Energy efficiency does not always entail high costs—sometimes, even changing seemingly minor details in one’s home can yield tangible benefits.

Meet Marine Shonia from the village of Torsa, in the Khobi Municipality.

Marine lives alone in Torsa. Her only source of income is her pension. During the winter, heating her home and paying electricity bills pose a significant challenge. Every Lari saved is of great importance to her, as it allows her to reallocate those funds to cover other essential needs.

As part of the project, Marine received a special "energy basket." This collection of practical items helps her easily retain heat within her home and significantly reduce her electricity consumption.

The basket includes six energy-efficient (LED) light bulbs, solar-powered lights, a portable solar charger, and a "smart plug." These devices help minimize the costs associated with home lighting and electricity usage. As for heating, the thermal insulation films for windows and special sealing strips—included in the basket—will help Marine prevent heat loss from her room during the winter.

The money that was previously wasted on inefficient lighting or lost through heat leakage can now be used by Marine for medicines or other essential household needs.

This initiative is implemented with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP Georgia) and the Government of Denmark.