Comments on: Paraffin Lamps and the Informal Recycling Industry

By: recycling

recycling — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 06:14:42 +0000

recycling…

[...]AfriGadget » Blog Archive » Paraffin Lamps and the Informal Recycling Industry[...]…

By: ariniaina

ariniaina — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 11:26:43 +0000

We have same things here in Madagascar. Most of old things discovered in trash bins, there are people who live from recycling them into other useful items.

By: Dena Crain

Dena Crain — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:28:13 +0000

I love this whole idea. It’s a shame we haven’t figured out a way to get the garbage in Kenya more easily recycled, as in having a drop site for glass, papers, cans, plastic bags, etc. I know there are a lot of private initiatives like this one operating. Wish I could figure out a way to help. Being rather at the top end of this materials chain makes it feel impossible, but perhaps now I need not feel so guilty about throwing away usable stuff. What a great blog this is! I’ll be checking it daily via the feed. Thanks!

By: Erik Hersman

Erik Hersman — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 19:19:44 +0000

@Tracy – yeah, it’s getting more expensive than ever before. I think it might have been more expensive that normal petrol, last I was in Kenya anyway. What else do you use though?

By: Tracy

Tracy — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:57:27 +0000

It’s fantastic to see the informal recycling industry doing well. I just wonder if anyone can afford the paraffin to put in those lamps these days. Have you seen the price of the stuff?

By: Fuzzy

Fuzzy — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 04:01:45 +0000

Wonderful creativity in everything! How much would we westerners benefit through being mindful of the ways our “trash” can be put to better use?

Forgive my curiosity, but I like his soldering method:
What is he using for the flux(dope) and solder? Are they also found materials(my limited mind can only come up with battery acid and wheel weights)? Is the soldering iron being dipped into the solder to apply it and heat at the same time?

By: …My heart’s in Accra » Citizen video and windows on the world

…My heart’s in Accra » Citizen video and windows on the world — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:44:31 +0000

[...] Erik Hersman turns a brief video of a craftsman making paraffin lamps out of used tomato tins into an extended look at the informal recycling industry in Nairobi. The video gives you a sense for the noise, and almost, the closeness and heat, of a metalworking [...]

By: Todd Huffman

Todd Huffman — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:05:15 +0000

Amazing post. When I discuss the developing world with other Westerners, there is often a subtle but pervasive attitude that people in the developing world are stupid or lazy. Your perspective shows the intelligence and resourcefulness of the citizens of Nairobi.

On a recent trip to Afghanistan I was blown away at the complexity and sophistication achieved with mud construction.

http://flickr.com/photos/oddwick/3014838024/in/set-72157608736702937/?addedcomment=1#comment72157611016847398