UN Sustainable Development Goals Addressed

  • Goal 3: Good Health & Wellbeing

  • Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities

  • Goal 12: Responsible Production & Consumption

  • Goal 13: Climate Action

2016 Global Design Challenge Finalist

This design concept was developed by participants in the Institute’s Global Design Challenge. The descriptions below are from the team’s competition entry materials.

Location: Eugene, OR, United States
Team members: Alison Lewis, Casey Howard, Matthew Jorgensen

Concept art of drainage system
Image: Project Team / Living Filtration System / Copyright © - All rights reserved

Innovation Details

The earthworm’s digestive system and the human small intestine inspired a University of Oregon team to develop a biomimetic drainage system that keeps nutrients in the soil rather than leaving the field in runoff, decreases the amount of fertilizer needed, and improves soil health over time.