In Uganda’s refugee camp Kyaka II, refugees turn food waste into cooking fuel. This process creates eco-friendly briquettes from scraps like maize cobs and banana peels. It helps reduce deforestation because fewer trees are cut down for firewood.
Many refugees now have jobs collecting and processing this waste. They also produce cookstoves. These innovations help families save money and have cleaner cooking options.
However, there is a concern about maintaining soil nutrients. It is important to balance clean energy with the health of the soil.
Difficult words
- briquette — A small block made of compressed materials.briquettes
- deforestation — Cutting down trees in a forest.
- eco-friendly — Good for the environment and not harmful.
- innovation — A new idea or method.innovations
- nutrient — A substance that helps living things grow.nutrients
- process — A series of actions to make something.processing
- fuel — Something that is burned to create energy.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can innovations like this help other communities?
- What other ways do you know to reduce waste?
- Do you think clean energy is important? Why or why not?
- How do you feel about job opportunities for refugees?
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