Using the tried and trusted principles of insulation cooking, Wonderbag elevates domestic meal times to matters of international significance.
The Wonderbag concept has its roots in a passion for the environment, sustainable development and poverty alleviation.
Cooking in the Wonderbag reduces the consumption of fossil fuels. As a result, less CO₂ is released into the atmosphere. Due to its potential to mitigate the effects of climate change the Wonderbag project is to be registered by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project. This means that for every bag sold, verified carbon offsets will be traded on the international market.In an independent survey of 90 households conducted over a three-week period in 2009, it was established that one Wonderbag:
reduces cooking fuel consumption by 30-50%;
reduced CO₂ emissions by approximately 500kg per year; and
saves about 15KWhr of electricity and 1,5 litres of paraffin per week.
How does a Wonderbag work?
The Wonderbag is an insulated container made up of two poly-cotton bags filled with polystyrene balls. It can hold a pre-heated dish safely for several hours while cooking its contents through heat retention.
Cooking is done in two stages. First, the food is brought to the boil on a conventional stove or cooking fire. Once the food has reached the desired temperature and is heated through, the second step is to transfer the cooking pot to the Wonderbag. The insulated Wonderbag ensures that the temperature of the food is maintained to continue and complete the cooking process.
The Wonderbag cover is made of poly-cotton with a Shweshwe print. It is filled with expanded polystyrene (EPS) that consists primarily of carbon and hydrogen. EPS is ecologically harmless, contains no CFCs and is fully recyclable by:
Grinding it down to produce new EPS.
Using it as a lightweight aggregate for concrete and insulating mortars.The Wonderbag benefits communities through:
Improved air quality in homes by reducing smoke from cooking fires
Safe, cost-effective cooking
Tasty, nutritious meals which can be prepared ahead
Reduced food wastage as food cannot burn or overcook in the bag
Job creation and skills development
