Comments on: Launder clothes in a giant kickable candy-striped ball http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Thu, 20 Jun 2013 05:04:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: Lookforthewoman http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709120 Lookforthewoman Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709120 Its a <a href="http://www.cockeyed.com/travel/maker2009/maker0911.shtml">water transport</a> combined with a <a href="http://thecompacthouse.blogspot.com/">wonder wash!</a> Its a water transport combined with a wonder wash!

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709125 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709125 The first time I saw this... http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page.aspx?c=1&p=47098&cat=2,2050 I thought it would be great for washing clothes. Clothes soap and water go in, spin it up and then dry them out. The ball is more portable, and much pinker, but when/will it be produced? The first time I saw this…

http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page.aspx?c=1&p=47098&cat=2,2050

I thought it would be great for washing clothes. Clothes soap and water go in, spin it up and then dry them out. The ball is more portable, and much pinker, but when/will it be produced?

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709638 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709638 @SannaSK - You would not be fortunate to have a choice if you were a women. In most of the world if you were a women you would be expected to both do the laundry and work in the field. I also wonder how much laundry you have actually done by hand, its a pain. While I agree with claims that it is sexist to say that a laundry device saves time for women, the reality is that in much of the developing world (at least much of Africa)it is women who do the majority of non salaried labor, such as laundry and working on a small subsistence farm. @SannaSK – You would not be fortunate to have a choice if you were a women. In most of the world if you were a women you would be expected to both do the laundry and work in the field. I also wonder how much laundry you have actually done by hand, its a pain.
While I agree with claims that it is sexist to say that a laundry device saves time for women, the reality is that in much of the developing world (at least much of Africa)it is women who do the majority of non salaried labor, such as laundry and working on a small subsistence farm.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709384 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709384 This reminds me of Steinbeck's "Travels with Charley," in which, if I recall correctly, he washed his clothing by putting it in a pail with water and some soap and letting it slosh around in the back of his vehicle as he traveled. As far as for transporting water, seems like buckets on a cart would be a better way to go. This reminds me of Steinbeck’s “Travels with Charley,” in which, if I recall correctly, he washed his clothing by putting it in a pail with water and some soap and letting it slosh around in the back of his vehicle as he traveled.

As far as for transporting water, seems like buckets on a cart would be a better way to go.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709134 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709134 Needs a docking stand so you can just spin it. Needs a docking stand so you can just spin it.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709136 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709136 I believe these already exist as water transport in the developing world: http://ecoscraps.com/2008/10/01/q-drum-makes-water-transport-easier-in-africa/ I believe these already exist as water transport in the developing world:
http://ecoscraps.com/2008/10/01/q-drum-makes-water-transport-easier-in-africa/

]]> By: Grey Devil http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709137 Grey Devil Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709137 "Wonder if my fursuit would fit in this. " Uh. I'm assuming that wasn't a joke but still that caught me off guard :B lol “Wonder if my fursuit would fit in this. ”

Uh. I’m assuming that wasn’t a joke but still that caught me off guard :B lol

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709138 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709138 Developing countries only? I'm willing to bet every urban apartment dweller could benefit from that too! Developing countries only? I’m willing to bet every urban apartment dweller could benefit from that too!

]]> By: akwhitacre http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709141 akwhitacre Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709141 Our dog <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fungibleconvictions/3390538839/in/set-72157612634298885/">would be thrilled</a> to do the laundry for us! Our dog would be thrilled to do the laundry for us!

]]> By: Alpha Omicron http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709142 Alpha Omicron Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709142 Sexism Warning: "Saves time and effort to women". Sexism Warning: “Saves time and effort to women”.

]]> By: magicbean http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709654 magicbean Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709654 Giggling at the academic self-involvement it takes for a bunch of first worlders to discuss gender neutrality about a non-existent, potentially useless item they plan to sell to a bunch of poor people. Giggling at the academic self-involvement it takes for a bunch of first worlders to discuss gender neutrality about a non-existent, potentially useless item they plan to sell to a bunch of poor people.

]]> By: The Chemist http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709152 The Chemist Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709152 I think it's frikken awesome and want one for myself. I think that we should start working on the complimentary dryer- perhaps a giant slingshot shaped object. "Saves time and effort to women..." I groaned. Should we be subtly promoting patriarchy in the literature? I understand acknowledging the realities of the places where this will be used, but why play into it? I think it’s frikken awesome and want one for myself. I think that we should start working on the complimentary dryer- perhaps a giant slingshot shaped object.

