In the dark, tragic aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti, most of the electricity in Port-au-Prince was cut. The lack of power continues to compound the devastation there, shutting down basic communication systems like cell phones and walkie talkies, and leaving lighting and water purification systems dependent on diesel generators. By all accounts, diesel is in very short supply, but, as MSNBCs Alan Boyle has written, some distributed solar devices are providing some much needed salvation. Boyle tells of a solar-powered water purification system that "was pulled from the rubble and put into service at a Red Cross aid station" that is now "turning 30,000 gallons of contaminated city water into drinkable water" every day.Survivors are also turning to solar cookers. Sun Ovens International is working to get solar-powered ovens into the hands of those in need. There's already "one commercial-sized oven, capable of making 1,200 meals during an eight-hour workday." A $40 donation can equip a family with a complete cooking kit.Donations of solar-powered cell phones, radios, and lights are now making their way to the island. U.S.-based Sol Inc. has already sent a donated shipment of lights, and is matching donors contributions to send more. Lights "may sound mundane," as Alex Aylett writes on Worldchanging, "until you imagine trying to perform street-side surgery or find family members in the dark."Photo: SELF.orgThis post originally appeared on www.refresheverything.com, as part of GOOD's collaboration with the Pepsi Refresh Project, a catalyst for world-changing ideas. Find out more about the Refresh campaign, or to submit your own idea today.
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