We organized an ecological stove project with the NGO Stoveteam International, as well as our pueblo's church and mayor's office. The eco stove uses 70% less wood and produces 90% less smoke than an open cooking fire. Respiratory disease is the leading cause of death among Salvadoran kids. Deforestation is also a huge environmental concern [in fact, during this demonstration, a Stoveteam representative discussed the correlation between deforestation and landslides...unfortunately, several days later there was a terrible landslide in El Salvador that killed more than 200 people]. These stoves tackle those health and environmental issues; after an initial investment in the stove, the family can also save money on firewood. This picture is from Stoveteam's first demonstration in our town.
Stoveteam came back to give a second demonstration. Town residents cooked pupusas, pasteles,
plátanos, etc. We brought in over 60 stoves with this campaign. The mayor's office is continuing to promote the stoves and keeping a list for another order. This makes us very happy because sustainable development is an all-too-elusive goal.
puppets
Josecito took this picture.
After the terrible landslides, the whole town rallied to provide relief for the displaced survivors. We collected money, food, and clothes for the community of Verapaz.
We were celebrating one year in site out west (went ziplining!) with our training group when the landslides occurred. Our friend here was unable to return to her site (close to Verapaz) for weeks. She spent a few days with us in Chinameca; she happened to be there during our relief campaign.
These pupusas are cooked on a comal (black clay skillet). This is the old school way of cooking (delicious) pupusas.
Kelly, Estefani, Norma
Estefani and Bruce
Chinameca, our beloved pueblo
1 comment:
HOW GREAT IS THAT! Great to see an idea come to fruition with all these benefits. especially the children benefiting from the clean air!
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