FAQ

 

  1. How do you know that people will use the solar cookers and reduce the greenhouse gases you claim they will?
  2. Shouldn’t we be more concerned about our own greenhouse gases and put our money into reducing our own energy use and emissions?
  3. How can I find out what my “carbon footprint” is?
  4. How many people benefit from one solar cooker?
  5. How do you calculate emissions saved when you are not there to see the family using the cooker?
  6. Is the Kyoto Twist promoting a particular solar cooker?
  7. How do you find and choose good partners in the developing world?
  8. Why not promote improved wood stoves instead of, or along with the solar cookers?
  9. How much are you spending on administration and where does that money come from?
  10. Will I get a registered charitable receipt for my donation?

 

1. How do you know that people will use the solar cookers and reduce the greenhouse gases you claim they will?

 

A. The answer is careful selection of the women who will receive the training and a cooker and choosing project locations where the need is greatest and the infrastructure is in place to track the fuel savings.

 

2. Shouldn’t we be more concerned about our own greenhouse gases and put our money into reducing our own energy use and emissions?

 

A. We should all try to be “carbon neutral” and we can achieve that by first reducing our own carbon footprint as much as possible and then “offset” the remainder. Donations for solar cookers reduce greenhouse gas emissions in addition to alleviating poverty.

 

3. How can I find out what my “carbon footprint” is?

 

A. You can search “carbon calculator” on the web to find a few different sites that will ask you some lifestyle questions and give you an estimate of your carbon footprint. You will get an estimate of your annual greenhouse gas emissions and suggestions on how to reduce them.

 

 

4. How many people benefit from one solar cooker?

 

A. That depends on family size and the type of cooker used. There are many different models in daily use around the world. The family size in our projects fall between five and twelve household members. We recommend you look at the cookers on the www.solarcooking.org site to see the many different models and applications.

 

 

5. How do you calculate emissions saved when you are not there to see the family using the cooker?

 

A. Our principle method is to corroborate data given to us during the selection and follow-up interviews. We can track the families through reporting at their solar cooker follow-up support meetings that Kyoto Twist funds. We crosscheck with known market and usage patterns for the local fuels used.

 

6. Is the Kyoto Twist promoting a particular solar cooker?

 

A. No, because the choice of cooker for each project is the decision of the project applicants, who because of their experience in a particular region have already found the best model for their communities depending on cost, availability, climate, and acceptance.

 

7. How do you find and choose good partners in the developing world?

 

A. Through our connection with the international solar cooking network where successful programs are highlighted, we approach organizations that look like they will fit our criteria for communications, data keeping, and experience. Our principle screening is done through our project “Application Packet”.

 

8. Why not promote improved wood stoves instead of, or along with the solar cookers?

 

A. This again would be up to our partner organization. If they already work with an “integrated cooking” model and wish to apply to the Kyoto Twist on that basis, our board will consider their application. Improved cooking stoves ensure cleaner indoor air and more efficient use of wood and charcoal for cooking when the sun doesn’t shine.

 

9. How much are you spending on administration and where does that money come from?

 

A. As a small organization, our administrative costs have been low and covered outside of what people have contributed to solar cooker sponsorships. Our goal is to keep administration costs below 5% of our total revenues by promoting volunteerism.

 

10. Will I get a registered charitable receipt for my donation?

 

A. Kyoto Twist is a charity registered with Canada Revenue Agency, registration #817412273 RR0001. An official charitable tax receipt is issued for donations to Kyoto Twist for income tax credit in Canada. Visit www.cra-arc.gc.ca/charities to view our returns and financial information.

 

 

Save a tonne, Save a life.