In 2003, Dow donated enough of its THERMAX* insulating foam to the Solar Oven Society to build 6,000 solar ovens. THERMAX insulating foam is generally used to keep warm or cool air inside buildings. But THERMAX insulating foam works so well that is can also be used in small ovens that need only heat from the sun for cooking meals. With a solar oven, people in developing countries can cook, bake, or boil water. Without a solar oven, these people would have to use fires to prepare meals.
The United Nations estimates there are 2.5 billion people who use fires to cook. These same people have to spend as many as 40 hours a week to gather firewood. If there is no wood, they have to spend money to buy fuel. Sometimes, they spend as much money on fuel as they do for their food. Plus, fires present many hazards. Smoke from fires is bad for the lungs of the people who must use them. Smoke and other gases from fire contribute to climate change also. A solar oven helps prevent these problems and helps deliver healthier meals and safer water.
This is an example of an existing Dow product in a sustainable application.
