Gravity light: the light bulb that works with the force of gravity and does not require electricity
Palliative measure can help study children in poor countries
In a world where nearly 1 billion people live without electricity, thousands of families still depend on the obsolete kerosene lamp whenever the sun goes down. When thinking about it, the independent company gravitylight he thought of a force that never "sleeps": gravity.
The members of the company created the lamp that is intended to be a palliative solution, but at the same time very useful. THE gravitylight it is driven with a weight of 25 pounds (just over 11 kilograms), which could be a bag of sand, some rocks or something else. The object is then lifted using a beaded rope, and once the top is reached, simply release it to have illumination for a period of 20 or 30 minutes per cycle. Once the period is over, just pull the string again.
The project initially focuses on poor countries, but intends to reach more than 30 countries in its second phase. According to the manufacturers, the GravityLight 2 it has more autonomy, is brighter and can also remain lit between cycles (moments when it is necessary to suspend the weight again).
The news GravityLights they will also be manufactured directly where they are most needed, which should lower costs and create jobs in those countries — particularly in Kenya.
Cost benefit
Traditional kerosene lamps are considered a risk to users and the environment in general. In addition to the obvious fire hazard (given the highly flammable nature of the fuel), these lanterns also release potentially carcinogenic gases into the air.
According to the gravitylight, currently 780 million women and children inhale an amount of kerosene equivalent to smoking 40 cigarettes a day. In addition, it is estimated that, collectively, that burning fuel is responsible for approximately 3% of CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions on the planet, with the production of the so-called "black carbon", making the situation even more worrying in localities that depend on that source.
Finally, the use of kerosene still represents a considerable economic hole among the poorest populations. According to the company, the fuel consumes around 30% of the monthly expenses of these families, while the gravitylight can be purchased for $10.
THE GravityLight 2 collects funds collectively. To learn more about it, click here.
Source: EcoD
