Wood Burning Stoves

Purpose

To provide affordable and healthy wood burning stoves for families in Guatemala.

Description

In 2007, Rotary International donated materials for twenty wood burning stoves to be built in rural Guatemala. Long Way Home will have built three stoves by the end of 2008, and will build two stoves per month throughout 2009. The project includes selecting stove recipients, constructing the stoves, and teaching stove construction. The wood burning stoves built by Long Way Home are classified as an appropriate technology in that there is a deeply felt need for the stoves within rural Guatemala, the materials are all bought locally and are relatively inexpensive, and the stove design is uncomplicated and can be easily taught to the local people.

Health

One goal of this project is to reduce smoke inhalation in adults and children, a main cause of sickness and death in Guatemala. Through much of rural Guatemala, families cook over open fires within their homes because they cannot afford to build or buy efficient stoves. Statistics indicate that the average family member inhales the equivalent of smoking five packs of cigarettes per day when open fires are used in their enclosed kitchens. By constructing efficient wood burning stoves with chimneys, we aim to improve the overall health and standard of living of the people of Guatemala.

Environmental and Economic Contribution

The other main purpose of building wood-burning stoves is that they consume 50-70% less firewood than open-air fires. The reduction of firewood consumption is a crucial step in combating Guatemala's deforestation crisis (see LWH Reforestation Project). For families who purchase firewood, the stoves make a long-term economic contribution by reducing their food preparation and heating budget.

Education

An important aspect of this stove building project is that it is replicable within the community of Comalapa. With its simple design, the family receiving the stove can participate in its construction, thereby learning how to build these efficient stoves themselves. Once the local people receive this instruction from Long Way Home staff, they then know how to build additional stoves within their family and community, allowing further perpetuation of this appropriate technology.

Make a Donation

Each stove costs about $80 to build. Visit our donate pages if you would like to help toward the development of this project or just make a general donation to the vitality of our organization. Long Way Home appreciates your contributions and interest in helping make the world a better place.