Chosen by Popular Science as 2010 Innovation of the Year, Groasis Waterboxx is an irrigation device that protects and waters trees during their critical first year of growth. Users fill the 4-gallon box just once, and the newly planted tree receives water for the entire year. The design creates and contains condensation, which keeps the water from evaporating. A wick drips about two ounces of water into the sapling’s roots daily.

$275 for 10 boxes; made of polypropylene, they’re reusable and last about 10 years. A biodegradable version is also available – made of Ecopure, it can be used once only and then provides nourishment to the tree as it decomposes.

In addition to growing trees in the desert, it can also be used to help: revive fire-ravaged lands in the U.S., grow acacias in the savanna of Kenya, cork oaks in arid Spain, as well as veggies like pumpkins and eggplants in dry ecosystems. more @ groasis.com.