Home
Cooking and Ovens:
Fire for heat and cooking is always a problem; killing trees for firewood is a long-term problem that can cause deforestation (which hurts forest animals) and erosion. It is suggested by an American University development specialist that wood conserving practices be used. One suggestion is to use a woodstove; woodstoves may be available for purchase in your local city. You can also make a woodstove from a 55 gallon metal drum if you are crafty. The value is that you get the same amount of heat from a woodstove, but less wood is used. Also, woodstoves can be used indoors in cold areas (with a flue), and is a great heat source and less money than an open fire.
I would like to note that campfire ash is useful in compost, as a compress for snakebite, as an emetic, and as a writing implement.
To supplement your use of woodstoves, solar cookers are recommended. Solar_Cooking_Plans (a fantastic alternative to wood fuel) shows some examples.
Again, local elders and the university may be able to help you with design and the process needed for making a clay oven. Clay ovens can be made anywhere and are a wonderful means of baking bread and cooking, as well as a heat source.
Home