Report on Water-Related Consumer Products and Their Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

This report analyzes a selection of consumer products designed for water filtration and equipment protection. The assessment focuses on the products’ features and their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Water Purification Technologies for Sustainable Development

Access to safe drinking water is a cornerstone of public health and environmental sustainability. The following products offer technological solutions that contribute directly to achieving SDG 6 by providing reliable water purification for various applications, from recreational vehicles to international travel and daily use.

Apiropure RV Inline Multi-Stage Water Filter SP-RV100

• Product Function: A three-stage water filtration system designed for recreational vehicles (RVs) to improve the quality and safety of water from campground hookups.
• Technical Specifications:
  1. Removes sediments.
  2. Softens water and prevents scale buildup without salt.
  3. Reduces chlorine, heavy metals, and PFAS through a 1-micron filter.
• Contribution to SDGs:
  • SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Ensures access to safe and palatable water for individuals in mobile living situations, treating water from potentially inconsistent sources.
  • SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Protects users from waterborne contaminants such as E. coli, salmonella, and giardia, as well as chemical impurities.
  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): The filter’s 1,500-gallon capacity provides a season-long solution, reducing the waste associated with frequent filter replacements or the consumption of single-use bottled water.

LifeStraw Go Series Filter Tumbler and Peak Series Solo Water Filter

• Product Function: A portable water filtration tumbler and a standalone filter designed for personal use, improving water safety and taste on the go.
• Technical Specifications:
  • Go Series Tumbler: An 18-ounce insulated stainless-steel tumbler with a two-stage filtration system. The 0.2-micron membrane microfilter removes bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, while a carbon filter reduces chlorine and organic chemicals.
  • Peak Series Solo Filter: A lightweight (1.7 oz) 0.2-micron filter that attaches to standard threaded water bottles.
• Contribution to SDGs:
  • SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Provides individuals with immediate access to safe drinking water from various sources, removing over 99.99% of bacteria and parasites.
  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): The long lifespan of the filters (up to 1,000 gallons for the tumbler) and the ability to reuse bottles significantly reduce reliance on single-use plastics. The manufacturer’s status as a certified B Corp and Climate Neutral Certified entity underscores a commitment to sustainable production practices.
  • SDG 14 (Life Below Water): By filtering microplastics and reducing plastic bottle waste, these products help mitigate a primary source of pollution in aquatic ecosystems.

Katadyn BeFree Water Filtration System 1.0L and Pocket Microfilter

• Product Function: High-performance water filters for outdoor and extreme conditions.
• Technical Specifications:
  • BeFree System: A 2.2-ounce collapsible 1.0L soft flask with a 0.1-micron filter that removes bacteria, cysts, and sediment at a rate of two liters per minute.
  • Pocket Microfilter: A rugged, pump-style filter featuring a cleanable, silver-impregnated ceramic element with a 0.2-micron pore size. It has a capacity of over 13,200 gallons.
• Contribution to SDGs:
  • SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Offers reliable water purification for outdoor enthusiasts and for use in remote or emergency situations with turbid water sources.
  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): The Pocket Microfilter exemplifies durability and waste reduction. Its cleanable ceramic filter eliminates the need for disposable cartridges, promoting a circular use model and minimizing long-term environmental impact. The BeFree system is PVC- and BPA-free, supporting responsible material use.

Katadyn Steripen Adventurer UV Water Purifier

• Product Function: A portable device that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to purify clear water.
• Technical Specifications: Utilizes UV-C light to neutralize 99.9% of bacteria, protozoa, and viruses in 48-90 seconds. The lamp is effective for approximately 8,000 uses.
• Contribution to SDGs:
  • SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Provides a high level of protection against viruses, which are often too small for physical filters, making it a critical tool for health protection, especially during international travel.
  • SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Enables the safe consumption of tap water in regions with questionable water infrastructure, reducing health risks for travelers.
  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): The rechargeable, long-life UV lamp minimizes waste associated with chemical treatments or disposable filters.

Epic Water Filters Nalgene OG Bottle and Nano Pitcher

• Product Function: A versatile bottle and pitcher system for filtering tap and outdoor water sources.
• Technical Specifications:
  • Nalgene Bottles: Reusable bottles with interchangeable filters for either tap water (removing 70+ contaminants) or outdoor water.
  • Nano Pitcher: A 10-cup capacity pitcher that removes up to 99.99% of contaminants, including PFAS, heavy metals, and pesticides. Features a 90-day filter replacement timer.
• Contribution to SDGs:
  • SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Provides comprehensive, multi-source filtration for both home and outdoor use.
  • SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): The targeted removal of emerging contaminants like PFAS and other chemicals from tap water directly supports public health.
  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): These systems actively discourage the purchase of bottled water, significantly reducing plastic waste. The 150-gallon capacity of the pitcher filter and the reusability of the Nalgene bottles promote a sustainable consumption model.

