Solar Power Does More Than Simply Save the Planet

In many well developed countries, those living there often take the little things for granted. We couldn't imagine only having firewood to heat our homes, cooking over that same log burning fire, or living without many of the appliances and devices we use on a daily if not hourly basis. Well, this is the reality of those living in small villages across Argentina. For those residing in Misa Rumi their sole means of providing warmth and food for their families was also responsible for soil erosion, deforestation, carbon gas emissions and other negative environmental effects. Yet, thanks to the EcoAndina Foundation, these villages have been able to adopte more ethical consumption habits.

Those traveling to these remote villages are part of EcoAndina's resolve to implement the townspeople with solar energy power. Replacing their traditional burning habits, they are now able to heat their soups and other warm meals atop a solar stove. This new technology is greatly appreciated by those living in the villages as one such gold panner Julian Martinez replies, "We use the solar stove every day and it works well...it's not bad at all, I think it gives good results." These stoves, equipped with a sundial to adjust to the moving sun are then able to ignite almost instantly.

The solar technology doesn't stop at household conveniences alone, and they are being used by both bakeries and with water pumps too. This aids with the watering of the village's vegetable fields and gardens. Further, the schools are now able to provide a respite to the students from the frigid morning chills as they go about their lessons. In addition to cutting back on the amount of carbon gas emitted from the traditional burning methods, these solar cookers are helping to curb the cutting down of trees and forests in the surrounding area as the villagers are no longer seeking burnable logs. Each of the solar cookers boast being able to reduce two metric tons of carbon emissions each year from every household and have gained notoriety from other countries. Outside of the 30 villages in Argentina visited by the EcoAndina Foundation, further countries, particularly from Latin America, are expressing their interest as to this new technology.

The good work that the EcoAndina Foundation has done goes beyond simply improving the environment and spreading ethical consumption habits, but extends to simply improving the living quality of their fellow men. As we all go about our daily lives, hopefully we can look to what is being done in Argentina as an example to not only rely on eco-friendly energy sources but to be better human beings as well. The work done in these villages started out to save the planet, but it also did well to help save the human spirit.

Photo Credit: solar.envirohub.net