Liter of Light

{{Short description|Open source light tube design}} {{update|countries|date=June 2025}} {{Infobox organization | name = Litre Of Light | logo = 200px | type = Social enterprise, Interest group | founded = | location = {{unbulleted list|Manila, Philippines (global headquarters)|Switzerland (European coordination)|Colombia (South American coordination)}} Pakistan | key_people = {{unbulleted list|Illac Diaz (founder)|}} | services = Affordable and sustainable light | website = {{URL|https://literoflight.org/}} }}

'''Liter of Light''' is an open source design for a low-cost light tube (or deck prism or vault light) that refracts solar light to provide daytime interior lighting for dwellings with thin rooves. Daylighting is cheaper than using indoor electric lights during the day. The device is constructed simply, using a transparent two-liter bottle filled with water and a small amount of bleach to inhibit algal growth, and fitted into a hole in a roof. The device functions like a deck prism: during daytime the water inside the bottle refracts sunlight, delivering about as much light as a 40–60 watt incandescent bulb to the interior. A properly installed solar bottle can last up to 5 years.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-07-29 |title=10,000 Dirt Cheap and Life-Altering Plastic Lamps Installed in Manila Slums |url=https://inhabitat.com/mit-students-install-10000-revolutionary-solar-bottle-lamps-in-manila-slums/ |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building {{!}} Green design & innovation for a better world |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/video/2011/07/11/bringing-light-to-the-poor-one-liter-at?videoId=216968892 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715224707/http://uk.reuters.com/video/2011/07/11/bringing-light-to-the-poor-one-liter-at?videoId=216968892 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-07-15 |title=Bringing light to the poor, one liter at a time | Video |publisher=Uk.reuters.com |date= |accessdate=2012-10-04}}</ref>

== History == thumb|upright|Moser lamps exhibited at the Seoul Design Forum, 2014.

Plastic bottles repurposed to provide indoor daylight lighting were first developed by Alfredo Moser of Brazil.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2013-08-12 |title=Alfredo Moser: Bottle light inventor proud to be poor |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-23536914 |access-date=2025-06-29 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> The concept was introduced as a social enterprise in the Philippines by Illac Diaz through the ''My Shelter Foundation'' in April 2011.<ref name="riomatters.wordpress.com">{{cite web|url=http://riomatters.wordpress.com/2012/06/06/1-liter-of-light-by-ami-valdemoro/ |title=A Liter of Light Goes a Long Way (by Ami Valdemoro) | Harvard Students Talk Rio+20 |publisher=Riomatters.wordpress.com |date=2012-06-06 |accessdate=2013-08-13}}</ref> To promote sustainable development, Diaz implemented a local entrepreneur business model, enabling community members to assemble and install the bottle bulbs and earn income. Within months, the My Shelter Foundation expanded from a single carpenter in San Pedro, Laguna, to installing 15,000 solar bottle bulbs in twenty cities throughout the Philippines. This success inspired similar initiatives globally.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Litre of Light {{!}} PhilippinesA Litre of Light {{!}} Philippines |url=https://unfccc.int/climate-action/momentum-for-change/lighthouse-activities/a-litre-of-light-philippines |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226220015/http://unfccc.int/secretariat/momentum_for_change/items/6638.php |archive-date=2025-02-26 |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=unfccc.int}}</ref>

The foundation also created a training center offering workshops for youth, businesses, and volunteers interested in building solar bottle bulbs in their communities.

Within the first year, over 200,000 bottle bulbs were installed worldwide. In 2014, Liter of Light set a goal to illuminate 1 million homes by the end of 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-03-11 |title="A Liter of Light" Aims to Illuminate 1 Million Homes With Plastic Solar Bottle Bulbs |url=https://inhabitat.com/a-liter-of-light-aims-to-illuminate-1-million-homes-with-plastic-solar-bottle-bulbs/ |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=Inhabitat}}</ref>

