Most beautiful object is also bright idea

Consol Solar Jar by Ockert van Heerden and John Bexley.

This alternative light supply makes it easy for hotels, conference and wedding venues, pubs, taverns and restaurants to go green while keeping the lights on. It is particularly well suited to outdoor setups for managers tired of relighting candles that blow, burn out and attract insects. It removes the on-going cost, smells and dangers associated with the candle/citronella lighting option.

Fitted with solar powered LED lights, the lid has solar panelling that, when placed in the sunlight, powers the LED batteries for almost six hours before it needs to be recharged. It comes standard with a 'switch' so that the light can be controlled. The sustainability of this product is enhanced as the glass jars are 100% recyclable and, on average, each container consists of 35% recycled content.

As one of South Africa's leading glass manufacturers, the company recognised how many South Africans are without electricity and saw the opportunity to provide an alternative solution to this most basic need. Further, the inconsistent power supply challenges suggest that every home and function venue in the business of entertainment, requires a back-up light supply.

As a design innovation and a true measure of 'form meets function', it has already received a Special Recognition Award at the 2011 Institute of Packaging SA (IPSA) Gold Pack Awards.

Retailing from R120, the jars are currently available from the company's outlets in Woodmead and Stellenbosch, as well as via www.solarjar.co.za and from the Melissa outlets in Cape Town. For more information, go to www.consol.co.za.