Tapping Into The Power of Little Sun
There are billions of people all over the world who live without access to the electrical grid, and are forced to use kerosene lamps as their source of light. Kerosene is an expensive source of energy, and has negative effects on the environment and human health. Using one kerosene lamp sends over 190 tonnes of carbon dioxide into Earth’s atmosphere each year, and breathing the air pollution is equivalent to smoking two packs of cigarettes a day. Solar power has been an upcoming, sustainable source of energy where there are limited natural resources. Little Sun, the LED solar lamp, is a cheaper and cleaner alternative for people who live off-grid.
Artist Olafur Eliasson and engineer Frederik Ottesen developed Little Sun with the intention of responding to a global problem. Little Sun is made of part recycled materials, part ABS plastic, which makes it extremely durable and able to withstand some harsh conditions. The Little Sun lamp is small and portable, and it can even be used in overcast weather. It has one AA battery that is supported for at least four years before replacement, and the leftover parts of Little Sun can be sent back and reused for other purposes. Giving Little Sun five hours of natural sunlight provides four hours of bright light and over fifty hours of soft light to anyone who needs it. For one family, this energy efficient tool reduces lighting costs by 90% over the course of two years, and provides better quality of light than a kerosene lamp. This solar device is available in countries all over the world from Australia to the United States and have been sold at affordable prices to several African countries, such as Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and Kenya. Little Sun is a safe and sustainable alternative for both people and the environment.
“Solar energy takes something that is for all of us — the sun — and makes it available for each of us”
Little Sun has already made a big impact on communities by connecting people through sharing energy. “Solar energy takes something that is for all of us — the sun — and makes it available for each of us,” says Eliasson, who has recently been chosen to exhibit at the Palace of Versailles in France. The Little Sun company has had creative launches all over the world, including festivals such as Coachella in California, USA, and Roskilde Festival in Denmark. There was even a “Little Sun Garden” exhibit at COP18, contributed by the UN Climate Change Conference. Little Sun also just launched their newest product, Little Sun Charge, on May 25th, 2016. This is a solar charger that can power several small devices or provide 155 hours of light. Little Sun is a social business with a product that inspires, connects, and successfully provides sustainable, affordable light for those who need it. Will you light up your life with a Little Sun?
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