In January 2015, Liter of Light received the Zayed Future Energy Prize in the Non-Profit Organization category. The initiative’s founder, Illac Diaz, was presented with the award during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Liter of Light wins Zayed Future Energy Prize |url=https://www.dayofdubai.com/news/liter-light-wins-zayed-future-energy-prize |access-date=2025-06-30 |website=www.dayofdubai.com |language=en}}</ref> It was also selected as one of 120 Global Innovators for the EXPOLive Impact Innovation Grant program at EXPO 2020 in Dubai.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benitez |first=Paolo |date=2024-05-28 |title=Liter of Light Achieves World Record for World's Largest Solar Artwork |url=https://illustradolife.com/liter-of-light-achieves-world-record-for-worlds-largest-solar-artwork/ |access-date=2025-06-30 |website=Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Technology description == thumb|upright|Cross-section schematic of a Liter of Light solar bottle:<br /> • Blue: bottle with water and bleach<br /> • Green: glue or sealant

The Solar Bottle Bulb, as it is also known, is installed through the roofs of homes to refract sunlight and illuminate interior spaces.<ref>{{cite web|author=Kotoe Oshima |url=http://articles.cnn.com/2011-08-30/world/eco.philippines.bottle_1_plastic-bottles-bulbs-slums?_s=PM:WORLD |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831210148/http://articles.cnn.com/2011-08-30/world/eco.philippines.bottle_1_plastic-bottles-bulbs-slums?_s=PM:WORLD |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 31, 2011 |title=Plastic bottles light up lives - CNN |publisher=Articles.cnn.com |date=2011-08-30 |accessdate=2012-10-04}}</ref> The innovation consists in employing inexpensive, durable, and widely available materials to provide quality natural lighting. This offers a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to electric lighting during daytime, particularly benefiting low-income urban populations.

The most common bottles used are 1.5-liter plastic containers. These are filled with water and a small amount of bleach to inhibit algae growth. The bottle is inserted through a hole in a corrugated metal roof and secured with a steel sheet acting as a lock to prevent slippage. Sealant is applied around the hole to ensure the installation is weatherproof. The water’s refractive properties diffuse sunlight, producing an omnidirectional light equivalent to a 40–60 watt incandescent bulb, depending on solar insolation.

Installation instructions and material lists are publicly available online, supporting the spread of the technology through open-source principles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYTIYUUK70I |title=How to Build a Solar Bottle Bulb 2.0 (Updated English Version) |publisher=YouTube |date=2011-09-03 |accessdate=2012-10-04}}</ref>

=== Adhesive ===

Selecting a durable, waterproof, and sun-resistant adhesive that effectively fills gaps is a key challenge in the installation process. Various local groups have tested different adhesives to balance cost and performance. Silicone-based and polyurethane adhesives have generally proven to be the most effective solutions.{{citation needed|date=June 2013}} The inventor, Alfredo Moser, employed polyester resin to secure the bottles.<ref> {{cite web | first= Gibby | last= Zobel | title= Alfredo Moser: Bottle light inventor proud to be poor | date= 13 August 2013 | publisher= BBC News | url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23536914 | quote= You fix the bottle in with polyester resin. Even when it rains, the roof never leaks—not one drop. }} </ref>

Rigid glass bottles have also been utilized,<ref name="glass">{{cite news |title=Solar energy to light up Egypt's poorest villages |url=https://www.wamda.com/2015/02/liter-of-light-egypt-pepsico |work=Wamda |language=en}}</ref> and may allow easier sealing compared to flexible plastic bottles. Some sealants chemically interact with plastic, causing brittleness over time.<ref>{{cite web |title=How To Use Plumbers Putty |url=https://bestplumbersclub.com/plumbing-guides/how-to-use-plumbers-putty/ |website=Best Plumbers Club |language=en-AU |date=29 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Team |first1=Two Make a Home |title=Can plumber's putty be used on plastic? |url=https://twomakeahome.com/can-plumbers-putty-be-used-on-plastic/ |website=Two Make a Home |language=en-us |date=1 December 2021}}</ref> Silicone-based sealants can form chemical bonds with glass, potentially enhancing the durability of the installation.

== Countries ==

=== Argentina === Liter of Light operates in Argentina through the NGO Litro de Luz. Volunteers train communities to install and maintain the lights in homes and streets, with activities in Buenos Aires, La Matanza, Rosario, and Córdoba, and support for projects in Peru, Venezuela and Ecuador.<ref>[https://www.undp.org/acceleratorlabs/peoplepowered/solutions/LiterofLight Liter of Light | United Nations Development Programme]</ref> In 2019, the initiative won in the Sustainable Cities category at the sixth ''Latin America Verde Awards'' in Guayaquil, Ecuador, aiming to install about 400 systems per year to reduce waste and improve public health.<ref>[https://www.serargentino.com/en/people/argentines-around-the-world/argentine-solar-light-project-won-an-international-award-on-sustainable-cities An Argentine sunlight project won an international prize on sustainable cities]</ref>

=== Bangladesh === Liter of Light with Light Foundation based in Chittagong developed a local version of the bottle light called 'Botol Bati,' costing approximately $2 to 2.50 USD and lasting 4 to 5 years. The organization aims to promote awareness of bottle lights in remote areas by training local school students.

