Liter of Light: Difference between revisions

|name name = Litre Of Light

|logo logo = [[File:Logo of Liter of Light .png|200px]]

| motto =

| type = [[Social Enterprise organization|Social Enterpriseenterprise]], [[Interest group]]

| founded = =

| location = {{unbulleted list|[[Manila]], [[Philippines]] (global headquarters)|[[Switzerland]] (European coordination)|[[Colombia]] (South American coordination)}} Pakistan

| key_people = {{unbulleted list|Illac Diaz (founder)|}}

| services = Affordable and sustainable light

| homepage = {{URL|www.aliteroflight.org}}

'''Liter of Light''' is an [[open source]] design for a low-cost [[light tube]] (or [[deck prism]] or [[vault light]]) that refracts solar light to provide daytime interior lighting for dwellings with thin roofs. [[Daylighting (architecture)|Daylighting]] is cheaper than using indoor electric lights during the day. The device is simple: a transparent [[two-liter bottle]] is filled with water plus a little bleach to inhibit [[algae|algal growth]] and fitted into a hole in a roof. The device functions like a [[deck prism]]: during [[daytime]] the water inside the bottle refracts sunlight, delivering about as much light as a 40–60 watt [[incandescent bulb]] to the interior. A properly installed solar bottle can last up to 5 years.<ref name="Inhabitat">{{cite web|url=http://inhabitat.com/mit-students-install-10000-revolutionary-solar-bottle-lamps-in-manila-slums/ |title=10,000 Dirt Cheap and Life-Altering Plastic Lamps Installed in Manila Slums &#124; Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building |publisher=Inhabitat |date= 29 July 2011|accessdate=2012-10-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/video/2011/07/11/bringing-light-to-the-poor-one-liter-at?videoId=216968892 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715224707/http://uk.reuters.com/video/2011/07/11/bringing-light-to-the-poor-one-liter-at?videoId=216968892 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-07-15 |title=Bringing light to the poor, one liter at a time &#124; Video &#124; Reuters.com |publisher=Uk.reuters.com |date= |accessdate=2012-10-04}}</ref>

The use of plastic bottles in this way to provide indoor lighting from daylight was developed by [[Alfredo Moser]] of Brazil.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23536914 BBC News article about Alfredo Moser and his invention]</ref> Using the technology as a social enterprise was first launched in the Philippines by Illac Diaz under the My Shelter Foundation in April 2011.<ref name="riomatters.wordpress.com">{{cite web|url=http://riomatters.wordpress.com/2012/06/06/1-liter-of-light-by-ami-valdemoro/ |title=A Liter of Light Goes a Long Way (by Ami Valdemoro) &#124; Harvard Students Talk Rio+20 |publisher=Riomatters.wordpress.com |date=2012-06-06 |accessdate=2013-08-13}}</ref> In order to help the idea to grow sustainably, Diaz implemented a “local"local entrepreneur”entrepreneur" business model whereby bottle bulbs are assembled and installed by local people, who can earn a small income for their work. Within months, the organization expanded from one carpenter and one set of tools in one community in San Pedro, Laguna, expanded the organization to 15,000 solar bottle bulb installations in 20twenty cities and provinces around the Philippines, and began to inspire local initiatives around the world.<ref name="A Litre of Light">{{cite web|url=http://unfccc.int/secretariat/momentum_for_change/items/6638.php |title=A Litre of Light |publisher=Unfccc.int |date= |accessdate=2012-10-04}}</ref> MyShelter Foundation also established a training center that conducts workshops with youth, business companies, and other groups who are interested in volunteering their time to build lights in their communities.

In less than a year since inception, over 200,000 bottle bulbs were installed in communities around the world. Liter of Light hashad a goal to light up 1 million homes by the end of 2015.<ref name="inhabitat.com">{{cite web|url=http://inhabitat.com/a-liter-of-light-aims-to-illuminate-1-million-homes-with-plastic-solar-bottle-bulbs/ |title="A Liter of Light" Aims to Illuminate 1 Million Homes With Plastic Solar Bottle Bulbs &#124; Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building |publisher=Inhabitat |date=2012-03-23 |accessdate=2012-10-04}}</ref>

[[File:Liter_of_Light_cross_section.svg|thumb|upright|Cross-section schematic of a Liter of Light solar bottle:<br/>

