Tag Archives: solar

Business, Electronics, Energy, Environment, Society, Technology

How One Dollar Lights Up Africa – The success of the WakaWaka Solar Lamp

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In the beginning there was light for all – and a little later there was electric light for, well, only some of us: 1.5 billion people still live in darkness. Dutch startup Off-Grid Solutions makes an end to developing countries’ killing kerosene dependency. They want their high-tech, low-cost WakaWaka solar LED lamp to light up Africa ‘like a Christmas tree’.

Via Kickstarter.com, the general public is now enthusiastically pre-ordering WakaWaka´s for 35 dollars each. The minimal support to contribute to their mission is one dollar. Thanks to this innovative way of crowdfunding, WakaWaka grows at the speed of light .And with it, the dream of providing all Africans with a sustainable light solution becomes more real by the minute.

1.5 billion people live off-grid. They depend on kerosene fuel for their basic lighting needs. Annually millions of children suffer severe burns from accidents with kerosene lamps. The toxic fumes cause even more health problems. World Bank reports that each day 780 million women and children inhale the equivalent of two packs of cigarettes as a result of indoor air pollution.

Fuels for lighting take up to 20% of income of people who try to survive on less than $2 a day. This way, the poor stay poor. But there is light at the end of the tunnel: WakaWaka solar LED light.

The WakaWaka (‘Shine Bright’ in Swahili) solar lamp uses the latest in patented solar technology developed by Intivation, allowing for superior charging in any weather conditions.

Each day of free solar charging gives 16 hours of decent reading light. It has different light intensities and fits on a bottle, stimulating recycling and opening up opportunities for joint promotions. Innovative distribution methods will reach even the most remote rural areas. Various accessories (cell phone chargers, radios, etc.) are already in development, which will further enhance livelihood and help people get out of poverty.

Co-founder Camille van Gestel: ‘I genuinely believe that if you can make a difference, you must. I have never done anything with so much passion. The support and inquiries we are receiving for WakaWaka from all over the world are as stimulating as they are heartwarming. We are doing the right thing.’

Let’s hope this new bright light spreads fast, for all and everybody. LED there be light.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/229055906/wakawaka-is-the-coolest-solar-led-light

http://www.wakawakalight.com

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About Off-Grid Solutions
Founded in 2011 by 4 partners: sustainable entrepreneur, inspirator and guru Maurits Groen, hands-on change maker and entrepreneur Camille van Gestel, carbon emissions consultants Do-Inc, experts emerging markets and finally Paul Naastepad seasoned executive in clean tech industry.

 

Home & Garden

Going Green: Energy Efficient Practices You Could Do By Yourself

Have you always been concerned of this planet’s welfare? If yes is your response, you probably have been aware the things you need to do so as to preserve the earth. It will not come as a surprise if you have been striving hard to adhere to different earth saving practices. However, if what you do does not satisfy you that much and you want to upgrade your green living in a whole new level, brace yourself. When it comes to preserving this world that we live in, there will always be so much more you can do. How about saving the earth and saving money at the same time? That is exactly what this manual called Earth4Energy by Michael Harvey will tell you.

Energy efficiency has been a popular save the planet earth campaign. Solar panels are one of the most effective way to save energy. Recently, we have witnessed how experts have successfully mix these panels in our way of life. Then homes with solar panel roofs and cars and other engine depending on solar panels for energy have been hot commodities. But then solar panels are expensive and so people would just rather stick to simple ways of saving energy. The manual Earth4Energy by Michael Harvey will the one to address this issue.

Earth4Energy by Michael Harvey will be teaching you how you could save so much money for solar panel installation. It will teach you how to develop solar panels and install them on your own. Wait. Didn’t you read it right? You? Making solar panels by yourself? Yes you actually read it correctly. It is easier that you thought, Michael Harvey is assuring you that. If DIY projects interest you, then these manual will most likely be your best friend.

Other manuals you may want to refer to for energy saving matters are Green DIY Energy Guide and Power4Home by John Russel. If you find it hard to buy what these guides are claiming, it’s completely understandable. You are probably hearing scams warning bells in your head. But then, if you are curious and you want to get to know these guides more only you’re just not sure about them, try to do a background check about them before cancelling them out. As a start, why don’t you read Green DIY Energy Guide Review at ReviewMOZ.org. Going green is the ultimate way to give back to our planet. You may never be too sure about these guides, whether they could really be helpful or not. The point is only when you dare to take a chance you will know. You won’t get anywhere if you’d just turn your back. Keep in mind that every risk is worth taking if the earth would benefit in the end.

ReviewMOZ.org has product comparisons and customer feedback on several “Do It Yourself” programs including shed building, solar power, woodworking, wind power and others. Look into Woodworking4Home by Ryan Henderson. Read the Woodworking4Home Review and compare it to other DIY project reviews like My Shed Plans Elite at ReviewMOZ.org