Climate of Our Future

Climate Crisis Coalition

A Chinese farmer has made his own solar-powered water heater out of beer bottles and hosepipes.

“I invented this for my mother. I wanted her to shower comfortably,” says Ma Yanjun, of Qiqiao village, Shaanxi province. Ma’s invention features 66 beer bottles attached to a board. The bottles are connected to each other so that water flows through them. Sunlight heats the water as is passes slowly through the bottles before flowing into the bathroom as hot water, reports China Economy Network.

Ma says it provides enough hot water for all three members of his family to have a shower every day. And more than 10 families in the village have already followed suit and installed their own versions of Ma’s invention.

This clever Chinese farmer adapted materials at hand to supply his family with hot water. Those of us who live a privileged lifestyle have an opportunity to learn from this man. Imagine, using already existing resources to meet our needs without causing further degradation to the Earth.