Most1.5-liter ofbottles are the plasticsize bottlesmost usedcommonly arereused recycledfor 1lighting.5 liter bottles. After being filled with water and a little bleach, the bottle is pushed through a steel sheet that serves as a metal lock to prevent it from slipping. It is then embedded into a corrugated iron roof. A small part of the bottle is left outside while the rest of it protrudes into the house. Sealant is put around the hole made in the roof to keep it weather proof. The refractive properties of water ensures that the light from the sun that reaches the inside of the bottle becomes omni-directional mimicking an electric light bulb and emitting the same amount of light as a 40–60&nbsp;W incandescent bulb depending on the amount of solar [[insolation]] available. Adding bleach to the water prevents it from turning green with algae and ensures a high quality light keeping the water clear for a longer time. In order to facilitate use of the invention through open source mechanisms, step-by-step guides on materials and installation are available online.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYTIYUUK70I |title=How to Build a Solar Bottle Bulb 2.0 ( Updated English Version) |publisher=YouTube |date=2011-09-03 |accessdate=2012-10-04}}</ref>

Liter of Light Bangladesh was started by Shanjidul Alam Seban Shaan under Lights Foundation in 2015 working on bottle light project in [[Chittagong]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hifipublic.com/2015/05/13/how-to-bottle-light-light-up-your-house-for-free/ |title=Feature: Bottle Light: Light Up Your House For Free! |publisher=hifipublic.com |date=2015-05-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Theyweb|url=http://suprobhat.com/%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%B8-%E0%A6%AB%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%89%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A1%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B6%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A5%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%B2/|title=লাইটস madeফাউন্ডেশনের theসাথে localলিটার versionঅব ofলাইট bottleযুক্তরাষ্ট্রের lightচুক্তিস্বাক্ষর named 'Botol Bati' which costs around 2-2.5 USDSuprobhat and sustains for 4–5 yearsBangladesh|website=suprobhat.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-29}}</ref> TheirThey R&Dmade department working on thea local night version of the bottle light whichcalled can'Botol light up remote areas like [[Sundarbans]], [[CoxBati's Bazar]] [[Kutubdia Upazila]], [[Khagrachari District]] etc. where electricity is not available sufficiently, which willcosts costaround less$2–2.50 than 6 dollars to makeUSD and will sustainlasts for 4–5 years. They aim to spread the awareness aboutof bottle lightlights to the remote areas by training the local school students. Around 44.8045% of Bangladeshi people have no access to electricity, and around 24% of the total population arelive slumin dwellersslums where people use illegal electricity, millions of people live in hilltract areas, where electricity is not available sufficiently;. Lights Foundation's aim is to serve those people.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prothom-alo.com/bangladesh/article/527239/%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A7%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%82%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%87-%E2%80%98%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%B2-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF%E2%80%99 |title=অন্ধকার দূর করতে 'বোতল বাতি' |publisher=prothom-alo.com |date=2015-05-14}}</ref> Lights Foundation became the country partner of Liter of Light by launching Liter of Light Bangladesh officially, and Shanjidul Alam Seban Shaan became the Executive Director.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://suprobhat.com/%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%B8-%E0%A6%AB%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%89%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A1%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B6%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A5%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%B2/|title=লাইটস ফাউন্ডেশনের সাথে লিটার অব লাইট যুক্তরাষ্ট্রের চুক্তিস্বাক্ষর - Suprobhat Bangladesh|website=suprobhat.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-29}}</ref> Liter of Light Bangladesh started spreading the idea in New York and other states.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.prothomalo.com/technology/article/1463916/%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%9C%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF-%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%88%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%87-%E2%80%98%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%AC-%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%9F%E2%80%99|title=সহজে বাতি তৈরিতে 'লিটার অব লাইট'|work=প্রথম আলো|access-date=2018-04-29|language=bn}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.banglanews24.com/national/news/bd/646096.details|title=লিটার অব লাইট বাংলাদেশের অনুষ্ঠান নিউইয়র্কে|last=BanglaNews24.com|work=banglanews24.com|access-date=2018-04-29|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.manobkantha.com/%E0%A6%9A%E0%A6%9F%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%AB-%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%87/|title=চট্টগ্রামের লিটার অফ লাইটের অনুষ্ঠান নিউ ইয়র্কে - Daily Manobkantha|website=manobkantha.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.observerbd.com/details.php?id=132423|title=Giving the Gift of Light hosted in New York - Young Observer - observerbd.com|work=The Daily Observer|access-date=2018-04-29|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thebangladeshpost.com/education/25741|title='Liter of Light BD' hosts event in New York|website=The Bangladesh Post|access-date=2018-04-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://english.kalerkantho.com/online/national/2018/04/04/8880|title=Liter of Light Bangladesh hosts 'Giving the Gift of Light' in New York {{!}} Kaler Kantho|last=Kantho|first=Kaler|work=Kaler Kantho|access-date=2018-04-29|language=bn}}</ref><ref name="The Daily Star">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/bytes/tech-happening/liter-light-bangladesh-hosts-introductory-event-new-york-1558480|title=Liter of Light Bangladesh hosts an introductory event in New York|date=2018-04-05|work=The Daily Star|access-date=2018-04-29|language=en}}</ref>

