“Cooking a Better Life” is a campaign that is part of the Wiese Foundation Humanitarian Aid Program, in which some Cusco communities that have extolled the cultural and economic value of the llamas are recognized, in addition to preserving the ecosystem of the zone.
There were 74 families recognized by this program, who received improved adapted kitchens in their respective homes. It should be noted that the improved kitchen is the Inkawasi Pichqa – GTZ model that has the following characteristics:
.Description: wood stove with two burners, adobe or brick of 1m longx60cm wide and 70cm x 90cm high.
. Fuel type: firewood
. Combustion chamber: 17 bricks.
. Smoke evacuation system: galvanized iron chimney with a protective hood and 50 cm high-end
. cover at the base, made with improved mud.
. Iron and amount of burners: ferrocement with two burners.
Results of the improved kitchen evaluation
. Reduction of carbon monoxide (CO) up to 96.53%
. Reduction of pollution inside the house.
. Reduction of particulate material (PM 2.5) up to 97.93%
. Average boiling time of 5 lt. of water: 17.7 minutes
. Kitchen safety percentage: 100%
Benefits of improved kitchens
In health
. By reducing the contaminating smoke, the tearing, burning and redness of the eyes during cooking of the food disappears, in addition to the decrease of throat irritation.
. It decreases the frequency of diarrhea in children, as well as cough (which is caused by the smoke).
. Possible accidents are prevented because it provides safety during the handling of pots and utensils.
. Mothers manage to have better posture and comfort when cooking.
. The inside of the kitchen has more hygiene, and therefore, is cleaner.
In the environment
. There is no smoke in the kitchen nor in other environments of the house.
. There is no presence of soot in the pots, or on the walls or ceiling.
. The kitchen and other environments look clean and healthy.
. The felling of trees in the area is reduced.
In the preparation of food
. Meals and water taste better.
. Food is cooked in less time.
. Keeps food warm for a longer time.
. Guarantees safe handling for children, when they help with household chores.
In the economy
. Improved kitchens consume less wood, with an average saving of 30% to 45%.
. The clothes of the mother and other family members are kept clean.
. There is an improvement in health, therefore, the spending on medicines and medical consultations is reduced.
If you want to know more about “Cooking a Better Life Campaign”, we invite you to follow this link: http://bit.ly/2CookBetterLife
