Q&A: Snapping the scourge of unsafe drinking water
This week we chat to Ellie McGovern, founder alongside partner Dylan of Project PARGO. Originally conceived during while spearfishing using the locals in El Salvador (Pargo means snapper in Spanish), the social enterprise sells insulated coffee cups and water bottles with the proceeds going to provide clean, safe drinking water to people across the developing world.
EM: Project PARGO was born on the road, in the back of our beloved 4×4 camper, amongst a little village, where clean water doesn't come simple and easy , single-use pollution is as thick as always. Having spent years residing in some of the world’s most remote and poverty-stricken villages, we learnt the reality, clean water is life, and, unfortunately, not everybody has clean drinking water. This moment of realisation made us ask ourselves how we could get people at home to help these amazing humans and countless others we'd met along the way. That's why most significantly every PARGO sold helps an individual in need gain access to clean water.
EM: With every PARGO purchased, a person in need will access clean drinking water for five+ years. We all do this through implementing and teaching the Sawyer 0.1 micron filtration systems, which are a fast-flow, gravity-fed water filter. We buy the filters through our partner Waves For Water, who assist us in connecting with villages in need of assistance.
EM: Definitely the product development phase. We were adamant in
creating a unique range of premium products that not only looked incredible but
were functional for every day use. We knew that having our message retold from
our customers could be crucial for the success of Project PARGO. Making sure
our products were of the highest-quality, a pleasure to use and drink from,
suited for both men and women, were made from zero-plastic packaging and
working with a manufacturer that complied with all of our fair trade
requirements, brought an array of challenges – all of which we are proud to
have overcome before the launch of Project PARGO.
EM: Our co-branding model works in the same manner our giving works with
customers purchasing PARGO products. Being able to connect with other
businesses, clubs and organisations who share exactly the same values as we do is definitely an
amazing opportunity for us to help spread awareness about the clean water
crisis and, in turn, implement more water filters for people in need.
It's humbling to watch our PARGO partners share with their community the
positivity behind reducing unnecessary single-use plastics and helping those who work in
need.
EM: More filters implemented, more products
designed and more PARGO adventures. Taking small but solid steps, we will
continue to work with Waves for Water in providing as many people in need
access to clean water, designing and building exciting new PARGO products that
will enhance your day-to-day living. And, of-course, testing our products in
the wild ourselves.
We will also continue to expand our wholesale and
co-brand partners, nationally and internationally.
EM: As cliched because it sounds, trust your gut and don't let fear get in
the way (it nearly happened to us). If you’re considering product development,
know your space inside and outside, do not settle for second best. It requires time, just
don't give up.