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Here at Inhabitat we believe that good design can save the world – and that includes everything from the environment we live in to personal health ^[4]. In fact, our favorite designs are those that balance environmental responsibility with individual well-being by fostering and promoting good health and social sustainability ^[5]. From remarkable advances in the field of medicine ^[6] to innovative products that purify the air we breathe ^[7] and the water we drink ^[8], read on for seven designs for a healthier, happier life.

The ANDREA Air Purifier ^[7]

Le Laboratoire’s ANDREA air purifier is a perfect union between nature and science, and accelerates plants’ natural ability to filter the air around us. The ANDREA is 1,000 times more effective than a normal houseplant at filtering the air ^[9] inside your home, and creating a healthier environment for both you and your family.

Lifestraw Water Purification System ^[8]

Clean drinking water is one of the single most important factors in maintaining good health – but it’s also a luxury that many of us take for granted. With 3.575 million people ^[10] dying each year from water-related diseases, we’re huge proponents of design solutions that address this reality. The Lifestraw – an icon of humanitarian product design ^[11] – is a small cigar-shaped tube that houses some pretty impressive engineering. When water is drawn through the straw, the mechanism inside it purifies water from potential pathogens like typhoid, cholera, dysentery and diarrhea – all before it reaches your lips.

The Fitbit Exercise and Sleep Tracker ^[12]

Getting plenty of sleep and exercise are two surefire ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but both of these activities are often easier said than done. The National Institute of Health reports ^[13] that studies suggest sleep disorders affect 50 to 70 million Americans – that’s approximately 20 percent of the population. Sleep deprivation can result in both short and long-term health effects, including a weakened immune system, mental disorders, heart attack and depression. Enter the Fitbit – a neat little gadget that makes it easy to track your physical activity ^[14] and your sleep cycles ^[15]. The Fitbit is completely wireless and has a 3-D motion sensor that is far more accurate than a regular pedometer, making it easy to answer questions like: did I get enough exercise today? Or, How many calories did I burn?

Solar-Powered Eye Implant ^[16]

Researchers at Stanford University recently developed a new artificial retina implant that harnesses the power of the sun ^[17] to give sight to the blind. Previous implants were problematic because of the challenges associated with providing a sufficient amount of electricity to the chip, but with the development of miniature photovoltaic cells ^[18], scientists are now able to incorporate this new design into a better implant that gets the job done.

Sit-to-Walkstation Treadmill Desk ^[19]

Did you know that sitting at a desk all day is bad for your health ^[20]? According to a study published by the American Cancer Society ^[21], sedentary lifestyles contribute to obesity, diabetes and mortality. But don’t distress if you work at an office all day – check out the Sit-to-Walkstation treadmill desk ^[19]! This versatile workstation comes complete with an integrated treadmill, so you can sit at it like a normal desk or raise it up and work while standing or walking. It’s a great way to stay mentally and physically limber throughout the day, and multi-taskers are sure to appreciate the opportunity to work out at work.

Bobble Water Filtering Bottle ^[22]

Here at Inhabitat we love reusable water bottles ^[23] – but what happens when you run out of water and don’t have a filtered source to fill’er back up? Enter the Bobble ^[22], a beautiful water bottle designed by Karim Rashid that filters water as you drink, giving you access to fresh and pure H2O anywhere there’s a tap. The carbon filter removes chlorine and organic contaminants and the stylish bottle is BPA-free and comes in six different colors.

The Glucowizzard ^[6]

25.8 million Americans have diabetes and need to keep tabs on their blood sugar level by drawing blood and testing it in a glucose monitor. The Glucowizzard ^[24] is a potentially life-saving device that does away with painful pricks. Instead, an implant the size of a grain of rice is placed under a patient’s skin. The implant monitors glucose levels and relays the information to a solar-powered watch, making life much easier for diabetics. Best of all, the device only needs to be replaced once every year.

This post is brought to you by Mercedes-Benz ^[25]. Every day, we strive to fulfill one simple promise: the best or nothing. Visit MBUSA.com ^[25] to learn more.