“Saves time and effort to women…”

I groaned. Should we be subtly promoting patriarchy in the literature? I understand acknowledging the realities of the places where this will be used, but why play into it?

]]> By: grimc http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709154 grimc Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709154 Ridiculous Stereotype Warning: See main page. Ridiculous Stereotype Warning: See main page.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709155 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709155 Women carry almost all of the water for domestic and irrigation use in developing countries. Not sexist at all to describe a product aimed at them in this way. Women carry almost all of the water for domestic and irrigation use in developing countries. Not sexist at all to describe a product aimed at them in this way.

]]> By: blueelm http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709156 blueelm Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709156 I like it. Does does seem handy for single urban life too actually. Get some exercise, wash clothes, put exercise clothes in the wash, next time remember to exercise naked :P I like it. Does does seem handy for single urban life too actually. Get some exercise, wash clothes, put exercise clothes in the wash, next time remember to exercise naked :P

]]> By: hungrycaterpillar http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709159 hungrycaterpillar Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709159 The copy mentions women because in developing countries a large proportion of women's time is often spend collecting and hauling water. Context determines sexism... The copy mentions women because in developing countries a large proportion of women’s time is often spend collecting and hauling water. Context determines sexism…

]]> By: Bray_beast http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709165 Bray_beast Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709165 It reminds me of this kickable ice-cream maker that I saw at REI a while ago. http://icecreamrevolution.com/ It reminds me of this kickable ice-cream maker that I saw at REI a while ago. http://icecreamrevolution.com/

]]> By: SannaSK http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709167 SannaSK Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709167 @alphaomicron - mm, yes, because in 3rd world countries, men are completely egalitarian and do their fare share of household chores, and thus this form of marketing is absolutely unnecessary and out of line. if i lived in the type of conditions half the world does and I was fortunate enough to have my choice, would i rather hoe crops in the field or do laundry? I'll take the laundry any day of the week, kthx. besides, with this kind of thing, put the water and the clothes in and say GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY NOW, in half an hour your clothes will have been washed by your children. I would have thought a bigger concern would be "will this be made to where families in 3rd world countries can afford this," "will this brightly-colored and highly-useful item be a target for theft," and "will the water quality damage the interior of the item?" There don't seem to really be any moving parts or internal mechanics, so maybe that last question is just me being a consumer accustomed to items with... what's that phrase, "crafted with limited lifespan in mind". @alphaomicron – mm, yes, because in 3rd world countries, men are completely egalitarian and do their fare share of household chores, and thus this form of marketing is absolutely unnecessary and out of line.

if i lived in the type of conditions half the world does and I was fortunate enough to have my choice, would i rather hoe crops in the field or do laundry? I’ll take the laundry any day of the week, kthx.

besides, with this kind of thing, put the water and the clothes in and say GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY NOW, in half an hour your clothes will have been washed by your children.

I would have thought a bigger concern would be “will this be made to where families in 3rd world countries can afford this,” “will this brightly-colored and highly-useful item be a target for theft,” and “will the water quality damage the interior of the item?” There don’t seem to really be any moving parts or internal mechanics, so maybe that last question is just me being a consumer accustomed to items with… what’s that phrase, “crafted with limited lifespan in mind”.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709169 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709169 This ball might be fun for people in first-world countries. But for people in poorer countries -- unless you can make Laundry Balls out of cheap, locally-available materials, assist people in setting up local, successful businesses around Laundry Ball construction and dissemination, and evenly distribute Laundry Balls to the population so as not to privilege one group over another, you're just going to create more problems for those whom you're trying to help. Sorry. Cool ball, though -- I want one. This ball might be fun for people in first-world countries. But for people in poorer countries — unless you can make Laundry Balls out of cheap, locally-available materials, assist people in setting up local, successful businesses around Laundry Ball construction and dissemination, and evenly distribute Laundry Balls to the population so as not to privilege one group over another, you’re just going to create more problems for those whom you’re trying to help. Sorry. Cool ball, though — I want one.

]]> By: AirPillo http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709425 AirPillo Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709425 It's probably a pretty bad idea to pitch something as a receptacle for soiled clothing <i>and</i> drinking water. It’s probably a pretty bad idea to pitch something as a receptacle for soiled clothing and drinking water.