Approximately 45% of the Bangladeshi population lack access to electricity, and about 24% live in slums where electricity is often obtained illegally. The Lights Foundation’s goal is to serve these communities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prothom-alo.com/bangladesh/article/527239/%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A7%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%82%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%87-%E2%80%98%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%B2-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF%E2%80%99 |title=অন্ধকার দূর করতে 'বোতল বাতি' |work=প্রথম আলো |publisher=prothom-alo.com |date=2015-05-14}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.prothomalo.com/technology/article/1463916/%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%9C%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF-%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%88%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%87-%E2%80%98%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%AC-%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%9F%E2%80%99|title=সহজে বাতি তৈরিতে 'লিটার অব লাইট'|work=প্রথম আলো|access-date=2018-04-29|language=bn}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.banglanews24.com/national/news/bd/646096.details|title=লিটার অব লাইট বাংলাদেশের অনুষ্ঠান নিউইয়র্কে|last=BanglaNews24.com|work=banglanews24.com|access-date=2018-04-29|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.manobkantha.com/%E0%A6%9A%E0%A6%9F%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%AB-%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%87/|title=চট্টগ্রামের লিটার অফ লাইটের অনুষ্ঠান নিউ ইয়র্কে - Daily Manobkantha|website=manobkantha.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.observerbd.com/details.php?id=132423|title=Giving the Gift of Light hosted in New York - Young Observer - observerbd.com|work=The Daily Observer|access-date=2018-04-29|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thebangladeshpost.com/education/25741|title='Liter of Light BD' hosts event in New York|website=The Bangladesh Post|access-date=2018-04-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://english.kalerkantho.com/online/national/2018/04/04/8880|title=Liter of Light Bangladesh hosts 'Giving the Gift of Light' in New York {{!}} Kaler Kantho|last=Kantho|first=Kaler|work=Kaler Kantho|access-date=2018-04-29|language=bn}}</ref><ref name="The Daily Star">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/bytes/tech-happening/liter-light-bangladesh-hosts-introductory-event-new-york-1558480|title=Liter of Light Bangladesh hosts an introductory event in New York|date=2018-04-05|work=The Daily Star|access-date=2018-04-29|language=en}}</ref>

=== Brazil === [[File:Exposicao Lampada de Moser.jpg|thumb|Rod-shaped Moser lamps on display at the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro.]]

In Brazil, the project began in December 2012 when Alanna Sousa and Pedro Santos decided to implement Liter of Light in the country. In 2013, Vitor Belota, who happened to be Alanna's neighbor, was also motivated to introduce Liter of Light to Brazil after learning about the project in Kenya. The trio met and conducted a pilot project, installing the first daytime solutions in two communities in Santa Catarina.

In 2015, recognizing that Brazilian communities presented distinct contexts and needs, the project began focusing on nighttime street lighting, carrying out its first installation in June of that year in the Vila Beira-Mar community, Rio de Janeiro.

Since then, Litro de Luz Brasil has become an established non-profit organization that has directly impacted over 20,000 Brazilians through more than 3,700 installations, reaching upwards of 120 communities nationwide.<ref>{{cite web|author=Por Litro de Luz Brasil |url=https://www.litrodeluz.com/sobre-nos |title=Origem e presença no Brasil |website=www.litrodeluz.com |date=2022 |accessdate=2022-08-08}}</ref>

