The Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) x PLAITLY
The Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) uses the power of the sun to develop and deliver innovative solar solutions in answer to the urgent needs of the world’s energy poor—giving them the opportunity to vastly improve their quality of life and pursue their dreams.
Here at PLAITLY, we strongly believe that jewelry is about more than just beauty. Behind every piece is a story, and the sun is central to the story behind our personalized Heliodon jewelry. We believe in the power of the sun to make a difference in the world, especially through solar electricity, which is why we are so inspired by the mission of the Solar Electric Light Fund, a non-profit organization that designs and implements solar energy-based solutions for those living without access to electricity.
More than 1.2 billion people—approximately 20% of the world’s population—have no access to electricity, and another one billion have unreliable access to electricity. Most live in remote, rural areas that have no hope of ever being on the grid. They suffer from energy poverty that leaves them with poor health, inadequate education, food and water insecurity, a lack of economic opportunities, and isolation from the rest of the world. The Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) uses the power of the sun to develop and deliver innovative solar solutions in answer to the urgent needs of the world’s energy poor—giving them the opportunity to vastly improve their quality of life and pursue their dreams.
In the above photo, students in Kalalé, Benin stand in front of a solar array that powers a solar water pump that, combined with drip irrigation, enables year-round agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa. The vegetable plots, known as Solar Market Gardens, provide enough food to sustain the community and provide an income to the women farmers that, among other things, pays for their daughter’s educations.
SELF is committed to improving the lives of women. With solar water pumps, they no longer have to walk for miles every day to find clean water—giving them more time to pursue other interests. Through their participation in Solar Market Gardens, they have become entrepreneurs—raising their status at home and in their communities.
PHOTO CREDIT: Alex Adams Photography
SELF installed a solar micro-grid in Sabana Crespo, a village in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Colombia for the Arhuaco tribe who have a deep spiritual connection with nature. They would only accept a power system that maintains harmony between themselves and their environment. SELF provided the solution with electricity from the sun.
Now, when you purchase a Heliodon pendant, ring, or pair of earrings, a percentage of your purchase will be donated to SELF to support their mission to improve the lives of so many communities!
