Kara Pod Serves Fresh Water and Coffee From the Air You Breathe – Yanko Design

Kara Pod: Innovative Mineral-Rich Water and Coffee from Air

Introduction

The Kara Pod is a groundbreaking device designed by Kara Water that extracts moisture from ambient air to produce premium mineral-rich drinking water and coffee. This innovative technology aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and climate action (SDG 13).

Technology and Process

Kara Pod utilizes AirDrive™ technology, an advanced desiccant system that captures moisture from kitchen air. The water undergoes a rigorous three-stage purification process:

1. Heat treatment to eliminate microbes
2. UV sterilization to neutralize bacteria and viruses
3. High-performance carbon filtration to remove chlorine, odors, chemical contaminants, including PFAS compounds

After purification, essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and sodium are reintroduced, resulting in alkaline water with a pH of 9.2+, promoting hydration, energy, and overall wellness.

Benefits for Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Provides access to safe, mineral-enriched drinking water without reliance on traditional water sources.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Eliminates the need for bottled water, reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable consumption.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – Reduces carbon footprint by eliminating water delivery logistics and plastic bottle production.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Supplies purified water free from harmful contaminants, supporting health and wellness.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Offers a compact, mobile water source suitable for urban apartments and offices, enhancing water accessibility.

Coffee Quality Enhancement

Given that coffee is approximately 98% water, the Kara Pod’s ultra-pure, mineral-enriched water significantly improves coffee and tea flavor extraction. The device features two separate nozzles to prevent mixing of drinking water and coffee residues, maintaining clean taste profiles. It is compatible with Original Nespresso pods and includes signature Kara coffee flavors.

Economic and Environmental Impact

• The average individual spends over $1,000 annually on bottled water, consuming more than 300 plastic bottles that contribute to landfill and ocean pollution.
• Kara Pod can save users up to $1,500 per year by eliminating bottled water and coffee shop expenses.
• The device requires no plumbing modifications or tools for installation, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
• Its compact size (15in x 9in x 14in) and lightweight design (13 pounds) allow easy relocation.

Additional Environmental Benefits

While extracting moisture, Kara Pod also filters dust, allergens, and airborne particles, slightly reducing indoor humidity by 1-5%, which contributes to improved air quality. This dual function acts as an air purifier, adding value to indoor environments.

Operational Features

• Daily water output of 3.2 liters (approximately 13 cups), suitable for individuals or small households.
• Built-in Wi-Fi enables software updates and enhanced functionality.
• Touchscreen interface allows intuitive operation for dispensing water and brewing coffee.

Sustainability and Innovation

Kara Pod embodies a zero-waste approach by eliminating plastic bottles and reducing carbon emissions associated with water delivery. It empowers users to create a sustainable water source from the air, addressing global challenges related to water scarcity, plastic pollution, and climate change.

Conclusion

Kara Pod represents a significant innovation in sustainable hydration and beverage preparation. By transforming atmospheric moisture into clean, mineral-rich water and high-quality coffee, it supports several Sustainable Development Goals and offers a practical, environmentally responsible alternative to conventional water sources.

Purchase Information

Buy Now for $459 $799 (Save $340). Limited stock available: 65 of 100 units left. Over $241,000 raised.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The article focuses on providing clean, mineral-rich drinking water through innovative technology.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – By offering purified water free from contaminants and enriched with essential minerals, the product supports health and wellness.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The zero-waste approach and reduction in plastic bottle usage contribute to sustainable consumption.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action – Reducing reliance on bottled water and delivery trucks lowers carbon footprint.
5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The device’s portability and suitability for apartments and offices support sustainable urban living.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6 – Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   – Kara Pod provides safe, purified water directly from air, making clean water accessible without plumbing modifications.
2. SDG 6 – Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals.
   – The three-stage purification process removes microbes, bacteria, viruses, chlorine, odors, chemical contaminants including PFAS.
3. SDG 3 – Target 3.9: Reduce illnesses from hazardous chemicals and pollution.
   – By removing harmful contaminants and adding beneficial minerals, the device promotes better health.
4. SDG 12 – Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.
   – The zero-plastic waste approach eliminates use of bottled water, reducing plastic pollution.
5. SDG 13 – Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning.
   – By reducing bottled water transport emissions, the product supports climate action.
6. SDG 11 – Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities.
   – The device improves indoor air quality by filtering dust and allergens while producing water.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

• Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
  – Kara Pod’s provision of purified water from air can be measured by adoption rates and usage statistics.
• Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality.
  – Implied through reduction of chemical contaminants and pollutants in drinking water.
• Indicator 12.5.1: National recycling rate, tons of material recycled.
  – Reduction in plastic bottle usage and waste generation can be tracked.
• Indicator 13.2.2: Total greenhouse gas emissions per year.
  – Reduction in emissions from bottled water delivery trucks can be estimated.
• Health indicators related to waterborne diseases and chemical exposure: Though not explicitly stated, improvements in health outcomes due to cleaner water and reduced contaminants are implied.
• Indoor air quality measurements: The device’s impact on reducing dust, allergens, and humidity levels (1-5%) can be monitored.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: yankodesign.com