Inhabitat

If this type of buy one give one program could be implemented for lifestraw http://www.lifestraw.com/. we in the “developed” countries could go a long way towards solving the persistent problems of non-developed countries.

girl geek: I agree with you, however you will notice the flashlight has a hook on the top. this is to adress you second concern. The hook allows the flashlight to be hung in a hut and shine light down for activities requiring two hands. Your other two points are very valid however. What distresses me most is the lack of mention of the LRC , the Lighting Research Center, on the bogolight website. I had the pleasure of handling one of the prototypes of this flashlight and talking to students who worked on it, they were very clever and deserve recognition for their hardwork. Either their design was ripped off, or the sponsor CEO decided to take all the credit.

Good point girlgeek. Really good points.

Hmmm.
I would like to commend the efforts of such a project. It is without a doubt that there is much need for such things in the developing world. However, this is not a new project as the company seems to proudly boast. There are a number of efforts currently in place to address lighting concerns. Probably the initiative came from lutw.org.

Also, all of Girlgeek’s points are valid. She is right by stating that charity is the wrong approach. Problems generally cannot be solved by handouts. When you introduce a seemingly better something for free, it undermines the existing economic infrastructure that is already in place. The point is that there are many people making a living selling kerosene, lanterns, candles, etc. They are working for their livelihood. When a wash of free replacements comes around, it has a great potential to adversely affect their earnings. A better approach may be to source the lights to people who need them through the pre-existing infrastructure of kerosene sales. Get local people to sell these lights instead of kerosene. Have people buy them to help stimulate local economies and have more pride in what they purchase. A hand-out never has as much value as something that is earned.

The hook: it’s an OK approach, but it’s just so limiting. How about some other options as to how this light can be oriented? A headlamp seems like it would do more for many working/detailed tasks.

“How would you lock them down?” There has to be at least a dozen ways to do that. It’s not too much to ask for. This problem and others can be solved through the design process of the light. This is a good first try. A second effort is sure to be better.

Girlgeek has some good points. However, if you intend to sell them rather than giving them away, you run into the issue of even a relatively small price being an insurmountable barrier to some of the poorest people. Remember that in some places even one or two US dollars would be a high price and to be properly “economic” the light would have to be sold at least at cost (meaning $4-10 including distribution). Also, you have to look at what you are competing against. Kerosene is inherently hazardous, both in regards to fires and to a lesser extent to harmful fumes. This kind of product will certainly reduce the number of burn injuries. In some areas trees are being cut down for light and fuel. This “free” resource is however very limited and is under great pressure from overuse. Even though this would not stop wood from being used for cooking fuel, it would reduce it’s need for lighting.

dear sir,
am in ghana and wil like to be your agent here in ghana,especially of your solar product.this is where i may be reached 233206230027. hopping to here from you soon.