Assignment 2

For assignment 2, we were told to come up with quick concepts that would assist the Tibetan communities in regards to heating or cooking.

Dung is essential to Tibetan communities because it is basically a free and renewable source of energy. Coal and kerosene are expensive and not easily obtained and desertification has significantly reduced the number of trees in the area. Dung is their best option for fuel.

I decided to tackle the issue of dung collection and sanitation. Every day Tibetan women spend roughly 3 hours collecting enough dung to help cook food and heat their homes. After they have collecting the dung, it must be dried. This process is accomplished by mashing handfuls of dung together and squeezing them into 8" discs that they then slap against a sun exposed wall to dry. Because of a lack of running water, villagers do not have a chance to rinse off the dung before cooking and tending to children. This results in a cycle which increases the chances of illness because of the pathogens that are being spread amongst everyone.

Bag for easier collection of dung. Modified garment aiding in the collection of dung.

Tools which help flatten and cut dung into smaller, denser "bricks" which help keep hands clean.

Shoe attachments which help flatten and cut dung into smaller, denser "bricks" which help keep hands clean