[Stoves] $1.50 Charcoal Stove

[acparker at xmission.com]

I feel compelled to chime in on this charcoal discussion.  I do not mind
using biomass for energy in the proper context, however, the use of wood
and charcoal in an urban setting can be catastrophic, to the health of
the users, their neighbors, and to any tree within a days' journey of
the city.

When visiting my in-laws, I observe the charcoal burners in Guayaquil
behaving like a plague of locusts.  They will cut down the trees in the
medians and parks.  They cut down much of the dry rainforest around the
city years ago and have been working on the mangroves lately.

Propane for household use is subsidized, but there are frequent
shortages as tanks are illegally used to run taxis and buses, smuggled
across the border to Peru and Colombia in caravans for resale, or sold
around the corner at whatever price the market will bear.

I do not know if any program has been attempted to use rice husks,
bagasse or other byproducts for charcoal production, but if they could
undercut the prices of the traditional charcoal burners, it could stop,
or at least slow, the destruction.

Actually, there is a constant haze over the city because weeds are
always being burned.  Whenever I go to visit, I always get a respiratory
infection from smoke irritation.  Perhaps they should carbonize the
weeds in an efficient retort?

I do hope that Cornelio's efforts are successful.  Efficient stoves and
sustainable sources of charcoal will take pressure off of the remaining
trees and woodlands, in or near the great tropical urban centers.


Andrew Parker