The Waterly
"The Waterly" is a weekly all-things-water newsletter we share with our community covering the latest innovations and investment deal flow in the water sector and recent news on climate change and water-related crises.
Plasma water set to purify water in space while water pipes to deliver high-speed broadband back on Earth. Aclarity raises $3.3M for PFAS remediation. Xylem invests $20M in water-tech funds. What is the value of water? And its price? Is civil disobedience OK? Pinterest bans climate misinformation and Starbucks bans PFAS food packaging. Lynn Foden, CEO of Thrive Networks, is this week's highlighted WELL member.
Your weekly Bonus - Learn how to build your own mini-hydropower dam!
This week's water fact:
Solar and wind energy use respectively increased 20% and 11% in 2021
Tech & Innovation
TAKING PLASMA WATER PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY INTO SPACE
A new method using plasma to purify in-situ water in space from the University of Southampton has received funding from the UK Government.
Water pipes used to deliver high-speed broadband
New proposals to accelerate the rollout of broadband without digging up roads will see fibre-optic cables deployed through 17km of live drinking water mains between Barnsley and Penistone. Broadband companies will then be able to tap into the network to deliver connections to an estimated 8,500 homes and businesses along the route.
Corporate & Deals
Pinterest announces ban on all climate misinformation
Under the new policy the site is committing to take down content that distorts or denies the facts of the climate crisis, whether posted as adverts or normal “organic” content.
Aclarity Closes $3.3 Million Seed Round To Deploy PFAS Destruction Technology, Eliminate Cancerous Chemicals From Water
“This new, unique treatment method replaces standard PFAS disposal methods such as capturing for incineration, deep-well injection and sending to landfill,” the Massachusetts company says.
Xylem Invests $20M in Venture Capital Funds to Support Early-Stage Water Technology Development
Global water technology company, Xylem (NYSE:XYL), has announced Limited Partner (LP) investments in venture capital funds Burnt Island Ventures and The Westly Group’s Funds III and IV, supporting the development of innovative water and industrial technologies.
Our Portfolio Companies
374Water: Effects of Microplastics and PFAS on Human Health
A recent study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials found that when scientists analyzed the health of volunteer subjects, 80% had microplastics present in their blood cells.
Water & the Environment
Water, weed and racism: why Asians feel targeted in this rural California county
Law enforcement in a rural northern California county that’s seen a major conflict over water rights stopped Asian drivers at vastly disproportionate rates compared to the county’s white population last year, in what civil rights groups have characterized as a pattern of “intentional discrimination” in the region.
What is the value of water? And its price?
Water is a natural resource and therefore belongs to everyone, but its supply, quality, and environmental balance require infrastructures and technology, which generate a cost that has to be paid. At what price?
Is civil disobedience OK if it’s the only way to prevent climate catastrophe?
“There is a need to break the law,” says Just Stop Oil’s Melissa Carrington, “so we are not guilty of greater crime.” But is she right?
‘I was enjoying a life that was ruining the world’: can therapy treat climate anxiety?
People are increasingly looking for help to deal with feelings of fear, helplessness and guilt amid the climate crisis. But can therapists make a difference and is seeking treatment just a form of denial?
PFAS & Chemicals
Starbucks announces ban of toxic “forever chemicals” in its food packaging
Starbucks commits to eliminating PFAS from all U.S. packaging by the end of 2022, and international packaging in 2023.
A Simple, Effective At-Home PFAS Solution - The Brockovich Report
Erin Brockovich: "Let’s start with a solution today. I wanted to let you all know about a new water filter. The Purefast cartridge from CycloPure, Inc., is compatible with Brita pitchers, and it can remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water."
Lynn has extensive involvement developing strategic partnerships, negotiating agreements with governments and partners and overseeing operational implementations of grass-roots development programs.
As CEO of Thrive Networks, Lynn works with in-country teams to drive the strategic vision across its programs in water and sanitation, health and education.
Lynn’s international development experience includes positions with Room to Read, The Peace Corps, the African Wildlife Foundation, Moving Water Industries, International Rescue Committee, and the World Bank.
Thank you Lynn for your efforts and passion towards water, sanitation, and hygiene. You are a true role model for our next generations.
DIY & Water
How to turn an old stream into a mini hydropower dam
If you've got a spare stream, why not consider putting it to work to make power?
