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 on a given day?
  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 by purchasing certified emission reduction credits or solar cookers which 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. For Canadians, we recommend that you go to www.climatechange.gc.ca/calculator. You will get an estimate of your annual greenhouse gas emissions and suggestions on how to reduce them. Then see our section titled, “Become Carbon Neutral” for offset options.

 

4. How many people benefit from one solar cooker on a given day?

 

A. That depends on the cooker and the climate conditions on that day. There are many different models in daily use around the world, with greater or lesser capacity. We recommend you look at the cookers on the www.solarcooking.org site and see them for yourself.

 

 

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 followup interviews. We can do some crosschecking with known market and usage patterns for the local fuel. One UNFCCC approved project in Indonesia crosschecks user information with climatological data.

 

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.

 

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. 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.

 

 

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. We are a registered charity in Canada (#817412273RR0001). Receipts for donations are issued for tax reporting in Canada.

 

 

Save a tonne, Save a life.