by John Barrie 

I follow the work of the Appropriate Infrastructure Development Group (AIDG) pretty closely. Through education and business development AIDG promotes sustainable technologies that improve the quality of life in developing countries.  AIDG has identified several sustainable technologies that can be made locally, with local “eco-engineers”. One technology AIDG is promoting in Guatemala is the use of Biodigesters.

Biodigesters take advantage of the energy that is naturally present in animal waste and kitchen trash. As these waste products break down, whether in the ground, a compost heap, landfill, or biodigester, they release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. 

Biodigesters trap the methane before it becomes a problem and stores it for heating and cooking. This way, biodigesters can provide a sustainable substitute for propane, kerosene, and firewood. For those families that have to buy their fuel, a biodigester can save them hundreds of U.S. dollars every year. For those that cut trees down for firewood, a biodigester will save them time and help to prevent deforestation

Apart from providing fuel to the family that uses it, a biodigester is also a source of high quality organic fertilizer.  Disease causing bacteria, such as E. Coli, are killed inside the biodigester.

Introducing this simple technology reduces pressure on natural forests, provides free high quality fertilizer, reduces food borne illness due to E. Coli, improves health and saves money. It's not too often that we hear about a win-win-win-win-win technology.

Link to a National Public Radio Podcast on AIDG work in Guatemala.

Via AIDG

The original blog post is available at:

http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/517/