#Japan #Tokyo #Pal System #ADRA Japan #solar lanterns

Pal System's Light Down Campaign: Shedding Light on Ethiopia's Off-Grid Communities

As Christmas decorations twinkle in the streets and electrical usage increases in homes this December, Japan recognizes this month as "Earth Global Warming Prevention Month." During this period, citizens are encouraged to reflect on their energy consumption and everyday behaviors. In this context, Pal System, a consumer cooperative, is launching its Light Down Campaign to promote energy-saving practices among individuals.

This campaign particularly highlights actions such as turning off unnecessary lights, gathering in one room to keep other areas dark, and dimming lights when possible. For every individual action taken—whether it's a click or a social media post—Pal System donates 10 yen for a click and 100 yen for each post to ADRA Japan, a recognized non-profit organization based in Tokyo, with a donation cap of 300,000 yen.

The funds raised through this campaign will be directed towards providing solar lanterns to people in regions where access to electricity and energy is limited. One of the regions benefiting from these donations is the Afar region in Ethiopia, where residents experience complete darkness at night due to lack of power. For those relying on kerosene lamps, the burden of fuel costs can be overwhelming, and the smoke produced during combustion poses serious health risks, making it an unreliable light source.

Bringing just one solar lantern into a household can significantly enhance the quality of life. Children will be able to complete their homework after sunset, while adults can manage household chores and agricultural activities more effectively. The presence of adequate lighting also ensures greater safety when navigating to the bathroom during the night.

The role of a single light source is paramount, preserving the health and dignity of people in both Japan and Ethiopia. This serves as a poignant reminder of the value of electricity and prompts us to reflect on our own energy usage.

Are you ready to join this important initiative and take action?

Join the Light Down Campaign

You can participate from December 1, 2025, to January 11, 2026. Participate here

Donate to ADRA Japan

For just 2,500 yen, you can contribute to providing a solar light. Donation page here

Together, we can illuminate lives and embrace the importance of responsible energy consumption.