A single product can spark real change. In Kenya, Pregis’ Jason Parsons witnessed how Uzima water filters deliver clean water, hope, and resilience to families facing daily water insecurity. Every Pregis Inspyre™ purchase helps fund this mission, proving that even the smallest contribution can transform lives and strengthen communities.
Beginning the Journey
The Pregis Inspyre™ portfolio does more than protect products. It creates real-world change beyond the supply chain. As a 1% for the Planet member, one percent of every Inspyre purchase helps fund the Uzima Clean Water Mission, providing life-changing water filters to communities in need and those recovering from natural disasters.
In August 2024, Pregis Foam-in-Place Category Manager Jason Parsons joined a group of Pregis employees traveling to Kenya to support the Uzima Clean Water Mission. He expected a meaningful volunteer trip, but what he didn’t anticipate was how deeply it would shift his perspective on clean water access, community strength and the real impact the Inspyre portfolio supports.
Delivering Hope, One Filter at a Time
From day one, the team traveled to remote villages delivering water filters directly to households. Many of the homes they visited were small structures with no electricity, sometimes shared by multiple generations living in a single room. Others were more conventional. Despite the differences, one constant was impossible to ignore. Every household faced water insecurity. Families rely on unsafe water sources, including polluted runoff, contaminated rainwater, or, when they have the means, purchased water treated so heavily with bleach that it causes skin irritation.
of waterborne bacteria and provides up to 10 years of clean water for a household of 6 to 10 people
Yet despite these challenges, Jason saw resilience, hope and extraordinary generosity. Families welcomed the Pregis team with warmth. Children laughed and played. Communities took pride in their homes. People expressed deep gratitude for the filters and encouraged the group to keep going, to reach more homes and more families. For many, a filter meant the first consistent source of clean drinking water. One Uzima Filter eliminates 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria and provides up to 10 years of clean water for a household of 6 to 10 people.
Resilience after disaster
That resilience was even more visible when the group visited a village recently devastated by flooding. Homes were partially washed away, yet families continued living in what remained. Witnessing their determination and collective effort to rebuild was both heartbreaking and inspiring. As Jason shared, seeing the community come together despite such loss revealed extraordinary strength.
Purpose Behind the Product
Returning home, Jason saw the launch of the new Pregis Inspyre™ Foam-in-Place film through a different lens. It was no longer just a product introduction, but a direct connection to the people and places he had met in Kenya.
Reflecting on the experience, Jason shared, “I didn’t bring any special expertise, just a willingness to help. What mattered most was being present and doing the work. Every task mattered. Now the biggest contribution I can make is sharing my experience with others.”
When asked what he wants people to know about Inspyre and Uzima’s work, he emphasized the importance of every contribution.
“Every dollar counts. The nonprofit runs lean, focuses on impact, and all donations directly support meaningful work. It's truly a worthwhile charity."
Jason returned to Kenya this year, this time with his wife, continuing to stay connected to the mission that gave new meaning to his work at Pregis.
Inspired by Jason's journey? Visit to learn how you can contribute to providing life-saving clean water to communities in need.
“Every dollar counts. The nonprofit runs lean, focuses on impact, and all donations directly support meaningful work. It's truly a worthwhile charity."
About Uzima
The Uzima Clean Water Mission is a non-profit organization that helps provide clean water to communities across the world with a water filtration system. By using Uzima's filters people are able to collect contaminated water and turn it into clean, potable water.
About 1% for the Planet
Uzima contributions are verified by 1% for the Planet®, an internationally recognized certifying body. This certification ensures funds go directly to vetted environmental nonprofits - confirming that every contribution is credible and impactful.