=== Chile === ''Liter of Light'' began operating in Chile in 2015, installing 50 eco-friendly streetlights in Renca. The five-meter posts were built using bamboo, PVC, wood, and plastic bottles, fitted with solar panels and batteries lasting up to 28 hours.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-10-04 |title=Litro de Luz ilumina por primera vez una comunidad de Renca |url=https://www.elmostrador.cl/noticias/pais/2015/10/04/litro-de-luz-ilumina-por-primera-vez-sector-de-extrema-pobreza-en-renca/ |access-date=2025-06-30 |website=El Mostrador |language=es}}</ref> The project, carried out with support from CCU and the Festival Internacional de Innovación Social (FIIS), provided sustainable lighting for streets, a plaza, and a multi-purpose sports court, benefiting families without regular electricity supply.<ref>{{Cite web |last=24horas |title="Litro de Luz" llega a Chile cambiando botellas de plástico por ampolletas de luz |url=https://www.24horas.cl/tendencias/cienciaysalud/litro-de-luz-llega-a-chile-cambiando-botellas-de-plastico-por-ampolletas-de-luz-1801630 |access-date=2025-06-30 |website=www.24horas.cl |language=es-CL}}</ref>

=== China=== Liter Of Light China was created by three international students from China in 2016, and the first project in Rudong will be conducted in the early summer, 2017.

=== Colombia === The Liter of Light movement in Colombia was initiated by Camilo Herrera in the small town of Duitama in the Boyacá Department, about 200 kilometers north of Bogotá.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unlitrodeluzcolombia.org/ |title=Fundacion Un Litro De Luz Colombia | Inicio |publisher=Unlitrodeluzcolombia.org |accessdate=2012-10-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eltiempo.com/colombia/boyaca/ARTICULO-WEB-NEW_NOTA_INTERIOR-11164402.html |title=Energía solar en Duitama - Colombia Noticias: Actualidad Nacional |publisher=Eltiempo.Com |accessdate=2012-10-04}}</ref> After launching a pilot project in Bogotá in collaboration with Liter of Light Switzerland in February 2012, a local organization was established. The first bottle lights in Bogotá were installed in the Divino Niño and La Colina neighborhoods of Ciudad Bolívar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://colombialandoflight.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22&Itemid=27&lang=en |title=Ciudad Bolívar, Bogotá |publisher=Colombialandoflight.org |accessdate=2012-10-04}}</ref> Volunteers in Bogotá are also working closely with ''Un Techo Para Mi País'' to identify areas in need.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.untechoparamipais.org/colombia/sitio/ |accessdate=May 31, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530002143/http://www.untechoparamipais.org/colombia/sitio/ |archivedate=May 30, 2012 |title=Un Techo Para Mi País Colombia }}</ref>

=== Dominican Republic === Liter of Light was started up in the Dominican Republic by the German volunteer Nicolai Rapp in 2015 who then distributed the project with other German and local volunteers in over 7 provinces.

Under the name ''Litro de Luz–República Dominicana'', the group installed bottle and solar nightlights in more than 1,000 houses through global fundraising. In the focus of their movement are the rural areas without or with limited access to electricity. The idea was also presented to several local NGOs in seminars and workshops to reach all the off-grid communities of the country. Later, their efforts also focused on bringing the project to Haiti, where around 75% of the population has to live without access to electricity.<ref>[https://files.eluniverso.com/archivos/2018/09/presentation-liter-of-light-haiti_1_3.pdf files.eluniverso.com/archivos/2018/09/presentation-liter-of-light-haiti_1_3.pdf]</ref>

=== Egypt === A group of seven students from the French University in Egypt (UFE) began the Liter of Light project locally as part of a social and environmental development initiative.{{citation needed|date=June 2013}}

In November 2014, PepsiCo announced that it would implement the Liter of Light project in three villages in Upper Egypt, in partnership with Sunutions, a solar solutions company, and the Masr ElKheir Foundation.<ref>{{cite web|title=بالصور.. "بيبسيكو": نسعى لإنارة القرى الفقيرة في أنحاء مصر|date=12 November 2014|url=http://www.vetogate.com/1322767|website=www.vetogate.com}}</ref>

=== France === Liter of Light France was established in 2015. The French branch links educational projects in Europe with international cooperation activities. Its focus is to inform younger generations in Europe about energy poverty and the potential of low-cost solutions to address social and environmental challenges.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bienvenue à Liter of Light France |url=https://www.carenews.com/liter-of-light-france/news/bienvenue-a-liter-of-light-france |access-date=2025-06-29}}</ref>

It also seeks to share these approaches with communities in developing countries. In its international actions, Liter of Light France promotes accessible technological solutions and capacity building. The branch is coordinated by Olivier Lasbouygues.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cop21 : Liter of Light apporte la lumière à des milliers de personnes |date=2 December 2015 |url=https://www.novethic.fr/actualite/energie/energies-renouvelables/isr-rse/cop21-liter-of-light-apporte-la-lumiere-a-des-milliers-de-personnes-143729.html |access-date=2025-06-29}}</ref>

=== India ===

Liter of Light was introduced in India in Vikarabad, a rural village in Telangana, in 2011. With support from several NGOs and organizations, awareness campaigns and workshops were conducted in cities including Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Jalpaiguri, and Delhi.

