Volunteers learn to be creative

At Okele Road, no number, we have to be self-reliant.  For example, we have to think of how to dispose of our garbage.  Since there is no regular collection, we feel that we should not add to the ever-present heap in our vicinity.....and we want to give a good example to the neighbors. 

Compost

So we practice segregation, and the system of disposal was Mike's creation.  For bio-degradable items, he constructed a compost made of empty plastic bottles.
Mike saved our empty bottles, cut them at the bottom so he can put one over the other until he can form a receptacle that stands on the ground.  To keep the bottles in place and steady, he tied them together.  He says there is no need to turn the compost periodically since the structure provides space for air to circulate.
When the compost is ready, we will use it to fertilize our plants.

The incinerator

For non-bio-degradable, Mike built a makeshift incinerator.  This is made of empty paint tin cans piled and tied with wires on top of the other.... and the whole assembly sits on the wheel burrow.  The purpose of the tin cans is to contain the flames so that the debris do not get blown away.  The ashes are then used to fertilize our plants.

The loose side is tied to bounce the heat

Mike also built a solar-powered stove.  It is made of a box with one side slit open.  Then he lined all four sides with aluminum foil.  The principle is that the foil absorbs the heat from the sun.  He has actually used it to boil water in that saucepan.

Liz, on the other hand, has baked cakes by steaming.  We don't have electrical appliances here for cooking as power is consistently irregular.  What she does is put the batter in a small saucepan, place the saucepan in a plastic food container then submerge the plastic container in that tall saucepan half-filled with water.  She will then let the water boil in the gas stove until the batter is done.

When Mike and Liz recently left for the U.K. for a holiday, I told Mike that I will take care of the compost and incinerator.  My housemates asked, why not the baking?

Didn't they not know that in the Garden of Eden, Eve took care of the garden, and Adam baked apple pies?