Innovative and sustainable lighting solutions with global impact illuminated at Nov. 18 talk

While in the United States lights and electricity are ubiquitous, oil lamps and candles serve as the sole source of light for a quarter of the world’s population.

These inadequate lamps often give off carcinogenic fumes and are a continual source of potential destruction in homes made of highly flammable wood and straw. Greenlight Planet, a for-profit enterprise based in the U.S., is combining new technology with innovative distribution networks to provide practical and affordable alternatives such as low-powered LED lanterns to villagers in developing countries.

Patrick Walsh, founder of Greenlight Planet, will share how this pioneering technology is improving the quality of life for millions of people around the world at the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation Gilson Global Impact Series event set for Thursday, Nov. 18, at 5 p.m. at the Fluno Center, 601 University Ave.

Walsh will discuss how the need for alternative lighting he witnessed as a graduate student visiting India inspired him to develop a solar-powered lamp that provides 16 hours of light on a single day’s charge. He will share his insights and discuss how entrepreneurs can use the lessons he’s learned to create sustainable global solutions.

The Gilson event is free and open to the public. The presentation is followed by a networking reception at 6 p.m. Complimentary parking is available by registering online or by calling (608) 890-1621.

This event is part of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2010, Nov. 16-22 at UW–Madison. It is presented in partnership with UW–Madison Sustainability Initiative, Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and Office of Corporate Relations.