SCI x TEALEAVES Case Study: Cooking with the Power of the Sun
How Solar Cookers International (SCI) and the Propagation of Sustainable Designs Transform Lives, Conserve Forests, and Build an Accessible, Carbon-Free Future for Remote Communities
A BIODIVERSITY+ DESIGN CASE STUDY
Refugees like Fatuma survive on less than USD 2.15 a day to provide for a family of nine. When she cannot afford charcoal or wood for cooking, she and her kids must risk attack while collecting wood, or she must barter some of her precious food rations for cooking fuel. Cooking with polluting fuels leads to deforestation and creates toxic household air pollution that kills more people than malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS combined - EVERY YEAR!
- Solar Cookers International
Problem Space: Pollution and Deforestation, Endangering both Human Health and the Environment
Cooking can cost vulnerable and marginalized populations their health, safety, and environment – trapping families in cycles of poverty. This crisis is driven by heavy reliance on scarce firewood and expensive charcoal, and compounded by limited access to renewable energy. The demand for these fuels leads to deforestation, triggering soil erosion and exacerbating climate change. Forest degradation contributes 2.1 billion tons of CO2 equivalent emissions annually, with 30% stemming from wood fuel harvesting.1 Burning firewood and charcoal also releases harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and soot. Deforestation not only destroys biodiversity but also harms humans, as the loss of forests and ecosystems disrupts food systems and impacts air quality. Currently, approximately 2.1 billion people (as of October 2024) cook over wood, animal waste, or charcoal fires. Unfortunately, even more rely on unsustainable fossil fuels.2
This creates a vicious cycle: what is harmful to biodiversity also directly harms human populations. The downward spiral of environmental degradation, health risks, and economic hardship accelerates into a growing crisis that calls for an innovative and durable design solution.
The Design Solution
Solar cookers offer a simple yet highly effective solution to the cooking crisis. By harnessing the power of sunlight, solar cookers eliminate the need for firewood, charcoal, and other polluting fuels. These cookers work by using reflective surfaces to direct sunlight onto dark cooking vessels, which absorb and convert the light into heat, enabling efficient cooking methods.3
There are many types of solar cookers, such as reflective-panel cookers, solar box ovens, reflective parabolic cookers, evacuated tube systems, cookers that use Fresnel lenses or mirrors, and institutional solar cooking systems. Each type has its advantages, but all apply the same principle of using sunlight to generate heat, reducing reliance on environmentally harming fuels.
Solar cooking not only combats deforestation but also improves health by reducing exposure to harmful smoke. This is especially beneficial for women and children, who are often responsible for gathering firewood. Additionally, solar cookers empower women by freeing up time that would otherwise be spent collecting firewood, giving them more opportunities to work, study, or care for their families.
Schematics and solar ray diagrams for a reflective-panel cooker and a solar box oven. Solar box cookers typically cook food at temperatures between 90 °C (194 °F) and 200 °C (392 °F). They can often accommodate multiple pots and usually take between one and three hours to cook various foods. The sides and bottom are insulated to retain cooking heat. Worldwide, they are the most widespread solar cooker type.
In many regions, a large portion of the population still relies on polluting fuels for cooking, with some countries seeing over 90% of populations affected.4 Solar Cookers International (SCI) estimates that if households cooked just 25% of their meals with solar cookers, they could save one tonne of wood per year per unit, helping to reduce CO₂ emissions by 170 million tonnes annually and save over $1.3 trillion in environmental and health costs. This demonstrates how solar cookers can complement existing cooking methods, providing both immediate and long-term benefits to humans, communities, and the planet.5
Solar cooking projects have been introduced globally, adapted to various climates, budgets, cooking habits, and cultural preferences. In Uganda, the Solar Connect Association launched solar cooking initiatives in 1994 with support from organizations like the World Wildlife Fund of Switzerland.6 These efforts help protect Uganda’s rich ecosystems—among the most biodiverse in the world—where deforestation has claimed 50% of the country’s forests since 1990.7
Meanwhile, in Yemen, desertification and conflict have made firewood scarce. To address this, Solar Cookers International and the Nahda Makers Association introduced solar cooking solutions to communities living along the arid coast while also training local makers to produce solar cookers and solar dryers for lasting impact.8 Beyond addressing critical needs in resource-scarce areas, solar cookers also find use in other contexts.
