It is unfortunate but there are parts of the world where getting access to running and stable electricity is not possible, meaning that when it is at night, getting light isn’t as easy as flicking on a switch. While there are methods such as using kerosene lamps, they can be dangerous for the environment and human health.
This has led to the creation of the SALt (Sustainable Alternative Lighting) lamp. The idea was conceived by engineer and Greenpeace volunteer Aisa Mijeno who felt that there could be safer and more efficient ways of generating light, and something that the archipelago of the Philippines had in abundance as well, which was saltwater.
The SALt lamp works by running only on a glass of water and two teaspoons of salt, in which two electrodes are placed which then turns the lights on. As it stands the device is still in its prototype phase and the team envisions that the final product will even have a USB port to help power smartphones as well.
Naturally the electrodes won’t last forever, but it has been estimated that the lamp can be used for eight hours a day for around six months before the anodes require changing. About 600 of these lamps are expected to make their way to native Filipino tribes and production will be ramped up in early 2016.
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