Insight into the inspirational vision of Rodrigo Eidy Uemura, president of Litro de Luz, and his enlightening mission to give PET bottles a second life and bring light to the darkest corners of Brazil.
Our seventh finalist for PET Heroes 2024 is Rodrigo Eidy Uemura, the president of the enlightened Brazilian social impact venture, Litro de Luz. We explore how PET bottles are not just an environmental issue, but can also be a part of the solution for positive systems change in our communities.
An entrepreneur by passion, Eidy Uemura has been using the value of customer-centricity to develop better experiences for employees, communities, and partners.
In a country where 2 million people still lack electricity, he is passionate about social impact in those communities, and believes that organizational and human development are essential pillars to transform an organization, our society, and the environment in which we live.
He’s found one place to do all of this – the social enterprise, Litro de Luz, which is lighting up Brazilian communities one PET bottle at a time!
Five Minutes with Rodrigo Eidy Uemura
adaPETation®: AdaPETation podcast highlighted your journey with Litro de Luz. Can you delve a little deeper into its conception?
Rodrigo Eidy Uemura: We take inspiration from Alfredo Moser’s simple bottle light invention. From there, Litro de Luz expanded, harnessing solar energy and using plastic in our solutions, aiming to bring light to Brazilian communities devoid of electricity.
adaPETation®: Your innovative solutions have transformed lives. But how did Alfredo Moser come up with this idea?
Rodrigo Eidy Uemura: Facing an energy crisis, Alfredo, a mechanic, found a creative solution using a plastic bottle filled with water to amplify sunlight. This ingenious approach garnered global attention and inspired many, including us at Litro de Luz.
adaPETation®: What specific problems is Litro de Luz addressing?
Rodrigo Eidy Uemura: Beyond just lighting, we aim to combat environmental challenges through recycling and the use of solar energy. Simultaneously, our initiatives help bridge the social gap by providing access to clean energy, particularly in areas where such amenities are a luxury.
adaPETation®: How does the science behind your solution work?
Rodrigo Eidy Uemura: We have three distinct solutions. The first, inspired by Moser, works during the day. The other two, a street light and a hand lamp, utilize solar panels and batteries to store and provide light during the night. These are made keeping simplicity and effectiveness in mind.
adaPETation®: Litro de Luz seems to have a unique approach to problem-solving. Where does the inspiration stem from?
Rodrigo Eidy Uemura: We find inspiration within the communities we serve. Understanding their challenges allows us to tailor our technologies and methodologies to their specific needs. It’s about combining biomimicry with a systems thinking approach.
adaPETation®: Almost a decade in, how can design principles guide us towards a brighter future?
Rodrigo Eidy Uemura: Design, when simplified, can have profound impacts. By focusing on simplicity and effectiveness, we ensure that our solutions are easily replicable and maintainable by the communities we serve.
adaPETation®: Partnerships seem pivotal for Litro de Luz. Who are you collaborating with?
Rodrigo Eidy Uemura: Companies like EDP, EDF, and Salesforce have been instrumental. These collaborations, especially with energy firms, resonate with our core mission.
adaPETation®: Given your extensive work in the Amazon, what tangible impact have you witnessed?
Rodrigo Eidy Uemura: The Amazon, with its unique challenges, has shown us the multifaceted benefits of our solutions. Beyond just lighting, it’s about increasing safety, boosting educational opportunities, and providing a better quality of life.
adaPETation®: Financing seems key. How can someone contribute to Litro de Luz?
Rodrigo Eidy Uemura: While we offer our services, not products, support can come in various forms. From individual donations on our website to corporate partnerships, every contribution furthers our cause.
adaPETation®: Are there plans to further expand Litro de Luz’s footprint beyond Brazil?
Rodrigo Eidy Uemura: Brazil remains our primary focus, given the sheer magnitude of need. But we are hopeful about adapting our model for other countries in the future.
adaPETation®: What message would you like to leave members of the adaPETaton® network with?
Rodrigo Eidy Uemura: Our journey with Litro de Luz exemplifies that often, solutions lie within the problem. It’s about perspective and innovatively using available resources to create a brighter, more inclusive world.
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THE HISTORY OF PLASTIC
Throughout the history of plastic, PET has been crucial in keeping food fresh with lightweight and durable packaging solutions that have helped reduce food waste for almost a century. Learn all about the invention of plastic and the important role it has played feeding people and saving the lives of humans and elephants in the adaPETation® timeline of the history of plastic.
