Founded in South Africa in 2013 in response to power outages, Sonnenglas® makes solar-powered glass lanterns and related lighting products that turn sunlight into safe illumination. Its products are handcrafted in Africa through a Fair Trade-focused social enterprise, with recycled glass and partnerships that support local jobs and traditional craftsmanship. The company’s “Trade instead of Aid” model has taken its original community solution to customers worldwide.
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CellMyLight, IncBorn from a 2009 mission trip to Liberia, CellMyLight, Inc. makes a solar-powered flashlight that also serves as a portable phone charger and emergency power source. Founded by John and Jennifer Lafferty after seeing communities rely on generators, batteries, and unsafe lighting, the company designed its patented product for both disaster preparedness and outdoor use. CellMyLight says the flashlight is made in the USA and designed and tested to IP67, basic Mil-Std-810F, and ANSI FL1 requirements.THORNDALE, PA
Solight DesignFounded by architect and inventor Alice Min Soo Chun, Solight Design is a certified woman-owned company known for turning origami principles into practical solar lighting. Its work began with the SolarPuff, which the company says has reached more than 1 million people in underserved regions, while 10% of profits supports people in need.NEW YORK, NY
Remark GlassSince 2016, Philadelphia-based Remark Glass has handblown small-batch home accessories from post-consumer bottle glass, turning discarded local bottles into pieces such as drinking glasses and custom lighting. Working from the Bok Building alongside its sister nonprofit, Bottle Underground, the studio developed glassblowing techniques specifically for recycled material and has diverted more than 420,000 pounds of glass from landfill. Remark Glass is Philadelphia’s first zero-waste certified business, with silver status for diverting at least 70% of its processed material from landfill.PHILADELPHIA, PA
Riverside Design GroupFounded in 1996, Pittsburgh-based Riverside Design Group develops and sells handcrafted glass tableware and specialty products, working with small production studios. The company says it is passionate about American-made manufacturing and uses recyclable materials, including recycled glass; its Plates With Purpose line raises funds for nonprofit organizations.MCKEESPORT, PA