Credit: Sologic

Imagine hiking on a path knowing there’s a tree that will put you in touch with the world.

The Sologic eTree is a public space made from 100 percent sustainable materials, that provides rest, shade, free WiFi and a place to cool your water.

“The eTree is like a tent open on all sides and gives without asking for anything. It says come, sit down in the shade, and provides solar energy for cooling water, charging your batteries, and connects you to the universe with WiFi,” Israeli entrepreneur Michael Lasry told From the Grapevine.

Lasry said its distinctive design is based on the southern Israeli acacia, a species of desert tree that grows near pockets of underground water and can provide ample shade.

To mimic the acacia’s relationship with water, one of the eTree’s chief functions is a fountain that uses solar energy to cool water for anyone passing by. Dew and runoff from the fountain collect in a basin, acting as a water trough for animals.

The concept for eTree came from Lasry’s work on residential solar panel systems. But as consumer costs skyrocketed, he quickly realized […]