Protective Equipment for Sustainable Water-Based Activities

Protecting electronic devices and personal gear from water damage extends their functional lifespan, which aligns with principles of sustainable consumption by reducing waste and resource use.

Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing Cubes and Waist Pack

• Product Function: Submersible and waterproof storage solutions for protecting valuables during water activities.
• Contribution to SDGs:
  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): By preventing water damage to electronics, clothing, and other items, these products extend their usability and prevent premature disposal, thereby reducing landfill and e-waste. The ability to use a phone through the waist pack’s touchscreen window further minimizes risk and potential damage.

Pelican M40 Micro Case

• Product Function: A crushproof and watertight hard case for protecting small electronics and valuables.
• Contribution to SDGs:
  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): The robust polycarbonate construction provides a high degree of protection, ensuring the longevity of sensitive devices like phones. This directly contributes to reducing e-waste by preventing damage that would necessitate replacement.

Exped DryBag Ultra 5 L

• Product Function: An ultralight, waterproof dry bag for backpacking and water sports.
• Contribution to SDGs:
  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): This product is constructed from recycled nylon, supporting the circular economy by utilizing post-consumer materials and reducing demand for virgin resources. Its function of protecting gear from water damage further supports waste reduction.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article directly connects to this goal by focusing on products that prevent waterborne illnesses. It mentions the dangers of “giardia and other nasties in drinking water,” and how the reviewed filters remove harmful bacteria like “E. coli and salmonella,” parasites, and viruses, thereby protecting human health.

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  This is the central SDG of the article. The entire piece is dedicated to reviewing various technologies and products (filters, purifiers, pitchers) that provide individuals with access to safe and clean drinking water in different settings, from campgrounds and international travel to everyday home use. The products are designed to remove a wide range of contaminants, directly addressing the quality and safety of drinking water.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  The article touches upon this goal by highlighting products that promote sustainable consumer habits. It features reusable water bottles and long-lasting filters, which reduce reliance on single-use plastics. It also explicitly mentions that one company (LifeStraw) is “Climate Neutral Certified and a B Corp,” and another product (Exped DryBag) is made from “recycled nylon,” promoting corporate sustainability and the use of recycled materials.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.9: Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.

  The article supports this target by showcasing products designed to eliminate health risks from contaminated water. The filters are described as removing “heavy metals, PFAS,” “bacteria, protozoa, and other nasties,” and viruses, all of which are sources of illness and death related to water contamination.

• Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

  The products reviewed are tools that enable individuals to gain access to safe drinking water where it might not be readily available, such as from “river and lake water,” at “campgrounds,” or during “international travels.” The mention of LifeStraw’s mission to “provide clean water to those in need” is a direct alignment with the goal of achieving universal access.

• Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution… and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.

  While the article focuses on point-of-use treatment, the function of the filters directly contributes to improving water quality for the consumer. They work by “reducing that awful chlorine taste,” and removing pollutants like “microplastics,” “pesticides,” and “sediment,” thereby improving the quality of the water consumed.

• Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.

  This target is addressed through the promotion of reusable products. The Katadyn Pocket Microfilter is highlighted because it “can be cleaned, with a capacity of over 13,200 gallons,” unlike disposable filters. Similarly, the reusable Nalgene bottles and LifeStraw tumbler reduce the need for single-use plastic water bottles, thus preventing waste generation.

• Target 12.6: Encourage companies… to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle.

  The article identifies LifeStraw as a company that has adopted sustainable practices by noting it is “Climate Neutral Certified and a B Corp.” This directly encourages and publicizes corporate sustainability efforts.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Percentage of contaminants removed: The article provides specific data on the effectiveness of the filters. For example, the LifeStraw filter “removes over 99.99% of bacteria, parasites, and microplastics,” and the Epic Water Filters pitcher “removes up to 99.99% of tap and fresh-water contaminants.” This is a direct measure of water quality improvement (Targets 3.9, 6.1, 6.3).
• Filtration pore size: The article specifies the micron rating of several filters, such as the “1-micron rating” for Apiropure, “0.2-micron pore size” for LifeStraw and Katadyn, and “0.1-micron pore size” for the Katadyn BeFree. This technical specification is an indicator of the filter’s ability to remove specific types of microscopic contaminants (Targets 3.9, 6.1, 6.3).
• Filter capacity and lifespan: The article quantifies the longevity of the filters in gallons, such as “1,500-gallon capacity” (Apiropure), “lasts up to 1,000 gallons” (LifeStraw), and “capacity of over 13,200 gallons” (Katadyn Pocket). This serves as an indicator for waste reduction, as a higher capacity means less frequent replacement and less waste generated (Target 12.5).
• Use of recycled materials: The mention that the Exped DryBag is made from “Translucent recycled nylon” is an indicator of sustainable production practices and movement towards a circular economy (Target 12.5).
• Corporate sustainability certifications: The statement that LifeStraw is “Climate Neutral Certified and a B Corp” is a clear indicator of a company’s commitment to sustainable practices and reporting (Target 12.6).

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: aspentimes.com