Beginning with a single bottle in Vikarabad, the Indian team now installs multiple units in homes of the underprivileged and mentors other organizations, NGOs, student groups, and communities in need. A demonstration of Liter of Light took place at TEDxChristUniversity in November 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1CAtS2zm-4 |title=Wealth from waste: Illac Diaz at TEDxChristUniversity |date=31 March 2013 |publisher=YouTube |accessdate=2014-02-20}}</ref> In 2014, the Desire Foundation in Bhubaneswar implemented the project during Diwali to celebrate the festival of lights with underprivileged communities.

=== Kenya === The Liter of Light initiative in Kenya began in 2011 with the youth organization Koch Hope, which installed solar bottle lights in the Korogocho informal settlement in Nairobi Province.<ref>[source from existing article]</ref>

In 2013, initiative began operating in the Maasai Mara region through local training programs that enable communities to produce solar lights using recycled bottles and local materials.<ref name="circularcommunity.org">{{Cite web| title=Litre of Light, Masaai Mara Region, Kenia | url=https://circularcommunity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/LitreofLight_MasaaiMara_website.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602214235/https://circularcommunity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/LitreofLight_MasaaiMara_website.pdf | archive-date=2023-06-02}}</ref> These lights provide homes with basic night-time illumination and serve as communal lighting to reduce the risk of wildlife damaging crops and livestock.<ref name="circularcommunity.org"/>

=== Malaysia === Liter of Light Malaysia operates as a local chapter of the global initiative, aiming to provide affordable, sustainable lighting solutions to underserved communities. The project focuses on adapting the solar bottle light technology to local conditions and materials. It engages volunteers and partners with community organizations to implement installations and raise awareness about renewable lighting options.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://literoflightmalaysia.org |title=Liter of Light Malaysia |website=literoflightmalaysia.org |accessdate=2023-06-29}}</ref>

=== Mexico === Liter of Light was initiated in Mexico in early 2013, sponsored by Qohélet A.C.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://literoflight.wix.com/mexico#!about/cipy|title=Inicio |work=mexico }}</ref> The group was founded by Tere Gonzalez, who had previously worked with Liter of Light in India and Spain. Operations began with a pilot program in the state of Chihuahua, benefiting 114 people. As of September 2013, the group was working to complete the next phase of installations in Ajusco, Mexico City, aimed at benefiting an additional 500 families.<ref>{{Cite web |last=García |first=Bernardín |title=Innova EXATEC sistema de iluminación ecológico con Liter of Light México |url=https://egresados.itesm.mx/egresados/plsql/NoticiasPortalOr.NPO_Inicio?l_noticia=3504 |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617084622/https://egresados.itesm.mx/egresados/plsql/NoticiasPortalOr.NPO_Inicio?l_noticia=3504 |archive-date=2017-06-17 |access-date=3 Aug 2023 |website=EXATEC |language=es}}</ref>

=== Nepal === "Ujyalo," meaning "light" in Nepali, is a project modeled after the Liter of Light initiative. The program focuses on producing solar bottle lights to improve access to sustainable daytime lighting in Nepal. It was established by the Ujyalo Foundation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ujyaloinnepal.wordpress.com/ |title=Ujyalo Nepal |website=ujyaloinnepal.wordpress.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517112709/http://ujyaloinnepal.wordpress.com/ |archive-date=2013-05-17}}</ref>

===Netherlands=== Liter of Light Netherlands coordinates international projects by raising funds, conducting training, and collaborating with local partners.<ref>{{cite web | title=Netherlands Liter of Light | url=https://www.betterplace.org/en/organisations/21995-netherlands-liter-of-light }}</ref>

In 2016, it partnered with the NGO ''Lend a Hand'' to install bottle lights in Potchefstroom, South Africa, with local training held in Maastricht. The following year, representatives and students from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, in cooperation with the Myanmar Red Cross Society, installed solar lanterns for 67 households in Taungdwingyi township, and held workshops on maintenance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Projects |url=https://literoflightnl.wixsite.com/website/projects-1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250630021719/https://literoflightnl.wixsite.com/website/projects-1 |archive-date=2025-06-30 |access-date=2025-06-30 |website=Liter of Light |language=en}}</ref>

