20120423
Press TV
As debates over global warming and a green economy continue, Kenyans have turned to using charcoal briquettes as their source of energy for cooking, Press TV reports.

The economical briquettes made of bits of charcoal, waste paper, and water are now being used at schools and homes in Kenyan slums.

“I was spending 100 dollars a week on cooking the porridge alone. With briquettes, I suppose it’s around 10 dollars,” director of the Ruben school in Mukuru, Frank O’Shea said.

The use of charcoal and firewood for creating heat in Kenya is contributing to the deforestation and is posing threats to water catchments.

Unusable or waste charcoal is purchased in large sacks, costing about USD 10. The charcoal is then sifted and added with shreds of waste paper and water. The mixture is then soaked in water and put in a machine.

Once the briquettes catch on fire, they are capable of producing heat for about eight hours.

Experts say the briquettes reduce energy costs by as much as three-quarters.

Many rural areas in the country are still dependant on firewood, kerosene and charcoal for cooking purposes.