Me with the donation barometer, photo taken in Alfred University labs
The last 5 years working on these water filters have been marked by good news followed by better news! So far we have accomplished many major milestones, including proving that the filter is killing bacteria, and ensuring that the water produced is free of harmful chemicals. We have created two generations of research filter that are both meeting microbiological standards. The first generation was called Alfa, and the second generation is called Beta material. We found ways to easily manufacture both of these materials and keep tight controls on quality. We have also made multiple “bench prototypes” which have taught us about how to make a device that is durable and easy to use. I have also been making great strides maturing as a young professional. This week I’ve been putting on my accounting tophat and learning about the different IRS accounting methods, as well as business tax law.
Currently the bench prototype using Beta material is working extremely well, but it is too expensive. The Alfa generation of material is less expensive, but has other problems. It’s hard to predict research timelines, but my best guess is that for at least the next six months, we will work on refining the material. Then we will take those lessons and create a Gamma material. When we finish, we will have a product that is efficient, easily manufactured and inexpensive.
All summer I worked hard painting and doing home repairs to make enough money to pay for my simple personal life. This left only about 5-10 hours per week to work on the filters. At the end of the summer I realized I did not have enough money saved to allow me to stop making income and just concentrate on the filters. I’m not released to do the work, because the need to make enough money to support my family has taken me away from it.
The way I’ve structured my life and the Triton Ceramics company is perfect for the next steps on this technology development odyssey. I do not have any work commitments outside of the filters, and I can easily slide into working on them full time. Also, since I don’t have any employees, overhead, or financial commitments that Triton Ceramics needs to meet, the research can continue at its own pace. We don’t need to rush out and start producing filters to pay the bills. Because we are going at the right speed, we can get everything right. It would be very costly to start manufacturing and then run into an issue that takes months to solve, while our people are being paid and everyone is waiting around until a solution is found. It’s like barbecue. The more patient you are, the more time you have to cook those meats into the most juicy and delicious meal. Apologies to my vegetarian readers.
For the last 3 weeks or so I have been asking for support from people that I’ve encountered. So far in those weeks I have received $7707! We only need a little more from a few of you to complete our goal of $10K. Every little bit counts!
Why would you want to donate? Because you are supporting a socially responsible technology, and you are helping make peace in the world. This work is life affirming and takes away the occasion for war. You are also contributing to support me, a young adult adventuring down a positive nonviolent career path. Having another healthy young professional engaged in the work of the community is something we can all support.
Many thanks to the people who have generously donated to this campaign so far: Keith and Suzanne Blackburn, Ted and Debra First, Gay Howard, Alfred Monthly Meeting, Friends Peace Teams, John Edminster, Farmington Scipio Regional Meeting’s Conscience and War committee, Evelyn Kennenwood, Daniel and Kathryn Slining-Haynes, Jens and Spee Braun, Charles Mohler, Loraine Hoyt, and John Fitzgerald.
Make donations to Alfred Friends Meeting, P.O. Box 773, Alfred NY 14802. Alfred Friends Meeting has decided to support me personally through the next few months.