Breaking the Cycle of Indoor Air Pollution: Hero School’s 7th Grade Smoke-Efficient Stove Project
The Reality of Cooking in Comalapa: A Silent Health Crisis
In Comalapa, Guatemala, the simple act of cooking is a daily health hazard. With over 70% of families living in poverty, most homes rely on open fire pits for preparing meals. These stoves are often inside poorly ventilated homes made from corrugated metal, trapping thick smoke indoors. The result? Chronic respiratory illness, eye infections, and long-term lung damage, especially in children and elderly family members.
Women and young girls—who are traditionally responsible for cooking—face the highest exposure, breathing in the equivalent of smoking several packs of cigarettes a day due to the smoke inhalation. This problem is compounded by deforestation, as families are forced to collect increasing amounts of firewood to sustain these inefficient fires.
A Student-Led Solution: Smoke-Efficient Stoves
From May 19-23, 2025, Hero School’s 7th-grade students will tackle this crisis head-on by building smoke-efficient stoves for families in need. This project is not just about constructing stoves—it’s about transforming lives through sustainable engineering and problem-solving.
How Smoke-Efficient Stoves Work
✅ Repurposing old tires as a base for stability and durability.
✅ A smaller burning chamber to increase heat efficiency and reduce the amount of firewood needed.
✅ An improved ventilation system that directs smoke outside the home, reducing respiratory illness risks.
✅ A more sustainable design that minimizes deforestation and preserves natural resources.
The Environmental and Social Impact
Each smoke-efficient stove has multiple benefits:
🌍 Environmental Protection: Reduces deforestation and carbon emissions by using significantly less firewood.
❤️ Health & Safety: Lowers indoor smoke pollution, preventing severe respiratory issues.
🔥 Economic Relief: Families spend less time gathering firewood and save money on fuel.
🌱 Sustainability: Uses locally available and repurposed materials, making it an accessible, long-term solution.
How You Can Help
This student-led initiative needs your support to bring it to life! Here’s how you can make an impact:
💰 Donate: Help cover the cost of essential materials, including metal piping, concrete, and insulation.
🤝 Volunteer: Join us on-site to assist students in building and installing these life-changing stoves.
📢 Share the Mission: Spread the word so we can reach more people who believe in sustainable solutions for communities in need.
Together, we can break the cycle of indoor air pollution and empower young problem-solvers to build a healthier future. Get involved today!
📅 Project Dates: May 19-23, 2025
🌍 Be part of the solution—Donate or Volunteer!
