The U.S. government shutdown 2013 is costing taxpayers an estimated $300 million dollars a day, according to HIS Global Insight. This cost just covers the economic loss from government worker furloughs. However, if the United States spent this $300 million on resources and technology for the developing world instead, this is what could be done:

• 150,000,000 life straws could be distributed, which would provide direct clean drinking water to developing countries.

• 6,000,000 starving children could receive Plumpy’nut, a malnutrition supplement, for two months.

• 4,000,000 Hippo Rollers, a wheelbarrow like water carrying system could be delivered to developing countries, allowing for water to be carried more efficiently and preventing injury from carrying water.

• 545,454,545 Unijet vaccines, disposable vaccines that avoid reuse of unsterile needles, could be provided – they are so simple to use that they require no training to administer.

• 15,000,000,000 Peepooples disposable waste bags that quickly turn waste into biodegradable material could be distributed. Peepooples prevent waste spreading and contaminating environments.

Keep in mind, this is estimated with just one day of losses from the government shutdown.

– Nicole Yancy

Sources: NBC News, Tree Hugger: Clean Water, Tree Hugger: Hippo Water Roller, PeePoople, WHO, Independent
Photo: International Business Times