This little solar light of mine . . .

Idea exchange
June 2007

This little solar light of mine . . .
It's a simple tool on the packing list of every 13-year-old heading off the camp this summer, but it has the power to improve safety, education, health, the environment, and local economies in the developing world. It's a flashlight. But no ordinary flashlight can accomplish all this; only the BoGo Light, a solar-powered flashlight, aims to brighten the dark corners of the world in an efficient, environmentally-friendly, and affordable way.

After spending 20 years in Africa as a U.S. Marine, diplomat, and oil company executive, Mark Bent, founder of SunNight Solar Enterprises , decided he needed to help people light up the developing world. "I just couldn't walk away from it," Bent told Houston's local Fox affiliate. "I believe that God wants me to do this."

According to his website, 2 billion people or one-third of the world, use kerosene lanterns, candles, and regular flashlight for light. These sources of light are bad for the environment. About 52 kerosene lamps equal one car in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, and single-use batteries cause groundwater contamination. Smoke from lamps or fires can cause respiratory problems and cancer. And these sources of lights are expensive: Families can spend up to $10 a month on lighting, which is a third of their income for those earning a $1 a day.

A solar-powered flashlight, on the other hand, can last 20 years and uses rechargeable batteries that last about two years. It provides four to five hours of light after being charged for eight hours. It also uses LED light bulbs, which are brighter than traditional lights, last longer, and require little power, allowing people to study more effectively and travel safely at night.

Solar-powered flashlights are already used in orphanages and UN refugee camps, as well as with U.S. soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Missionary groups and international non-profits working with children or on health and education distribute the lights. Oil companies ExxonMobil, Perenco, Noble Energy have also bought lights in bulk for their community assistance programs.

The flashlights are also useful for individuals in the developed world, whether for camping or for emergencies. For that reason, Bent came up with the idea of BoGo: Buy one, give one. For $25, you can buy one for yourself and also send one to your chosen organization. You can sign up to offer two lights a month ($50 a month) to your chosen organization. BoGo Light will match donations, flashlight for flashlight.

Bent's next project is solar-powered water purifiers.—Megan Sweas

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