]]> By: Pirate http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709681 Pirate Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709681 Re: clothes dryer, <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50095091">Ikea already makes one that would go with this</a>. I have 2 (apartment dweller) & don't use the drying machines @ the laundromat (except for sheets & the odd rush job). If it got my clothes clean, I'd totally use this ball. Save me laundry quarters as well as the 'lectricity to run the machine, as well as give me a walk around the block. Past the halfway house and the early-morning-drinking-club that meets down the corner... Re: clothes dryer, Ikea already makes one that would go with this. I have 2 (apartment dweller) & don’t use the drying machines @ the laundromat (except for sheets & the odd rush job).

If it got my clothes clean, I’d totally use this ball. Save me laundry quarters as well as the ‘lectricity to run the machine, as well as give me a walk around the block.

Past the halfway house and the early-morning-drinking-club that meets down the corner…

]]> By: Gilbert Wham http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709682 Gilbert Wham Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709682 These aren't new. There was a similar device in the '70s/'80s (only it was bright orange, natch). Used to have one on my bus. We'd put the washing in it & hurl it about the place till it was done. These aren’t new. There was a similar device in the ’70s/’80s (only it was bright orange, natch). Used to have one on my bus. We’d put the washing in it & hurl it about the place till it was done.

]]> By: pattycakes http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709175 pattycakes Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709175 Now, why didn't I think of that? Now, why didn’t I think of that?

]]> By: grimc http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709177 grimc Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709177 How much water does it hold? 1 cubic foot = 60 lbs. Standard washing machines start at 2 cubic feet. How long will the fun last pushing around a big ball filled with 120 lbs of water? Are there bearings to make the pushing easier? Is the better target poor people in developing countries or 1st worlders with disposable incomes and storage space to stick this when they get bored with it? How much water does it hold? 1 cubic foot = 60 lbs. Standard washing machines start at 2 cubic feet. How long will the fun last pushing around a big ball filled with 120 lbs of water? Are there bearings to make the pushing easier? Is the better target poor people in developing countries or 1st worlders with disposable incomes and storage space to stick this when they get bored with it?

]]> By: grimc http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709433 grimc Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709433 @The Chemist Sounds about right. But I wonder if the extra small load you use as an example would be big enough for one person who is doing the wash for a family of three. Would the washer have to do multiple loads? It also just occurred to me: No brakes. What if you want to take water back to your house up the hill? @The Chemist

Sounds about right. But I wonder if the extra small load you use as an example would be big enough for one person who is doing the wash for a family of three. Would the washer have to do multiple loads?

It also just occurred to me: No brakes. What if you want to take water back to your house up the hill?

]]> By: arborman http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709178 arborman Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709178 Do we need a second ball for the rinse cycle? Do we need a second ball for the rinse cycle?

]]> By: Ellavemia http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709181 Ellavemia Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709181 I know I want one! As for developing countries, it sure beats carrying water in a jug on your head and pounding clothes with a stone. It has a handle like a push-mower. I would think it would save them a lot of backbreaking effort. I know I want one!

As for developing countries, it sure beats carrying water in a jug on your head and pounding clothes with a stone. It has a handle like a push-mower. I would think it would save them a lot of backbreaking effort.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709698 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709698 someone else noted what popped into my mind--it's a neat idea, but it's a solution that in some cultures would remove them from the social aspect of their chores. Make things easier, yes, but likely to fail. someone else noted what popped into my mind–it’s a neat idea, but it’s a solution that in some cultures would remove them from the social aspect of their chores. Make things easier, yes, but likely to fail.

]]> By: Chocolatey Shatner http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709196 Chocolatey Shatner Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709196 Actually, something like this was recently featured on <a href="http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/262000/january-18-2010/emily-pilloton">The Colbert Report</a> for the specific purpose of water transport. But I think it would be a great idea: take a walk and wash a load at the same time! Actually, something like this was recently featured on The Colbert Report for the specific purpose of water transport. But I think it would be a great idea: take a walk and wash a load at the same time!

]]> By: wrecksdart http://boingboing.net/2010/02/09/a-munich-based-desig.html#comment-709710 wrecksdart Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-709710 Not to mention—why shouldn't the first world use this? We use the most energy, generate the most waste, and generally try to tell the poorer nations how they can get it right. Why isn't it targeted to the rich nations instead? Oh, that's right, it's because we'd never purchase such an object where we have to do the work instead of letting electricity take care of it for us. Not to mention—why shouldn’t the first world use this? We use the most energy, generate the most waste, and generally try to tell the poorer nations how they can get it right. Why isn’t it targeted to the rich nations instead? Oh, that’s right, it’s because we’d never purchase such an object where we have to do the work instead of letting electricity take care of it for us.

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