On March 27, 2010 the world will join together to show support for a sustainable future and make a stand against climate change with the internationally recognized Earth Hour, in turning off their lights for one hour.
It’s one thing to turn our lights off to conserve energy, and yet another dilemma to not have any lights to turn off at all. At World Nomads we’re supporting this issue in our own way by bringing light to developing communities, without the pollution. Several years ago we began bringing solar resources and education to developing communities.
One such community was the Northern Indian village of Khati, with implementation help from the People’s Environmental Awareness – Khati organization (PEAK), World Nomads assisted in bringing light to a village which had primarily subsisted on light from kerosene lanterns.
The lanterns were a toxic, unsustainable and ineffective lighting system for the people Khati. Over the course of 2008, PEAK and World Nomads brought the resources, education and implementation of 65 solar units to light the villagers’ homes in Khati.
Regarding the solar lighting project in 2008 PEAK project coordinator Bonnie Flynn, says "It has been incredible what a difference something as basic as efficient lighting can make to the daily functioning of a household. These villagers have been thrilled to come home and have the ability to switch on a light and commence work - often until late at night - without battling inherent eyestrain.”
“People claim their productivity has been enhanced and due to changed house-hold conditions, a light source has paved the way for cottage industry such as making clothes and 'home brew' that supplement almost non-existent incomes; World Nomads is proud to support this project,” comments Christy McCarthy, Community Manager for WorldNomads.com.
Currently, PEAK and World Nomads are working together again to bring solar home lighting the village of Jatoli in the Kumaon Himalaya, India. The lighting structures will bring a safe, sustainable light source to homes, providing up to four hours of light for each household. In developed countries where light provides an environment necessary for studying, cooking, and general household tasks, it can be difficult to fathom your lifestyle a community like Jatoli.
On March 27, try and remember the villagers of Khati and Jatoli as you spend an hour in a darkness; that is a very regular part of life for many people in the world. Earth Hour, March 27 at 8:30PM – join us!
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