In countries like the US, they offer a sustainable and enjoyable cooking method embraced as a way to reduce one’s carbon footprint. Some notable examples are using solar cookers as a fun outdoor experience that can be enjoyed year-round, even on sunny winter days, and using them as a kitchen feature in eco-conscious luxury hotels.
Empowering Communities: Solar Cookers in the Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya
The Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei Settlement in northeastern Kenya is home to approximately 298,000 refugees.9 The hot and barren region provides limited resources, and families there rely heavily on firewood and charcoal for cooking. However, cooking with polluting fuels leads to health and safety issues, particularly for women and girls who are responsible for firewood collection and cooking. It also exacerbates deforestation and air pollution, contributing to climate change. Until recently, 95% of households received firewood from UNHCR within the Kakuma-Kalobeyei area. The firewood provided as relief, distributed once every two months, lasted an average of 13 days. As a result, households were left without cooking fuel for 78% of the time.10 This severe shortage led to 95% of refugees skipping meals, leaving dinner as their only meal.
With a mission to tackle the cooking crisis in remote communities, Solar Cookers International (SCI) saw an opportunity in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, which enjoys about 300 sunny days per year.11 SCI works collaboratively with the Kenyan organization Eco-Impact Hub CBO to locally manufacture and deploy sustainable, carbon-neutral cooking methods for refugees at Kakuma Refugee Camp. In 2024, disruptions in cooking fuel distribution placed significant strain on refugees, highlighting the dire need for solar cooking solutions.
As a 501(c)(3) US non-profit organization, SCI’s mission is to improve human health, economic well-being, women’s empowerment, and the environment by promoting climate-friendly solar cooking for vulnerable populations. SCI’s local collaborator in Kenya, Eco-Impact Hub CBO, is a community-based organization with expertise in solar cooker manufacturing and project implementation.
The open-source Standard-size ULOG solar cookers used in this initiative captures sunlight and directs it into a box oven, which heats blackened cooking pots to cook food (Appendix A). This collaboration allowed SCI to advance its mission of supporting women and the environment while promoting locally made solar cookers, reducing the environmental impact of imports, and strengthening local businesses.
Each solar cooker has a lifespan of approximately 15 years and can prevent one tonne of wood from being burned annually, resulting in yearly savings of $92.25 from less money spent on cooking fuel. This represents a significant benefit, especially given that most individuals in the Kakuma Refugee Camp live at or below the international poverty line of approximately $2.15 per day.12 While transitioning to solar cooking presented challenges—introducing new technologies required substantial training and follow-up—the results spoke for themselves.
One woman shared that the cooker had been a lifesaver. She could not afford fuel or barter food for fuel, and her only choice was to risk being attacked while collecting firewood. This participant of the program stated, “If it hadn’t been for the solar cooker, I would have lost my life by now.”
Embracing and Applying Biodiversity+ Design Principles
SCI’s solar cooker design addressed the critical issue of fuel reliance, which contributes to health problems and biodiversity loss driven by deforestation. To tackle this, the organization developed a solution that strategically integrated biodiversity into the design, benefiting both the environment and the residents of the Kakuma Refugee Camp. The collaboration between SCI and TEALEAVES highlighted the significance of designing solutions rooted in biodiversity, while applying TEALEAVES Biodiversity+ Design principles of: Beyond-Self (recognizing that solving biodiversity loss and the climate crisis is a collective effort); Beyond-Human (acknowledging the inherent value of ecosystems); and, Beyond-Time (designing with historical wisdom in mind while ensuring feasibility for future generations). Together, these principles enabled SCI to engage collaborators, communicate their mission, and acknowledge the interconnectedness of environmental health and human well-being (Appendix D).
Embracing the idea of Beyond-Self, which encourages collaboration, helped spread SCI's mission through a thoughtfully crafted documentary. Through compelling storytelling and real-world examples, the film educates audiences about the importance of sustainable cooking and inspires broader support for SCI’s mission. Additionally, SCI and TEALEAVES collaborated with innovative Executive Chef Joshua Murray at the Conrad Washington DC hotel to showcase the solar cookers. What made this Conrad collaboration unique was its creative twist on sustainability—demonstrating to guests that delicious meals can be cooked in unconventional ways. By using carbon-neutral technology to prepare exceptional dishes, Chef Murray highlighted how innovative, sustainable design solutions can benefit the planet while delivering unforgettable culinary experiences. Additionally, SCI reflects the Beyond-Self principle by developing community-driven cooking solutions tailored to the specific needs of each affected group, acknowledging that a single approach cannot work for every community or situation.
