Dew-Harvesting Greenhouses

Roots Up, an Ethiopian-based organization supporting family farming as a viable model of agriculture, has created a special greenhouse that's capable of watering itself. Since parts of Ethiopia can go months without rain, it was important to create a solution that could rely on another source of water. Fast Co Design writes, "During the day, as temperatures rise outside, the heat makes water evaporate from the plants inside the greenhouse. At the end of the day, the farmer opens a flap on the top of the building, and the water condenses into dew and rolls back into a collection tank.È

By focusing on this clever tactic, Roots Up helps ensure the plants receive enough water until the next rainfall. It also helps farmers collect safe drinking water for themselves and others.