liter of light

Bike of Light Event

Isang Litrong Liwanag (A Liter of Light) is a sustainable energy project of the My Shelter Foundation, which “envisions sharing to underprivileged communities an economically – and ecologically sustainable source of light that will provide an immediate solution” to power shortages. Its immediate aim? To provide solar energy to 1 million families without electricity in the Philippines by the end of 2012.

Millions of people in the Philippines lack access to electricity, and those who do have it, the organization says, often have faulty systems that lead to dangerous fires. In response, Isang Litrong Liwanag is working to provide the Solar Bottle Bulb to homes in the country. They do this by helping local governments provide the technology throughout the country.

The Solar Bottle Bulb is a new innovation that CNN describes as: “Fixed into holes in a corrugated iron roof, the ‘bulb’ is a recycled plastic bottle that contains bleached water. Bringing more light than a traditional window that can crack or leak during typhoon season, the bottle bulbs refract the sun’s rays to create 55-watts worth of light…The bottle bulb was inspired by engineer Amy Smith, from the D-Lab in MIT.”

So, these bulbs are not merely a source of solar energy. They are also a means of putting plastic waste to use. And plastic waste is a huge source of pollution in landfills and in the ocean. Making light bulbs out of the waste is one innovative way of rerouting waste to serve a green cause.

You can see how it works in the promo video here:

If you’re looking for an easy and straightforward charity to support, give this one a shot. It’s a simple idea – and it provides an immediate impact. Plus, it’s not only renewable, but low in cost. CNN reports that the Solar Bottle Bulbs “are sold and installed for around $1 per piece.”  In other words, $1 goes a long way for Isang Litrong Liwanag.

What are some other examples of creative renewable energy?

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