We're back! and...I'm headed to Afghanistan!

Hi all;

Krista told me that I had to get this site up and running again! It is about time too! And my time is really precious now.

I was 'recruited' from my job as North Country Energy Smart Communities Coordinator by the US Army to teach sustainable skills at the FOB (Forward Operating Base) in Kandahar in Afghanistan. I am going to be away for 90 days and working out of the Agriculture Center on the base there. I am covering a lot of topics:
1) Water production and pumping...with the focus being on simple techniques of moving water...hand pumps, deep well hand pumps, wind powered water pumps, ram pumps and solar powered water pumps.
2) Water testing- Goes hand in hand with the topic above. I'll be using kits from LaMotte intended for education.
3) Soil testing- the soldiers and LN's (Local Nationals) will be taught to use soil kits (again intended for educators and being used by the soldiers and LN's)
4) Solar power for electricity production...Teaching how photovoltaics work and how to install systems. Think of community centers, medical clinics and farms getting small, but useful systems to run lights, coolers for medical supplies, radios, etc.
5) Wind power for making electricity...same idea as #4.
6) Efficient cooking technologies. Think 'rocket stoves' these are stoves that use twigs and other bio fuels to cook food 4-5x more efficiently than open fires. We have a great Stovetec stove that we'll be trying out shortly.
7) Food preservation techniques. If you've attended any of my lectures on the subject you will understand how comprehensive this topic can be. Mostly canning techniques.

I will be sending pictures and updates home for the folks at Woodhenge to post to this site.
Probably begging for stuff to be sent to me and the people I'm working with too!

Right now we're looking for donations for the "Operation Spartan Stork" This is to get birthing kits to the Afghan people...who have one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world.

I will be listing the place to send donations of money or supplies (and what those supplies are) later.


Have a great day! -Jim-