Furthermore, SCI has effectively applied the principle of Beyond-Human by designing in harmony with nature, harnessing the sun’s free and clean energy. Between 2018 and 2024, SCI distributed 400 solar cookers in Kakuma, providing 42,117,300 meals to program participants and avoiding 8,940 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions over the cookers' lifetimes.13 By diverting CO₂ emissions, SCI is mitigating climate change, reducing future risks, and promoting sustainable solutions. Additionally, by reducing reliance on firewood and charcoal, SCI helps to preserve forests; which in turn supports biodiversity, protects soil from erosion, and maintains cleaner air and water systems. Recognizing that humans are part of nature and not separate from it, SCI’s efforts benefit not only people but also our ecological partners, including plants, animals, and natural systems that thrive when deforestation and pollution are curtailed.
Moreover, the principle of Beyond-Time was applied, communicating that solar cookers, with a 15-year lifespan, benefit multiple generations of families. This forward-thinking approach acknowledges the inevitability of climate change and proactively mitigates its impact, fostering resilience for both people and the environment. Not only this, but their cookers are sourced locally, meaning that they can easily be repaired rather than thrown away, highlighting SCI’s commitment to circularity. This strategy also supports small business owners, growing local knowledge that can be passed down through generations. Lastly, program participants reported that because of the solar cookers, they are able to have more time for school, occupations, and wellness. Designing with Beyond-Time in mind, SCI has facilitated a culture of wellness which will have positive impacts on future generations as these values become a norm moving forward. By considering the needs of both present and future communities, SCI demonstrates how sustainable design can create a lasting positive legacy.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The cooking crisis is a multifaceted challenge, intertwining environmental, health, and economic issues, but solar cookers offer a powerful solution. By embracing design principles like Beyond-Self, Beyond-Human, and Beyond-Time, SCI drives meaningful change by reducing fuel dependency, protecting biodiversity, and empowering communities. It's time to rethink cooking solutions and design for sustainability, where every decision made leads to lasting, positive impact for both people and the planet.
Appendix A: Guiding Principles in Collaboration with TEALEAVES
This principle challenges the notion of singular authorship, celebrating collaboration and shared ownership in the design process.
How is SCI Achieving Beyond-Self?
SCI embraced this by partnering with TEALEAVES to amplify its mission. Through creative collaborations like an inspiring documentary, SCI broadened its reach, encouraging audiences to understand the transformative potential of solar cooking. By showcasing this shared vision, SCI tapped into collective creativity to amplify the message of sustainability and innovation, motivating global communities to join the movement.
This principle calls for sustainable practices that respect and enhance biodiversity, acknowledging that human well-being is inextricably linked to the health of biodiversity.
How is SCI Achieving Beyond-Human?
SCI’s recommended design prioritizes harmony with nature, utilizing the sun’s clean, renewable energy to reduce reliance on harmful fuels. This approach not only minimizes environmental degradation but also supports biodiversity by lessening deforestation, which is a large driver of biodiversity loss. By using solar cookers instead of charcoal and firewood—which are pollutants detrimental to human health—SCI underscores the interconnectedness of human health and ecological well-being.
This principle values the wisdom of past generations while taking responsibility for the legacy we leave to future ones, seeing design as a continuum that resonates through time.
How is SCI Achieving Beyond-Time?
The long-term impact of SCI’s recommended solar cookers reflects the principle of Beyond-Time. With a lifespan of 15 years, the cookers provide benefits that extend to multiple generations, offering economic, environmental, and health advantages for years to come. This enduring design aligns with the principles focus on creating a lasting legacy while addressing the challenges of a changing climate.
Appendix B: Solar Cookers in Use
SCI program participants gather at the solar cookers distribution site at Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. Photo credit: SCI Collaborator Eco-Impact Hub CBO
Solar cooked meals at Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya; Left to Right: stew, ades, cowpeas, greens, rice, and githeri (maize and beans). Photo credit: Eco-Impact Hub CBO
SCI program participants enjoying solar-cooked meals at Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. Photo credit: Eco-Impact Hub CBO
Appendix C: Cost of Polluting Cooking Fuels
SCI and its Kenyan collaborator Eco-Impact Hub CBO run annual solar cooking initiatives at Kakuma Refugee Camp. Family size in this initiative averages about 7.3 people/family and countries of origin include: South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Somalia, and Burundi.