=== Brazil ===

|url=http://www.eltiempo.com/colombia/boyaca/ARTICULO-WEB-NEW_NOTA_INTERIOR-11164402.html |title=energía solar en Duitama - Colombia Noticias: Actualidad Nacional |publisher=Eltiempo.Com |date= |accessdate=2012-10-04}}</ref> After launching a pilot in Bogota in collaboration with Liter of Light Switzerland in February 2012, a local Bogota organization was created. The first bottles in Bogota were installed in the areas of [[Divino Niño]] and La Colina of Ciudad BolívaBolívar.<ref>{{cite web

}}</ref> The volunteers in Bogota are also working closely with [[Un Techo Para Mi Pais]] to identify areas in need.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.untechoparamipais.org/colombia/sitio/ |accessdate=May 31, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530002143/http://www.untechoparamipais.org/colombia/sitio/ |archivedate=May 30, 2012 |title=Un Techo Para Mi País Colombia }}</ref>

They also presented the idea of Liter of Light to several local NGO´'s in seminars and workshops to reach all the off-grid communities of the country. Recently, their efforts also focused on bringing

In November 2014, PepsiCo announced that they will implement Liter of Light in 3 villages in upper Egypt, with two partners : SunUtions Company for solar solutions and Masr ElKheir organization.<ref>{{cite web|title=بالصور.. "بيبسيكو": نسعى لإنارة القرى الفقيرة في أنحاء مصر|date=12 November 2014|url=http://www.vetogate.com/1322767|publisherwebsite=http://www.vetogate.com}}</ref>

In 2015, Liter of Light France was created. The French branch is developing an important link between pedagogical project in Europe and the international cooperation around the world. The NGO wants in Europe to make the new generation aware of the [[energy poverty]] reality and show that they can have, with a small activity, a huge social and environmental impact. The NGO wants, as well, to deliver the message to developing countries that a new generation all around the world are caring about the World Citizenship. During International cooperation, Liter of Light France is underlining the main philosophies of the movement as technological innovation accessible to everybody, capacity building, and initiatives South-South. The movement in France was started by Olivier Lasbouygues, Paola Sierra and Isabel Rico. {{cn|date=July 2024}}

Inspired by the project of Isang Litrong Liwanag, Liter of Light was introduced to the people of India by Pradeep Chanti.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrL3mXcBPtM |title=A Liter Of Light India |publisher=YouTube |date= |accessdate=2013-08-13}}</ref> The first trial was done in Vikarabad, a rural village in Telangana in 2011. This bulb was successfully installed and is still working. With this experience, the team gradually expanded the concept. Later, Mr. Ranjeet Gakhare, an alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Ms. Bhavana Poppoppu and Mr. Chaitanya Reddy from Cornell University joined Pradeep and expanded the concept to all over India. With the generous help of several NGOs and various organizations, awareness, campaigns and workshops were conducted in various cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Jalpaiguri, Delhi,and etcDelhi. Starting with the one bottle in Vikarabad, the team is not only installing several models in houses of the unprivileged, but also mentoring various other organizations, NGOs, student bodies and the people in need. The demonstration of Liter of Light was conducted at TEDxChristUniversity in November 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1CAtS2zm-4 |title= Wealth from waste: Illac Diaz at TEDxChristUniversity |publisher=YouTube |date= |accessdate=2014-02-20}}</ref> In 2014 it was carried out by Desire Foundation, Bhubaneswar on the coruscating day of Diwali to celebrate the festival of light in a unique style with the underprivileged.

A youth group called Koch Hope has started to install 2L2&nbsp;L PET bottles in the Korogocho slums.<ref name="dailyherald">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20111124/news/711249857/ |title=Plastic bottle, water help light Kenyan slums |publisher=DailyHerald.com |date=2011-11-24 |accessdate=2012-10-04}}</ref> At first the people were skeptical that the bottle installations would let in water, so the first bottles were installed in a local school as a test. The locals thus bought into the idea and the first 100 bulbs were installed in April 2011 for free in hopes to attract interest and donors. Next, the local initiative would like to expand to other areas around Nairobi.<ref name="dailyherald" />

[http://www.theincitement.com/our-work/liter-of-light Liter of Light Malaysia] ran its first project in June, 2015, and is run by a Malaysia-based social business called [http://www.theincitement.com Incitement], founded by Zikry Kholil and Daniel de Gruijter, which runs several social initiatives.<ref>http{{Cite web |title=Incitement |url=https://www.theincitement.com/ |access-date=2022-05-13 |website=www.theincitement.com}}</ref> Liter of Light Malaysia has thus far completed 36 projects, predominantly for marginalized communities in Pahang, Malaysia and the Orang Asli communities living in Cameron Highlands, but also in Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia (Borneo). After Incitement launched Liter of Light Malaysia, it has also pushed Liter of Light into the Italian market under the umbrella of Incitement Italy. To date, Liter of Light Malaysia has installed 1850+ solar powered lamps in the rural areas of Malaysia, effectively providing light at night for more than 6,000 underprivileged Malaysians.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.theincitement.com/projects/liter-of-light/|title=Join Liter of Light Malaysia to Eradicate Energy Poverty|access-date=2017-01-23}}</ref>

