The Glow Lamp is a modular, DIY lighting solution designed to tackle two urgent global issues: energy poverty and electronic waste. Repurposing recycled plastic and discarded electronics offers an affordable, sustainable alternative for off-grid communities, refugees, and other underserved populations lacking reliable power. Drawing inspiration from Lego’s simple, snap-together design, the Glow Lamp can be easily assembled, repaired, and upgraded through 3D printing technology.
Through its user-friendly, open-source approach, the Glow Lamp empowers communities to participate in creating and maintaining their lighting solutions. This reduces the environmental impact of accumulating e-waste and addresses pressing energy needs at the grassroots level. By marrying circular design principles with social impact, the Glow Lamp contributes to a future where clean, cost-effective illumination is within everyone’s reach—ultimately helping to close the gap between technological innovation and real-world sustainability challenges.
Billions of people worldwide still lack reliable, affordable lighting—often relying on hazardous, inefficient solutions like kerosene lamps that negatively impact health, education, and economic opportunities. At the same time, the world faces a mounting e-waste crisis, with ever-increasing volumes of discarded electronics contributing to pollution, resource depletion, and environmental degradation.
Our Approach
The Glow Lamp tackles both challenges by turning e-waste and recycled plastic into a modular, DIY lighting solution. Inspired by Lego’s snap-together simplicity and powered by 3D printing technology, it is designed for easy assembly, repair, and upgrades. This not only reduces the environmental burden of discarded electronics but also provides underserved communities with a clean, cost-effective alternative to traditional lighting methods.
Primary Beneficiaries: Individuals who lack reliable access to electricity, relying on hazardous or inefficient lighting methods. These communities gain a safe, affordable, and clean source of illumination that can be assembled and maintained locally.
E-Waste Recyclers & Suppliers
Materials Providers: Companies or organizations involved in collecting and processing e-waste supply the core materials—recycled plastics and electronic parts—needed for the lamp’s.
