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As of today, approximately 2.36 million households in the Philippines have no access to electricity and are living, if not in total darkness, then in the grasps of the criminality that may occur in the night. It is also common knowledge that a vast area of the country's land is polluted with landfills composed of biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes alike. In the status quo, it is estimated that 700 acres of land in the entirety of the Pearl of the Orient is being deteriorated by rubbish. This study aims to hit two birds with one stone by using common biodegradable kitchen wastes particularly mango, banana and durian wastes and peelings to produce biogas. Since biogas contains methane which is flammable, the proponents hypothesize that it can then be used to power a simple gas lamp. Hence, the value of recycling is upheld and light is provided.

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1. Less-fortunate Families

Due to the fact that electricity is inaccessible to most, creativity and resourcefulness led to the invention of traditional Filipino gas lamps. Composed of an inflammable container (glass jars and the like), a string, and kerosene, traditional gas lamps can remain lit for a few hours. However, kerosene is a component that requires to be purchased and may therefore be unattainable to the less fortunate who cannot afford additional expenses besides their physiological needs. Through this research, the feasibility of using common fruit wastes to power gas lamps may be tested, and if proven effective will eradicate the need to spend monetary resources on kerosene.

2. Environment

Nowadays, countless studies show plastics being recycled, paper turned into masterpieces, or what have you, but next to none when it comes to reusing biodegradable wastes. The 700 acres of waste landfill in the Philippines could have been used for much more beneficial purposes such as animal habitats, preserved forests, and residential areas for the homeless. Unfortunately, it remains the way it is - useless landfill. By finding beneficial purpose for the biodegradable refuse - in this study, represented by local fruit wastes - the proponents aim to reduce the expanse of polution caused by garbage. Today a mere bottle of rotten fruits to power a gas lamp, God willing, later on it may upgrade to powering stoves and other similar appliances with heaps of biomass collected from not just one household, but from an entire community. In the end of the day, one little step at a time towards a waste-free environment is better than not moving at all.

3. Community

One of the paramount objectives of this project is to begin an initiative that may be of help in a larger scale in the near future. Though this study may seem simple at first glance, behind it is a vision that involves a waste-free community where neighbors work with one another to recycle waste by using it to power their homes. "Biogas as Alternative Power Source for Gas Lamps" hits 5 bullseyes in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Life on Land, Climate Action, Responsible Consumption and Production, Sustainable Communities and Cities, and Affordable and Clean Energy); therefore, if it becomes proven that it is indeed feasible to use biogas to create light, finding other ways to utilize it will certainly be the next step. By working hand-in-hand, closer and closer will Philippines approach towards becoming a sustainable and waste-free country.

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Biogas as Alternative Power Source for Gas Lamps

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Biogas as Alternative Power Source for Gas Lamps

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"In the long run, even the smallest effort is a huge contribution if done with the best intentions. The darkness not only brings out the beauty of the stars, but also the initiative to create light. Through simple methods, problems can be solved. This project, to summarize, is one that aims to address two of the most pernicious issues in the Philippines - pollution due to landfill and detrimental darkness." - N.M.