IDEA: Improved Ceramic Stoves

Posted on 12. Jan, 2009 by Charles Tsai in E-Inspiration, Environment, Tech-Inspiration, Technology

Cindy, 24, Dominican Republic - Heat “magically” appears to cook food for the majority of U.S. citizens. Life was not that simple when I became a Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic. Outside of major cities, families use wood burning open fires to cook their food.

Standing over a fire is nostalgic, but certainly not environmentally friendly or efficient. The wood required to fuel these fires is causing deforestation.

My solution is one that has already proven to be both environmentally friendly and efficient, but requires more monetary resources than struggling Dominicans can afford. Improved ceramic stoves can be built using local materials; i.e. cinder blocks, concrete, and ceramic pieces.

Dominican families participating in the project are required to contribute a small monetary amount, as well as to help in the construction of the stove. As the stoves are built, enthusiasm for the project grows. The project demonstrates the families’ willingnes s to work towards a cleaner live for themselves, their country and their world.

The improved ceramic stove reduces the amount of smoke in the air thus contributing to reduce climate change, and consumes one third of the fuel used in an open fire, taking pressure off the country’s forest cover.