Bringing Light to Rural Nicaragua

This week only, you can support Paso Pacífico by participating in this e-Bay auction for one of eight solar powered, designer handbags. Proceeds will go to supporting Paso Pacífico’s program in partnership with Portable Light, which distributes solar-powered lights to women and children in energy-poor Nicaraguan communities. For the many families without electricity, simple nightly tasks like finishing homework or cooking dinner become possible for the first time. Additionally, Paso Pacífico and Portable Light worked together to develop a prototype suitable for use in the field, which includes a soft red light that allows our sea turtle rangers in Nicaragua to monitor these light-sensitive animals without disturbing them.

Elle Magazine, Portable Light, and eight acclaimed fashion designers, such as Tommy Hilfiger and Diane von Furstenberg, collaborated to create the handbags, each outfitted with flexible solar panels that power HBLED lights, USB ports, and a battery pack which allows you to charge your iPod, camera, or phone. These one-of-a-kind bags are on auction THIS WEEK only, until July 15th. All proceeds from the auction will go to Paso Pacífico and Portable Light’s other partners, giving us the resources to continue our mission to protect the environment while empowering local communities. Place your bid today, and be one of the first to join in a new era for fashion and sustainable energy!

For more information about Paso Pacífico and this project, visit our website or watch a Flickr slideshow to see photos of the Portable Lights in action.