Light seems to be something that we all take for granted. During the day, it is light out and once it gets dark, we switch on our lights and comfortably continue our lives within our homes and workplaces. But what if we did not have energy, and did not have the ability to create light amidst darkness? There are approximately 1.3 billion people around the world without access to basic electricity. Some of these people live in darkness after the sunsets, and others rely on kerosene to provide minimal light.
Among the world’s population living without light, 95 percent live in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Typically, people in these regions spend up to 25 percent of their daily income on fuels to light their homes. Kerosene fuels are a major source of house fires every year and they cause serious health issues due to internal pollution. Half of the world’s deaths among children under five are a result of acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) and 1 million people die each year from chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD). Nokero International, Ltd. was founded on the mission to have “No Kerosene” around the world.
The privately held company based out of Denver, Colorado was founded in 2010 to provide a safe, affordable, clean and efficient alternative to kerosene lamps—solar light bulbs. Today Nokero produces both solar light bulbs and solar phone chargers, alleviating health risks and decreasing kerosene spending across the developing world. Solar products allow families to extend their days into night and comfortably continue their lives at home and at work. With more light, we can accomplish more; therefore, with safer and more affordable light, people around the world can focus on their education and businesses instead of worrying about their safety and health.
Nokero’s solar light bulbs and phone chargers are not only distributed in Africa and Asia, but they are popular in the United States. They provide a green alternative to expensive outdoor lighting, and are small and portable for backpackers and campers. The most recent products include the N180-Start solar light bulb and the N222 solar light/phone charger combination. The N180 is currently the most affordable solar light bulb on the market at just $6 retail value. The N222 is a technologically advanced device that provides both high luminosity light as well as basic phone charging capabilities while on or off the electronic grid.
As a testament to Nokero’s mission to spread light around the world, they recently launched the Solar Relief Campaign to bring N200 solar light bulbs, their most popular product, to people affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Through Nokero’s website, customers have three options to help alleviate darkness in the Philippines: Buy an N222 and Nokero donates an N200, buy multiple N200s at a discounted price, or buy an entire case of 48 bulbs to send to a community in need. For more information on Nokero’s relief efforts, partnered with both Habitat for Humanity and One Heart for Hope Foundation, visit www.nokero.com/haiyan.