MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The vision of Filipina scientist Aisa Mijeno when she invented the Sustainable Alternative Lighting (SALt) was “to light up the rest of the Philippines sustainably.”
The SALt Lamp invented by her is an environment-friendly and sustainable alternative light source that runs in saltwater, suitable for those who live in coastal areas. The lamp also functions well in remote areas. It works with just two tablespoons of salt and a glass of tap water, and it runs for eight hours.
Mijeno said the lamp was made tediously, experimented, and improved chemical compounds, catalysts, and metal alloys that will generate electricity when submerged in electrolytes.
The SALt lamp received various awards and recognition from different organizations in the Philippine, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea.
The idea behind the SALt lamp, according to Mijeno, was the chemical conversion of energy, which utilizes the scientific process behind the Galvanic cell, but used electolytes. The lamp uses saline solution which makes it harmless and non-toxic.
SALt lamp is also safe to use. It does not have components that may spark fire. It does not emit toxic gases and leaves minimal carbon footprint.
“SALt lamp isn’t just a product, but it is a social movement,” she said.
The lamp is not yet available mass producing. Mijeno’s team are working intensively with non-government organizations (NGOs), local government units (LGUs), and charitable foundations, that will aid them in purchasing and distribution of SALt lamps to remote areas where electricity is needed.
Working with an environmental organization made Mijeno realize the need for an alternative source of light, especially in rural areas in the Philippines.