30 Fairmont Park Lane S
Lethbridge, AB
T1K 7H7
Phone: (403) 328-1704
Saturday, December 20, 2003
The Editor
The Lethbridge Herald
P.O. Box 670
Lethbridge
AB, T1J 3Z7
Dear Editor:
Re: Food to burn for Kyoto
Trevor Page’s column on Ethiopia’s food shortage reminded me I’d recently seen an obscure article on the use of grain for household heating. (Ethiopia’s new approach to food security, Saturday, December 20, A7.)
Indeed, a “Google” search on “grain stove” revealed three manufacturers on the very first page of results. The Golden Grain Corn Stove site notes that heat from corn is substantially cheaper than electricity, natural gas, wood pellets, wood, propane and fuel oil. It seems only coal might be a less expensive fuel. Intriguingly, a made in Canada wheat, rye and corn burning stove is available from a dealer in Coaldale.
These environmentally conscious firms suggest this is one way to meet Kyoto greenhouse gas reduction goals to save the planet from global warming. I wonder if Ethiopians are impressed by the idea others are advocating the burning of food they can’t produce.
Perhaps we can ponder this paradox as we enjoy a generous holiday season and bountiful New Year.
Yours truly,
Duane Pendergast