This initiative uses SCI’s Adoption and Impact survey to gather baseline and post-distribution evidence-based results. To highlight survey results for the financial impact from solar cookers, the bar chart above shows the average cost of polluting cooking fuels per month per participating family – before and after they have a solar cooker – and spans three consecutive annual implementation cycles (2022-2024). While the cost of cooking fuel relates to several factors, such as family size, type of fuel, market price, and ratio of fuel purchased to fuel accessed from bartering, gathering, work/service, etc., there is a significant measurable financial benefit from solar cooking.
- During the 2024 annual cycle, the average baseline fuel cost was $17.81/month, the average post-distribution fuel cost was $10.12/month, and the average fuel savings among the new solar cooks and their families was $7.69/month. Over a shorter time frame, these savings correspond to ~$0.25/day. Over a longer time frame, these savings correspond to $92.25/year. And over the 15-year lifespan of the solar box oven, this translates to an estimated savings of $1,383.75 in operational costs, assuming fuel costs, fuel usage rates, and solar cooker usage rates remain constant. These are significant savings for refugee families that might live at or below the international poverty line of approximately $2.15 per day. Such families relying on traditional fuels spend a significant portion of their income on cooking fuels. During the 2024 annual cycle, for instance, a refugee family living at the international poverty line spent on average $0.59/day on cooking fuel before having a solar cooker, which corresponds to 27% of their income. The ability to use natural, free resources such as the sun saves money for these vulnerable populations.
Appendix D: United Nations Development Goals Achieved through SCI’s work
Goal
No Poverty
Mission
End poverty in all its forms everywhere
How is SCI achieving this mission?
Saves families $92.25 per year by reducing fuel costs with free solar cookers, reducing fi nancial burdens on vulnerable populations
Zero Hunger
End hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Solar cookers ensure consistent access to cooking fuel, enabling refugees to prepare all meals and reduce skipped meals
Good Health and Well-Being
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Reduces indoor air pollution from firewood and charcoal, improving respiratory health and reducing exposure to harmful pollutants
Quality Education
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Reduces the time spent collecting firewood, enabling children, especially girls, to attend school. Additionally, giving the women an opportunity to train their community
Gender Equality
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Of the 2.1 billion people cooking over open fires, women bear the primary burdens in negative health effects, premature deaths, and time, effort, and risks for gender-based violence while collecting fuel. SCI frees women from the dangers of collecting firewood/charcoal and gives them time for education or other opportunities
Clean Water and Sanitation
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Solar cookers can be used to boil and purify (pasteurize) water, reducing waterborne illnesses
Affordable and Clean Energy
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Provides renewable solar energy for cooking, reducing dependence on unsustainable fuels
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Saves money on fuel, allowing families to allocate resources to other economic activities and livelihoods
Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Introduces innovative solar cooker technology, reducing reliance on traditional biomass fuels
Reduced Inequalities
Reduce inequality within and among countries
Provides equitable access to sustainable energy solutions for marginalized communities, addressing disparities in energy access
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Reduces deforestation and supports biodiversity, making communities more sustainable
Responsible Consumption and Production
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Encourages the use of renewable resources, reducing the demand for unsustainable biomass fuels
Climate Action
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by preventing the burning of one tonne of wood per solar cooker annually
Life Below Water
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
Minimizes deforestation and reduces pollutants that can eventually enter waterways, protecting aquatic ecosystems
Life on Land
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertifi cation, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss
Reduces deforestation and promotes forest conservation by replacing firewood with solar energy, providing a space for biodiversity to thrive
Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
Reduces resource conflicts by decreasing reliance on scarce firewood and charcoal
Partnerships for the Goals
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
Collaborates with value-driven groups like TEALEAVES, local implementing partners, manufacturers, multilateral organizations, decision makers, and The United Nations to promote solar cooking solutions and advocate for sustainability
Additional resources:
● Global Forest Watch's interactive map, tracking forest loss and biodiversity loss
● Eco-Impact Hub CBO
Bibliography:
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7. https://www.cbd.int/countries/profile?country=ug
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10. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590291124000494
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13. https://www.knbs.or.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/The-Kenya-Poverty-Report-2022.pdf
14. https://www.solarcookers.org/work/kakuma-refugee-camp-kenya-africa