Orange Sky is a non-profit organization that provides mobile laundry and shower services to homeless and individuals in need of support. They operate customized vans equipped with washing machines and dryers, allowing people experiencing homelessness to access clean clothes and hygiene facilities. Their mission is to restore dignity and build connections within the homeless community.
Nonetheless, a significant challenge Orange Sky encountered was the setup of their van canopy. It was a privilege to join forces with Orange Sky and Group 6 teammates to collectively address and resolve this particular issue.
Addressing the challenge of the canopy setup, an innovative solution emerged: shifting away from mobile vans to adopting a storage container equipped with showers, washing machines, and dryers. This approach resolves various issues by offering ample space for around four machines and storage. Furthermore, incorporating two showers within the container ensures individuals can not only have clean clothes but also a refreshed body.
You might be curious about the mechanics and appearance of this solution. Allow me to introduce our proposed concept.
Australian households consume 30,000 litres monthly (equiv. to 1,000 litres daily). A 10-minute shower wastes 40L per person, adding to the daily 160–200L household use. Introducing Orbital showers!
Orbital showers merges luxury with water-saving tech. These offer lavish flow while minimizing waste, addressing water scarcity. Smart sensors monitor water quality, allowing efficient recirculation. Microwave filters & UV purification maintain exceptional cleanliness, beating regular showers. Reheating 10-min shower uses just 1.5 kWh, vs. 5 kWh in standard household showers. For those in need, this provides clean clothes on a clean body.
Additionally, adding a filtered water system from the shower to the washing machines will save more energy and water. Washing machines add up to a quarter of household wastewater, approximately 40-224L per wash. Repurposing shower water curbs waste, aiding those in need. Greywater tech supplies filters for daily recycling. Australian design allows versatile setup, using shower water for washing machines. Greywater enters inlet, passes coarse filter, fills tank, triggering pump to send water to washing machines.
Here are some more interesting facts!
In summary, the combined approach of container-based laundry and Orbital showers not only addresses practical challenges but also aligns with Orange Sky's core mission of providing dignity, support, and improved well-being to homeless individuals. It improves service quality, resource efficiency, sustainability, and community engagement, ultimately amplifying the organization's impact on the lives of those they serve.
