Pretty much everyone nowadays admits that we (humans) are having an effect on the global climate.  From global warming to El Niño, earthquakes to hurricanes, we all want to do our part to help reverse the damage.  The problem is that for some of us, we’re running out of things to do.  What’s left if you have changed all your light bulbs to compact fluorescents? Or if all your faucets are already low flow?

The next step is just as easy and is actually pretty fun too: cook using solar energy.  All you need is a solar oven.  They’re pretty easy to make, but the commercially produced models offer higher temperatures and, with reflectors, are useful even on a cloudy day.  They’re pretty light (only 10 lbs. in some cases), require no fuel, and are much easier to clean than most grills.  But how exactly are they so environmentally friendly?  I’ll show you.

Now, I know what you’re saying.  “I’ll just use my electric oven then I’m not using fossil fuels.”  Possibly true, but how sure are you about whether or not your power company uses fossil fuels?  Besides, you’re still paying for the electricity, no matter how little it may be.

The second reason that solar cooking helps the environment is a little more behind the scenes.  Those fossil fuels we mentioned earlier?  Habitats are destroyed to get those fossil fuels, so by avoiding using them, not only are you saving money, you’re helping protect wildlife habitats.  Plus, you can take your solar oven camping in those same habitats if you want.

So the next time you’re trying to figure out what step you can take to go green, try solar cooking.  See www.survivaloven.com for a lightweight, well-made model or for more information, and remember to have fun!