In areas of the world where the resources to support gas and electric stoves are not available, inhabitants must routinely gather and burn solid fuel within their homes to fulfill their daily energy needs.  Unfortunately, the inefficient combustion of solid fuels such as wood and coal can lead to wasting fuel, dangerously high levels of indoor air pollution, and eventually devastating deforestation of the surrounding ecosystem.  By conservative estimates, 2.7% of the global burden of disease is caused by indoor air pollution. In May 2007, members of EWB-Wash. U. participated in an international house-building project in Guatemala. During the project, we discovered that the native method of cooking produces dangerous levels of indoor air pollution.  As a result, EWB-WU has expanded its involvement to include the design and installation of safe, efficient cook stoves in Guatemala. In addition, we are looking to create a universal stove design for implementation around the globe (especially in Africa and India, where there is also a substantial demand for improved cook stove design). 

Our Objective:

The cook stove project aims to enhance the education of Wash U engineers through hands-on experience while also improving the quality of life for people around the globe. This project involves young engineers, retired engineering professors, and professional engineers alike. The value of a Washington University education lies not only in the classes we take, but in the opportunities we are presented with as students. The cook stove project is an excellent opportunity for engineers to practice the concepts they have learned in class while working for the greater good of the global community. 

Get Involved:

We currently have a prototype of the stove on the Wash U Danforth campus! While the design is still under review, it should be up and running for plenty of tests by the fall semester. Look for it around campus - with fun events like marshmallow roasting/s'mores and cooking competitions!

If you would like to get involved, please email Kate Wilson at kswilson.co (at) gmail (dot) com.

Join the Cookstove project here
or jump to the project page here