Steam Center Blog

The Climate Change Debate And the five myths that surround the subject A n active debate is taking place in the world about climate change. Many believe that because of fossil fuels use, carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas has been increasing steadily in the atmosphere, and this is leading to adverse climate changes that include an overall warming of the planet as also more frequent adverse climate extremes that are devastating for human habitations whenever they take place. As a result, the objective of limiting such emissions is being pursued by many organizations, governments and individuals. Carbon dioxide levels have gone up from around 0.02 percent (200ppm) in preceding centuries to around 0.04 percent(400 ppm)  presently T he opponents to such attempts on the other hand fall in two categories. First are those that say that carbon dioxide levels are too miniscule in the atmosphere to make a difference and in fact it is a good gas and we need more of it. The s...

  A Low Cost squat toilet for use in rural homes W hile it seems that indoor toilets were invented in India five thousand years ago in Indus valley civilization, the intervening centuries of poverty have caused these to disappear from many homes, especially in rural India. The outdoors is used as an open toilet to defecate under the open skies. With increasing population this is leading to pollution of water sources and other health hazards. The present Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has undertaken to change the situation. In this process the search for cheaper viable alternatives is required in order to accelerate the process. Existing Squat toilets The existing squat toilets are primarily made out of two materials, the ceramic toilet and the stainless steel toilet that are used in railway coaches. A third new alternative that is cheaper on the whole and quicker to install as well as lighter to transport is now described. The New stain...

A proposed revolutionary new scheme to end open defecation in India A New Scheme is proposed here for consideration by the Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India While indoor toilets, covered drains and sewerage systems were developed in India five thousand years ago in the famed Indus Valley civilization ( see here ), widespread poverty in the intervening centuries has led to many homes without a kitchen or bathroom across India. The outdoors is used for both. This works fine from a health point of view for kitchens but it is a disaster for public health when the outdoors is used as a toilet. It has also led to security issues especially as regards women. It is not safe to venture out after dark. Need: While the need has been felt to prevent open defecation in rural India, there is a greater need for schemes that create incentives for the task. The present note describes a lottery scheme that has the potential for creation of...