Ecorazzi

Olivia Wilde, who earlier this week was highlighted covering GQ magazine, has written an article for USA Today on the importance of giving back. The House actress describes childhood lessons on volunteering and charitable giving — as well as present-day projects she helps support.

“Beyond reducing our carbon footprints, I learned that using the power of solar technology is the best path toward a cleaner and more responsible future,” she writes. “After years of supporting environmental and humanitarian aid groups, I was elated to discover one grass-roots organization tackling both issues at once.”

“I learned about Power Up Gambia two years ago when I presented an award to its founder, Kathryn Cunningham Hall. The concept was brilliant: outfitting hospitals and clinics in Gambia with solar panels to generate the electricity needed to provide medical care.”

Wilde then goes on to describe how doctors benefiting from the solar charity can now perform operations by light rather than candlelight. “My hope is that all Gambians will be able to benefit from this sensible, innovative concept of providing sustainable access to medical care without worsening the toll of modernization.”

To learn more about Power Up Gambia, hit the official site here.