The problem:

1.5 billion people worldwide use kerosene to light their homes.

The World Bank estimates that 780 million women and children breathing the particulate laden kerosene fumes inhale the equivalent of smoke from 2 packs of cigarettes a day. Two thirds of adult female lung cancer victims in developing countries are non-smokers.

Fuel-based lighting in the developing world is a source of 244 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

The solution:

Light up the World Foundation in Canada has been using an innovative solution. They install small solar cells which power light emitting diode (LED) lights in homes in developing countries. The LED lights are very rugged and will last 30-40 years in typical use. They are very efficient and unlike compact fluorescent bulbs, don't contain mercury. The cost is typically less than the homeowner would spend on fuel in one year. (If you're not familiar with LED lights, these are what are used in those small key ring lights, except that instead of one bulb, several bulbs are used in a fixture.)

All that's needed is a single small solar cell (about 5 watts) like this one being put on the roof of a house. (photo: lutw.org)

LUTW has installed these lights in many countries including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico and Bolivia. They have proven to be an ideal solution to set up lighting in tsunami refugee camps in Sri Lanka.

This is a great example of finding a simple, yet powerful solution to a problem that can make all the difference in the world.

 (photo: lutw.org)

LUTW's goal is ambitious: to reach 2 billion people worldwide that have inadequate lighting. To learn more, or to donate, please visit Light up the World Foundation.