There hasn't been a week in the past month during which a hurricane wasn't in the news. Harvey, Irma, Jose, Maria — they've all pummeled parts of the United States and much of the Caribbean one after another. America's got the means to restore essentials like electricity and clean water relatively quickly, but other affected areas aren't as lucky. After Hurricanes Irma and Maria, it could be months until Puerto Rico has running water — the same goes for Mexico post earthquakes — but there's one easy way you can help the U.S. territory's residents.
BUY IT NOW: LifeStraw Personal Water Filter, $20; Amazon.com
LifeStraws are small, straw-like filtration devices that make any water potable, and they're exactly the kind of donation that would help people displaced by the hurricanes. The original technology was developed in 1999 and tweaked in 2005 to be what it is today. "It was designed for people in developing countries who don't have water piped in from municipal sources or other access to safe water and emergency settings following natural disasters when water is contaminated," LifeStraw's website reads.
One straw can purify up to 1,000 liters of water, which would last an average person an entire year. Now, the company has an entire line of products, including plastic and metal straws, water bottles, and higher-volume bags and jugs. A straw will cost you $20 on Amazon, and you'll know exactly what your donation dollars are being put towards. Look for local product donation drop-off points in your city or check this list to if your area is included.
If you are looking for other ways to assist with relief efforts, the New York Times has compiled a helpful list of charities and organizations.
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