Save Lives in Darfur with the Berkeley Green High-Efficiency Cookstove

In Darfur, as is so many politico-military situations, it's the innocent who suffer. Since 2003, thousands of Sudanese have been killed. Over 2.2 million Sudanese, mostly women and children, have been crammed into refugee camps. In these deplorable conditions, mothers must try to feed their children. But even a simple task, like gathering firewood is horrifically treacherous. Once outside the compound, women are at the mercy of militants, soldiers and unspeakable dangers. Women must make a seven hour long journey just to obtain fuel for cooking. The terrain is rough. There is little water to begin with. What vegetation does grow has been ruthlessly over harvested. Does this story have any good news?

Happily, yes! Greatergood.org has developed the Berkeley cook stove. This tiny but powerful little stove is literally saving lives daily. How? First of all this stove is made locally by the Sudanese. This cottage industry provides a source of income to refugees. Next the Berkeley Cook stove uses about 75% less fuel to cook with. Women can remain inside the safety of the camp. The Berkeley stove reduces the drain on the environment in Darfur, by using less fuel. Ergo, the Sudan will have an opportunity to rest and regenerate.

The Berkeley cook stove is ergonomically designed to adapt to the high temperatures and high winds of the Sudanese climate. The little stove generates far less smoke reduces the health hazards associated with open fires. These little stoves cost $30 to produce. The Sudanese pay $10 for the stove. This helps them to feel selfsufficient. If they cannot afford the $10, there is a fund to cover this cost. For a $20 donation to cover the balance of the cost of the stove, we can literally save the lives of a Sudanese family.

What does $20 buy in the United States? Four subs from Subway? Nope. $21.20. A meal at a political convention? Nope. $1,000- $3,000! A new Wii game, uh-uh. $40. A weeks' worth of frappucinos from Starbucks? Again no. $22- $28. Like we need the sugar, fat and cafeinne anyway? And a gift of a Berkeley cook stove is tax deductible.