Millions of children suffer disfiguring burns or death because of kerosene lanterns-not to mention fuel costs 30% of the average $1/day income most families earn.

NGO’s will be helpful getting these to market and yes, commerce is key to a community so subsidies make alot of sense.

I recently learned of a company that provides an additional light/power source that would work nicely in tandem with this product. Each product could recharge the other in a community.

Check out: dlightdesign.com

Also, all of Girlgeek’s points are valid. She is right by stating that charity is the wrong approach. Problems generally cannot be solved by handouts. When you introduce a seemingly better something for free, it undermines the existing economic infrastructure that is already in place. The point is that there are many people making a living selling kerosene, lanterns, candles, etc. They are working for their livelihood. When a wash of free replacements comes around, it has a great potential to adversely affect their earnings. A better approach may be to source the lights to people who need them through the pre-existing infrastructure of kerosene sales. Get local people to sell these lights instead of kerosene. Have people buy them to help stimulate local economies and have more pride in what they purchase. A hand-out never has as much value as something that is earned.

The hook: it’s an OK approach, but it’s just so limiting. How about some other options as to how this light can be oriented? A headlamp seems like it would do more for many working/detailed tasks.

“How would you lock them down?” There has to be at least a dozen ways to do that. It’s not too much to ask for. This problem and others can be solved through the design process of the light. This is a good first try. A second effort is sure to be better.

Either way this is a good scheme, glad to see it happening. Pity you can’t get them in the UK – I’ll have to stick with my wind up one for now.

These flashlights are given away??? Why? If this company is really successful they are competing with the market women or stores selling lamps and kerosine, and establish some charity as a distribution network. How much better it would be to sell these items at a subsidized price to be sold retail at a price competitive with kerosine lamps, thereby supporting commerce in the recipient country.

Second. In the US we use a flashlight to find the latrine when we are out camping. In a country without an electric infrastructure a lamp is used to prepare dinner, study, and sit around while visiting. A hands free design would be more useful in such situations.

Third, these flashlights need to sit outside in the full sun all day. Things sitting around outside tend to grow legs. It would be better if there were some manner of lock down for the item.

I was reading on the bogolight website that the LEDs don’t attract malarial mosquitoes like the common kerosene lamps do. This light could lower the risk of contracting malaria for those that use them!

These could also help reduce groundwater mercury contamination from disposable batteries, according to their website: “Our products are powered by rechargeable batteries, which only need to be replaced every two to three years, and we are also working on a buy-back/exchange program.”

Heck even “evil, big oil” has gotten in on the act:”Our lights have also been bulk purchased by multinational corporations such as Exxon Mobil and Perenco, as part of their community assistance programs. ”

The idea of a solar powered water purifier really struck a nerve. That would truly alleviate much suffering.

I had no idea such a simple thing as an LED flashlight could have so much potential for good.