=== Pakistan === A partnership was established with the ''Ace Welfare Foundation'' in Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Us |url=http://www.acewelfare.org/about/ |access-date=29 June 2025 |website=Ace Welfare Foundation |date=22 February 2014 }}</ref> Given the objectives of both organizations and the fact that more than 11% of the Pakistani population lives without access to electricity, including 50,000 villages that are completely disconnected from the national grid,<ref>{{cite web |title=Life's Fine Tunes at Work |url=http://www.reffra.com/blogs/14157/11134/life-s-fine-tunes-at-work |access-date=29 June 2025 |website=Reffra}}</ref> the partnership mobilizes local volunteers and corporate sponsors to implement the Liter of Light project and expand it to thousands of households.<ref>{{cite news |date=12 June 2017 |title=Pakistan comes together to light up lives |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1428793/sponsored-pakistan-comes-together-light-lives |access-date=29 June 2025 |work=The Express Tribune}}</ref>

===Panama=== In 2016, Liter of Light Panama was founded to address the issue of energy poverty affecting thousands of people nationwide. The initiative focuses on sustainable and ecological lighting solutions while engaging volunteers to support affected communities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Litro de Luz Panamá: una iniciativa para combatir la pobreza energética |date=29 November 2017 |url=https://www.holapraxis.com/post/litrodeluz |access-date=2025-06-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Inicio |url=http://www.litrodeluzpanama.org/ |access-date=2025-06-29}}</ref>

=== Peru === Established in 2019 and led by José Luis Arrieta, Liter of Light Peru carried out an early project in a Moquegua community, where solar lamps replaced hazardous candle lighting, improving local safety.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iluminando hogares: Conocemos más del proyecto Litro de Luz Perú |url=https://www.radionacional.gob.pe/novedades/a-todo-parlante/iluminando-hogares-conocemos-mas-del-proyecto-litro-de-luz-peru |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=Radio Nacional del Perú |date=9 March 2020 }}</ref>

=== Philippines === The solution was first launched in the Philippines by Illac Diaz under the MyShelter Foundation.<ref name="riomatters">{{cite web |url=https://riomatters.wordpress.com/2011/07/12/liter-of-light/ |title=A Liter of Light |website=Rio Matters |date=12 July 2011 |access-date=2025-06-29}}</ref> As of July 2011, the organization had installed 10,000 bottles in the Philippines,<ref name="Inhabitat">{{cite web |date=29 July 2011 |title=MIT Students Install 10,000 Revolutionary Solar Bottle Lamps in Manila Slums |url=http://inhabitat.com/mit-students-install-10000-revolutionary-solar-bottle-lamps-in-manila-slums/ |archive-date= |accessdate=2012-10-04 |publisher=Inhabitat}}</ref> and shortly thereafter reached 15,000 installations,<ref name="LitreOfLight">{{cite web |url=http://isanglitrongliwanag.org/about-us/ |title=A Liter of Light – About Us |website=Isang Litrong Liwanag |access-date=2025-06-29}}</ref> with a goal for 2012 to reach 1 million homes.<ref name="Inhabitat"/> In order to help the idea grow sustainably, they implemented a “local entrepreneur” business model, whereby bottles are assembled and installed by locals who can earn a small income for their work. Additionally, a Liter of Light office has been established that conducts volunteer workshops.

=== Spain === In June 2012, Liter of Light España collaborated with the Spanish NGO ''Fundación Secretariado Gitano'' to install daylight bottle lamps in several Roma households in Cañada Real, Madrid. The pilot project brought natural light into dwellings that lacked adequate daylight and electricity supply.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-06-08 |title=Botellas que iluminan la Cañada Real, en Madrid |work=Fundación Secretariado Gitano |url=https://www.gitanos.org/actualidad/botellas_que_iluminan_la_canada_real__en_madrid/}}</ref>

