Lost Valley Visits Aprovecho Research CenterThere are probably as many definitions of appropriate technology as there are for permaculture. One definition that we like is: Appropriate Technology, AT, is being mindful of what we're doing and aware of the consequences. Appropriate technology works from the bottom up; it is not an overlay to the situation; it is a genuine grassroots solution to economic needs. The idea of appropriate technology is that local people, struggling on a daily basis with their needs, understand those needs better than anyone and can therefore suggest or in fact, invent the technological innovations necessary to meet those needs. Just a few miles from Lost Valley, our friends at the Aprovecho Research Center in Cottage Grove, are busy developing appropriate technology stoves. This amazing venture has produced rocket stoves that use 40-50% less fuel and reduce emissions by 50-75% compared to cooking with an open fire or unimproved cook stove. Each stove prevents 60%, or 1.5 tons, of green house gas emissions every year it is used. Here are some photos of a field trip we made recently. Our guide, Benjamin West, was great. He showed how their new product, 60 liter stove can bring on a boil in about 40 minutes! Learn more about these fuel efficient stoves at their website http://www.aprovecho.orgrocket stoves. Here's a rocket stove:
Here is Lost Valley Dan checking out the interior of The Approvecho Research Centers' new 60 liter stove.
Here we are, the Lost Valley Fermentation Guild on tour.
This is Benjamin West, our guide and Aprovecho's marketing man.
This is the 60 liter stove. See how small the fire chamber is? It is engineered to be ultra efficient.
This is the interior. The skirt is skillfully made so that the pot fits snugly inside to avoid heat loss.
This is the smaller rocket stove they sell.
Dean Still, Approvecho Research Center Executive Director in the background
Brad observes a "stove skirt". They can save up to 10 percent of heat loss. Try one on your stove today.
Every year they host the "Stove Camp" in August. Here are some stoves from this fun event.
Here are some models of rocket stove. Fun to make, efficient and good for the planet
This is the testing equipment Aprovecho Research Center uses to measure emissions and green house gases. They work hard to make them minimal. You see the little white blob attached to the green stove? That's a fan they've added to the stove which creates a much cleaner burn and less bad gas. |
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