Topic: Reflections on ECHO – Appropriate Technology
Out of all of our field trips, this was the one I was looking forward to the most. ECHO stands for Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization. One of their main goals is to teach people in other countries to make what they need out of what they already have. They call this concept “appropriate technology.” Our tour guide, Vic Estoye, explained to us that when mothers cook, their babies are often strapped to their back. This is really dangerous to the baby and the mom because the smoke that the stove gives off is the equivalent to the baby smoking two packs of cigarettes a day!! He showed us an alternative way of cooking in which recycled cardboard is crushed up and made into blocks that they can use for firewood in cooking. We also learned about a household water treatment where seeds from the Neem tree are used to disinfect murky water. We also learned that Neem tree leaves are also really good for your teeth and that they can be used in many other household products.
I found this field trip to be extremely educational, and it helped me appreciate what I have. I’m lucky enough to have clean running water and a grocery store where I can buy everything I need. This field trip helped me realize that there are so many ways I can reduce my ecological footprint and still maintain an “American lifestyle.”
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