=== Switzerland === Liter of Light Switzerland began as a project of the SIMagination Challenge at the University of St. Gallen.<ref>{{cite web|title=Liter of Light|publisher=SIMagination Challenge|url=http://simaginationchallenge.com/projects/completed-projects/liter-of-light/}}</ref> The project expanded and was established as a student club at the University of St. Gallen, and later as a non-profit organization in Switzerland in November 2011.<ref>{{cite web|author=Michael Casey, ap |url=http://www.20min.ch/wissen/news/story/Schweizer-erhellen-Slums-von-Bogot--19545624 |title=20 Minuten - Schweizer erhellen Slums von Bogotá - News |work=20 Minuten |publisher=20min.ch |date= 17 April 2012|accessdate=2013-08-13}}</ref> The organization's first project was to plan and implement a pilot in Bogotá together with Litro de Luz Colombia.<ref>{{cite web|author=29. März 2012 |url=http://campus.nzz.ch/blogs/nachhaltigkeit-praxis-umgesetzt |title="Nachhaltigkeit" in Praxis umgesetzt | NZZ Campus - Studium, Karriere, Hochschulen, Universitäten |language=de |publisher=Campus.nzz.ch |date= |accessdate=2013-08-13}}</ref> The pilot took place in February 2012 and, together, they installed bottles in Ciudad Bolívar and Bogotá. Throughout 2012, Liter of Light Switzerland undertook additional projects in Spain, India, and Bangladesh.

The Swiss NGO plans to continue sharing lessons learned and spreading the concept via a global platform, as well as launching more pilots around the world.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Liter of Light |url=http://www.literoflightswitzerland.org/ |access-date=2022-05-13 |website=www.literoflightswitzerland.org}}</ref>

=== Tanzania === In Tanzania, the Liter of Light initiative was launched in April 2013 through a collaboration between ''World Unite!'' and local non-governmental organizations. The project operates in multiple locations, including Dar es Salaam, Moshi/Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.world-unite.de/en/volunteering-internship-tanzania/a-liter-of-light.html/ |accessdate=2013-07-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130904212629/http://www.world-unite.de/en/volunteering-internship-tanzania/a-liter-of-light.html |archive-date=2013-09-04 |title=World Unite! - A Liter of Light Tanzania}}</ref>

=== Uganda === In 2013, a local Liter of Light project was currently in development in Uganda.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jeepfolkecenter.org/we_care/tag/liter-of-light/ |title=Liter of Light |publisher=Jeepfolkecenter.org |accessdate=2013-08-13}}</ref>

=== United States === In the United States, Liter of Light USA operates as an independent organization headquartered in New York City. The organization conducts workshops and events to educate the public and engage volunteers in sustainable lighting solutions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://literoflightusa.org |title=Liter of Light USA |website=literoflightusa.org |accessdate=2025-06-29}}</ref> It has partnered with military and community groups to implement practical training and installation projects.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-02-20 |title=Liter of Light |url=https://www.army.mil/article/96800/liter_of_light |access-date=2025-06-30 |website=www.army.mil |language=en}}</ref>

=== Zambia === A local project is underway.{{citation needed|date=June 2013}}

== Awards and recognition == * '''2014:''' The World Habitat Award<ref name="About"/> * '''2015:''' The Zayed Future Energy Prize<ref name="About"/> * '''2016:''' The St Andrews Prize for the Environment<ref name="About">{{cite web |title=About |url=https://literoflight.org/about/ |access-date=4 March 2023}}</ref>

==See also== * Anidolic lighting and Daylighting, broader concepts * Deck prism and Vault light, older glass versions * Daylight redirecting film * Glass brick

== References == {{reflist|colwidth=35em}}

==External links== * {{Cite web | title=Alfredo Moser: Bottle light inventor proud to be poor - BBC News | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23536914 | access-date=2025-09-28 | website=www.bbc.co.uk | date=12 August 2013 }} * {{Cite web | title=Isang Litrong Liwanag (A Liter of Light) | url=http://isanglitrongliwanag.org | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426004216/http://isanglitrongliwanag.org/ | access-date=2025-09-28 | archive-date=2011-04-26}} * {{Cite web | title=Liter of Light | url=http://literoflightswitzerland.org/idea.html | access-date=2025-09-28 | website=literoflightswitzerland.org}} * {{Cite web | title=The Philippines: Bottleman - YouTube | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhtG5vW1lOw | access-date=2025-09-28 | website=www.youtube.com | date=25 April 2014 }}

Category:Appropriate technology Category:International volunteer organizations Category:Charities based in the Philippines Category:Organizations established in 2013 Category:Brazilian inventions Category:Organizations based in Manila