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We used to have one of these merry-go-rounds on our playground when I taught elementary school. The insurance agent made the school remove it, because it went too fast. Just think, we could have been pumping water from the school well with all that kid energy!

Playpumps International provides “innovative, sustainable, patented water pumps powered by children at play. Installed near schools, the PlayPump system doubles as a water pump and a merry-go-round for children.”

We cannot underestimate the value of clean water:

More than one billion people worldwide do not have access to clean water.

Water-related diseases are the leading cause of death in the world, taking the lives of 6,000 people a day, and are responsible for 80 percent of all sickness in the world.

40 billion hours are lost annually to hauling water, a chore primarily undertaken by women and girls.

Playpumps appear to be the perfect, eco-friendly solution. It is not only sustainable, but it provides free, clean drinking water where it is needed most. According to Playpumps International:

We will carry out our mission by installing 4,000 PlayPump® water systems in 10 countries in sub-Saharan Africa by 2010, bringing the benefits of clean water to up to 10 million people. More than 1000 PlayPump systems have already been donated to communities in South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, and Zambia.

See Also:

EcoWorldly: “Water is Child’s Play, but You Gotta Spin!”

Don’t forget: Wednesday, February 27 is the last day to enter our Green to the Letter Giveaway: Free Eco Stationary and Art Supplies!