One Million Lights is a charity that strives to improve the daily lives of children and adults by providing clean and healthy lighting. There goal is to distribute one million solar lights to replace dangerous and polluting kerosene lamps. we provide clean, safe, affordable solar lighting to rural communities around the world through their international distribution programs, made possible by partnerships and donations. These solar lights enable children to study at night and adults to extend their workday, all while eliminating carbon emissions, improving household health, and greatly increasing income savings. One Million Lights also works with local schools to increase awareness of global issues.
A major cause of burns and respiratory illnesses, kerosene is responsible for the deaths of 1.5 million people each year. Kerosene smoke inhalation is equivalent to 4 packs of cigarettes per day, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and cancer are common in rural households due to the use of kerosene. Worse, without light, clinics are unable to treat these severe illnesses except during sunlight hours.Although it provides inadequate illumination, families spend up to half of their income on kerosene. Globally, these impoverished families burn an estimated $36billion to illuminate homes. Due to transportation costs, kerosene is most expensive in the rural areas that need it most, and women to walk long distances to purchase the fuel. Kerosene lighting is not the solution. A typical kerosene lamp emits over 100 kg of carbon each year. Altogether, fuel for lighting results in 190 million tonnes of carbon emissions per year. And the black carbon emitted by kerosene not only harms human lungs, but when released to our atmosphere, absorbs hundreds of times more heat than regular carbon pollution. Kerosene lanterns harm our environment.
Solar light keeps air clean and lungs healthy. It enables doctors to provide medical attention at any hour of the night. Maternal mortality rates during childbirth decrease when light is available. Even in the most impoverished communities, a solar light keeps families healthy. Children with access to clean, safe light get more out of their education. Solar lighting in India nearly doubled children's study time and greatly improved school performance, by allowing children to continue school work after sundown. Kids in unelectrified communities could finally compete with their more urban peers, and give their community a chance for a prosperous future. Solar light provides better illumination than kerosene. Outdoor shopkeepers stay open longer, and attract more customers. Farmers safely tend to livestock. Textile workers continue weaving and sewing past sundown. Kerosene savings and increased income affords families the food, clothing, and medicine they need to thrive.
By giving $15 dollars you can by a single light for a child, mother, or family. Please consider donating today.
All facts and photos are property of One Million Lights.