Bringing Safe Solar Powered LED Lights to Bomba, Belize
Recently, the village of Bomba in Belize took a huge step forward in technology with help from the Austin, TX-based U. S. organization Grid Earth, also known as GEAR. GEAR’s mission is to bring in reusable and sustainable solar LED light technology that will eliminate the use of kerosene in homes and to aid in the economic growth of their village partners.
Austin, TX (PRWEB) January 7, 2011
Recently, the village of Bomba in Belize took a huge step forward in technology with help from the Austin, TX-based U. S. organization Grid Earth, also known as GEAR. GEAR’s mission is to bring in reusable and sustainable solar LED light technology that will eliminate the use of kerosene in homes and to aid in the economic growth of their village partners.
Previously, the people of Bomba, as well as thousands of underdeveloped areas use kerosene to read and eat by at night. Kerosene is a flammable liquid used in lamps to provide light, and not only is it highly inefficient, the noxious fumes can lead to a variety of ailments. Kerosene lamps cause countless deaths by burns, fires, and suffocations. Indoor air pollution often results in illness and death. In developing nations, acute respiratory infection, influenza and pneumonia caused by kerosene exposure kill over 1 million people annually, over 60% of whom are under age 14.
GEAR brought in 50 solar lights which was enough to light every home in Bomba. The lights have small solar panels that can be installed on the roof or sit in the window that will charge a par 45 size LED lamp. The lamp is big enough to light up a 10 foot square room. The lamp charges by day, and gives up to 10 hours of use at night on the low setting. Or it will produce approximately 5 hours of light on a high setting which is suitable for reading. The lamps will last for many years to come and the average lifespan of the solar charged battery is estimated to be about 2 years. The village can sustain these lamps from the resulted savings of up to 75% over the cost of kerosene.
But the story does not stop here. GEAR will be further stimulating the economy of the village by buying the products of the skilled craftsman in Bomba to bring back to the U. S. for sale worldwide. Sales of their crafts will fund the next trip to a village in Belize to bring light, and the cycle will repeat itself. And, people worldwide will be privileged to own a well crafted and personalized product from the people in Bomba.
GEAR plans to keep in touch with Bomba to ensure that the lights are sustained and to continue the economic relationship.
A winning combination that improves the lives of all involved, promotes safer and healthier living conditions, creates economic prosperity and provides additional educational opportunities.
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