Energy-Efficient/Refrigerant-Free Cooling

Heat Pumps

During research for this website, heat pump technology came up as a ecologically friendly alternative to A/C and indoor heating.

Currently energy and emission savings are around 75% for these heat pump alternatives (in other words a home owner or tenant would only have to use 25% of the energy to cool or heat a building or room to the same temperatures as a traditional appliance). 

With ground sourced, air sourced, and water sourced heat pumps becoming more widely available, it seems almost strange that heat pump refrigerators aren't also being piloted by companies yet. 

If anyone knows more about this subject, we'd like to be able to provide more about this idea.

Root Cellars

"A root cellar (American English), fruit cellar (Mid-Western American English) or earth cellar (British English) is a structure, usually underground[1] or partially underground,[1] used for storage of vegetables, fruits, nuts, or other foods. Its name reflects the traditional focus on root crops stored in an underground cellar, which is still often true; but the scope is wider, as a wide variety of foods can be stored for weeks to months, depending on the crop and conditions,[1] and the structure may not always be underground.[1]" - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Root_cellar 

Life Expectancy:

Pro: Saves money since these don't require energy to run. Improves food security since you can store garden and farm produce without fear of power outages.

Con: Learning curve as you work out what you can store and how best to do so. Some crops can cause others to spoil if kept too close together. "You need to keep your root cellar floor moist, deal with mold and mildew, regularly remove rotten or damaged produce, and manage pests." "Depending on the materials you use, building a root cellar is a labor-intensive project that can take several weeks and cost thousands of dollars." - https://www.angi.com/articles/what-root-cellar.htm 

Materials: May include sand bags, barrels, lumber, barbed wire, stone, bricks, nails, etc. You may also want to cover the root cellar with sod and plants such as grass. Water is also needed to keep the floor damp. Shelving or other types of storage inside the cellar can help with organization and keeping certain foods safe from one another, as well as pests or mold.

Yakhchāl

"A yakhchāl (Persian: یخچال "ice pit"; yakh meaning "ice" and chāl meaning "pit") is an ancient type of ice house, which also made ice. They are primarily found in the Dasht-e Lut and Dasht-e-Kavir deserts, whose climates range from cold (BWk) to hot (BWh) desert regions.

...

Zero Zero Energy Cooling Chamber (ZECC)

Refrigeration-Free Storage: 

Stable-Temperature Storage

You might also consider food preparation options that produces products which don't require cooling such as:

• Air drying is a good solution for preserving fresh herbs and cut flowers. Find a cool area like a stair well or ceiling rafters, and tie bunches upside down until they are dry enough to sell, use or store in containers. This isn't a good idea in a bathroom nor in a kitchen where oils and moisture sources like steam may influence the drying process.

• Canning produces shelf-stable food that can last for years, but once the container is opened again, the food should be kept cool to prevent spoilage.

• Sun drying uses the power of the sun to remove excess moisture. This can make food lighter to carry, more nutritionally dense, more flavorful, and last longer than if left in it's fresh form. Sun drying is a great option for fruit, vegetables, herbs, nuts, legumes/beans, and flowers (some of which are useful medicines or teas).

• Solar Ovens These amplify solar heat and by trapping and reflecting solar energy. Some use small fans and thermometers, but they can be as complicated or simple as you want.

Air Drying 

After air drying, you will probably want to put the food into some glass jars to reduce oxygenation, which causes nutrient loss over time. Silica packs or rice can also help reduce moisture content, further reducing opportunities for mold growth.

Canning (Preserving in Jars)

Fruit Preserves & Jams

This method may require some upfront energy use if you are cooking up some jam or fruit preserves. Jars can be stored for several years, but should be refrigerated after opening, especially if you live in a warmer climate.

Salted Foods

Salt pulls moisture out of cells, removing a key element that molds need to be able to survive and grow. That said, this article explains the dangers of relying on salt for your food safety.

Pro: Traditional/ancient art of food preparation.

Con:

Solutions: 

Resources:

Sun Drying

• Why Sun Dry Fruits & Vegetables Lists health benefits and a short list of appropriate foods for sun drying.

• National Center for Home Food Preservation: Drying This resource page talks explains which foods can safely be dried outside, vs which should be preserved indoors with more a more easily controlled environment. It then explains methods and equipment including a diagram.

Organizations

North America

USA

New York

• Adopt A House "is a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency and is dedicated to help re-build our local communities by bringing valuable information, solutions and financial assistance to Long Island residents affected by Super Storm Sandy and other emergency situations. Run entirely by volunteers, Adopt A House's simple mission is to support recovery for Long Island's SouthShore by preparing and administering a comprehensive disaster aid and long term recovery program to individuals, families and the community. Adopt A House also contributes assistance to individuals in unfortunate emergency circumstances by easing financial burdens and offering help and guidance. We achieve this mission through multiple avenues including, but not limited to: educational workshops, community outreach, programs for financial assistance, community service, and acting as liaison between elected officials and registered families. We are constantly striving to improve our ability to assess housing needs, improve community services and raise funds that go directly to registered families and our programs."