Fuel-Efficient Stoves for Farmers in Costa Rica
SeaChar.Org is working with local partners and communities in Central America to introduce clean-burning, fuel efficient cook-stoves to the households most at risk from the deadly effects of smoky indoor fires. Able to use a wide range of dry organic fuels, these stoves lessen the demands on forest resources and create the soil-building, carbon negative byproduct known as biochar. The Estufa Finca has been developed in Seattle, field tested in Nicaragua and Costa Rica and emissions tested by Aprovecho Research Center. SeaChar works with local communities to train local women to fabricate and market these affordable stoves to their neighbors. They work with local farmers to utilize the biochar byproduct to enhance local organic alternatives to unsustainable chemical fertilizers and soil amendments. They also work with University partners to design effective implementation, testing and monitoring protocols. Their program is designed to educate both local and international volunteers.
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The Need
The Estufa Finca (Farm Stove) is laboratory tested with a 83% reduction in CO emissions, a 91% reduction Particulate Matter emissions over an open fire. Theses stoves have been documented in field with a 32% - 74% reduction in amount of fuel used and averaging 789 grams of biochar byproduct per meal. With support in planning fabrication facilities and and facilitating manufacturing training workshops we and our project partners further opportunities for local women to fabricate and market these affordable stoves to neighboring communities.
About SeaChar
Partner since October, 2011
SeaChar.Org is a Seattle based, grass-roots nonprofit organization. Our mission is to promote the widespread use of biochar as a sustainable tool to fight climate change, build a healthier environment and reduce waste. As citizens of a global community we feel a responsibility to help create the positive future we want to live in. Through biochar research, educational outreach and the development of appropriate technology, we are developing and sharing the tools to accomplish this.
