I’m so happy you’re interested in helping too :D
What an innovative product! It’s amazing that it can filter the water in just 30 minutes – definitely looking into sponsoring one :)
Thanks so much Flo! I’m so glad you’re interested in sponsoring a bag :)
Nice product! And this is a bit sad, in PH we are also struggling to get clean fresh water. Unlike 1ast world countries, our tap water are also undrinkable :( which makes it very sad.
Yeah in China I have the luxury of ordering big bottles of water to my apartment, but there are so many places in the world (China and PH included) that just don’t have access! Especially with all of the typhoons in the Philippines…
Wow this is a really neat idea. I love these. We are going to SE Asia soon and I am thinking of getting a water bottle that does the same to save us wasting so much plastic
That’s such a good idea. I have one that I use in Southeast Asia and it’s come in handy so many times. I hate wasting all of those plastic bottles every time I travel.
DayOne Response is an incredible approach to disaster relief and providing more clean water to those in need. It’s sad that something we in the western world take for granted as a basic human right isn’t accessible in most of the world, especially when natural disasters strike. And I love that these are equally as good for travelers if you’re heading out on a long trek or hike. Really brilliant way to save on waste, and attempt to achieve more clean water in the parts of the world which need it the most. Thankyou for bringing the cause to my attention X
Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment Meg! I totally agree that as Westerners, we really take this issue for granted. Even in China, I can easily buy a big jug of water whenever I need it. I really hope DayOne Response can get the funding it needs because I think they’re an incredible organization.
What a smart idea and a great company. I like the way you can buy the day one packs for your own use and help provide clean water where it is needed most. Fascinating article
Thanks! I’m glad you like DayOne Response too. I think they’re great for long-term hikers in addition to disaster relief!
Love this water bag. It’s sad that so many people in the world don’t have access to clean water. Something we definitely take for granted in the western world.
I completely agree. Even coming home to find that my water jug is out of water has been a huge hassle for me. I can’t even imagine not having any access to clean water!
What a great idea. One finds out that it is really a luxury to have drinking water just from the tap, but there are many places outside of Europe where it is not possible to drink it. I never thought of getting water filter, but you really made me to think to get one of these! I love that DayOne Response runs this project also for sponsoring bags for people who live out of the reach of drinking water! So cool!
I know what you mean Veronika. I never even thought about it until I moved to China! I’m glad you like the idea of DayOne Response. They’re such a great company.
This sounds like an interesting product. It s great to know that something like this exist, even if I dont really travel to disaster sites. It is sad, that there are so many places in the World, where clean drinking water is not available for the population.
I completely agree, Barbara. It’s easy to forget how much of an issue clean drinking water is when we can easily get a cup of water from the sink. I’m so glad you like this post!
This is very impressive! I had no idea that this was used here in the Philippines during typhoon Haiyan. It looks very efficient and innovative. I like that I can support someone to own this. I would also like to buy one for myself. I really do not prefer buying a lot of bottled water when I travel. It’s not ideal and not environment-friendly.
I had no idea either! I think this bag is perfect for longer treks and camping or for groups. I’m so glad they made these bags and I hope that they can be put to good use in the future!
This is a great product! It’s just unfortunate how even until now drinking water is still a problem for many countries.
I completely agree! I’m used to not being able to drink from the tap in China, but I can’t imagine not being able to have access to clean water long-term.
Bringing clean water to those in need is a great idea! I wish DayOne Response a big success with this fantastic product
Me too! I really love how sustainable and environmentally friendly their product is too. I really hope they receive more funding in the future!
I’ve never heard of them but this sounds like an amazing product and organization! Thank you for sharing this, I’ll definitely be looking into them.
No problem! I’m so glad you liked hearing about DayOne Response. They’re an amazing company doing so many good things.