Liter of Light began in Mexico in early 2013, sponsored by Qohélet A.C.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://literoflight.wix.com/mexico#!about/cipy|title = Inicio}}</ref> Founded by Tere Gonzalez, who had previously worked with Liter of Light in India & Spain, the group began operations with a pilot program in the state of Chihuahua México, where they were able to benefit 114 people. As of September 2013, they are working to complete the next phase of installations in Ajusco, Mexico City, to benefit a further 500 families.<ref>{{Cite web |last=García |first=Bernardín |title=Innova EXATEC sistema de iluminación ecológico con Liter of Light México |url=https://egresados.itesm.mx/egresados/plsql/NoticiasPortalOr.NPO_Inicio?l_noticia=3504 |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617084622/https://egresados.itesm.mx/egresados/plsql/NoticiasPortalOr.NPO_Inicio?l_noticia=3504 |archive-date=2017-06-17 |access-date=3 Aug 2023 |website=EXATEC |language=es}}</ref>

(PROJECT UJYALO) “Ujyalo”"Ujyalo" means “the"the light”light" in Nepali. Project Ujyalo iscreates onebottle oflights, inspired by the initiativesLiter of Light initiative. It was started by the Ujyalo Foundation in Nepal.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ujyaloinnepal.wordpress.com/</ref> in|title=Ujyalo Nepal |website=ujyaloinnepal.wordpress.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517112709/http://ujyaloinnepal.wordpress.com/ |archive-date=2013-05-17}}</ref>

Liter of Light Netherlands aims at realizing projects in suitable countries with the purpose of establishing a local Liter of Light sub-organization. and itsIts work is threefold.: Prior to the project, the work focuses mainly on gathering information, preparing the projects, promoting and fundraising. During the projects abroad, the project focuses on spreading the idea and inspiring people to get involved with Liter of Light and even starting their own project. Therefore, empowering the partner organization is a major goal and includes holding bottle-building workshops on site and setting up an operational framework. After the project, the partner organizations will be assisted and continuously supported by Liter of Light Netherlands.

Liter of Light Switzerland began as a project of the SIMagination Challenge at the University of St. Gallen.<ref>{{cite web|title=Liter of Light|publisher=SIMagination Challenge|url=http://simaginationchallenge.com/projects/completed-projects/liter-of-light/}}</ref> The project grew and was established as a student club at the University of St. Gallen and as a non-profit organization in Switzerland in November 2011.<ref>{{cite web|author=Michael Casey, ap |url=http://www.20min.ch/wissen/news/story/Schweizer-erhellen-Slums-von-Bogot--19545624 |title=20 Minuten - Schweizer erhellen Slums von Bogotá - News |publisher=20min.ch |date= 17 April 2012|accessdate=2013-08-13}}</ref> The organization’sorganization's first project was to plan and implement a pilot in Bogota together with Litro de Luz Colombia.<ref>{{cite web|author=29. März 2012 |url=http://campus.nzz.ch/blogs/nachhaltigkeit-praxis-umgesetzt |title="Nachhaltigkeit" in Praxis umgesetzt &#124; NZZ Campus - Studium, Karriere, Hochschulen, Universitäten |language=de |publisher=Campus.nzz.ch |date= |accessdate=2013-08-13}}</ref> The pilot took place in February 2012 and together they installed bottles in Ciudad Bolivar, Bogota. Throughout 2012, Liter of Light Switzerland undertook additional projects in Spain, India and Bangladesh.

The Swiss NGO plans to continue sharing lessons learned and spreading the concept via a global platform as well as launching more pilots around the world.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Liter of Light |url=http://www.literoflightswitzerland.org/ |access-date=2022-05-13 |website=www.literoflightswitzerland.org}}</ref>

World Unite! in cooperation with local NGOs has started A Liter of Light in Tanzania in April 2013. Project locations are Dar es Salaam, Moshi/Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.world-unite.de/en/volunteering-internship-tanzania/a-liter-of-light.html/ |accessdate=July 1, 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130904212629/http://www.world-unite.de/en/volunteering-internship-tanzania/a-liter-of-light.html |archivedate=September 4, 2013 |title=World Unite! - A Liter of Light Tanzania }}</ref>

Liter of Light USA is committed to educating and raising awareness of Liter of Light and its global outreach. The company is headquartered in New York and frequently holds events and workshops in Manhattan. It maintains its own social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google +LinkedIn.