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#keepingcool — Public Fediverse posts

Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #keepingcool, aggregated by home.social.

  1. How to Keep Beverages Cool Outside the Refrigerator

    April 25, 2012

    "In the industrialized world, we know only of one way to cool beverages: place containers in refrigerators. This practice, which occurs on a massive scale, is utterly dependent on fossil fuels.

    "However, people obtained the same result much more #sustainably before the advent of the Industrial Revolution. In hot, dry climates, we used porous earthenware jugs that were not only re-usable, but also kept water cool by taking advantage of natural energy sources.

    "The best known example is the Spanish ‘#botijo’, an unglazed ceramic container that cools beverages by evaporation. Similar drinking containers can be found in other Mediterranean countries, as well as in Mexico (where it is known as a ‘#búcaro’) and on the Indian subcontinent (where it is called a ‘#ghara’, ‘#matka’ or ‘#suhari’).

    "The ceramic water cooler probably originated in the Indus Valley Civilization, which would make it 5000 years old."

    Read more:
    notechmagazine.com/2012/04/bot

    #SolarPunkSunday #KeepingCool #LowTech #NoTech #AncientTechnology

  2. Natural cooling methods in #Morocco

    October 27, 2024

    "Morocco’s hot and dry climate makes it hard to keep homes cool. But, the country’s #TraditionalArchitecture has found clever ways to beat the heat. Using the environment, Moroccan builders have created natural cooling methods.

    "They use things like porous [clay] jars and #mashrabiyas. These techniques keep homes cool without needing #AirConditioning.

    Key Takeaways

    - Moroccan architecture uses passive cooling like thermal mass design, shading, and ventilation.
    - Evaporative cooling systems like porous jars and mashrabiyas cool homes by evaporation.
    - Features like wind catchers, courtyards, and underground irrigation help cool naturally.
    - Modern projects are using these old methods in new buildings for #sustainable cooling.
    - Moroccan cooling methods show a deep understanding of the local climate and a focus on comfort and well-being.

    Traditional Moroccan Architecture:

    "Moroccan architecture shows the clever use of #nature to make homes comfortable. At its core are the riads, traditional Moroccan houses. These houses have thick walls of clay or stone that keep the inside cool, even when it’s very hot outside.

    #Riads and #Courtyards

    The central courtyard, often with a #garden or fountain, acts as a natural air conditioner. In Fez, where it can get up to 104°F (40°C) in July, this design makes air conditioning unnecessary. The thick walls and central courtyard work together to keep the inside cool.

    Khettaras and Fountains

    "Traditional Moroccan architecture also uses advanced irrigation systems called khettaras. These systems bring water from the mountains to the cities. This water is used for cooling fountains and pools, lowering the temperature through evaporation.

    "The sound of water and greenery in these courtyards make a peaceful and cool atmosphere. This adds to the natural cooling effect.

    "The architecture in Morocco showcases a sustainable and cost-effective model for contemporary buildings, emphasizing the effectiveness of design and natural materials over reliance on air conditioning.'

    "The traditional Moroccan building methods teach us about sustainable design. They use local, natural materials and work with the environment. This is a valuable lesson for modern architecture around the world."

    Read more:
    moroccandiaspora.com/natural-c

    Archived version:
    archive.ph/0OMUu

    #SolarPunkSunday #heatwave #Heatwaves #KeepingCool #TraditionalDesign #MoroccanArchitecture #TraditionalArchitecture

  3. How #Paris's #SeineRiver keeps the #Louvre cool in summer

    Delphine PAYSANT
    Wed, June 18, 2025

    "As Paris braces for a #heatwave this weekend, a little-known network of underground pipes will be cooling the Louvre museum and other storied landmarks using water from the Seine river.

    "Since 1991, the river water has been cooling more than 800 buildings via a humble but hard-working system that is still relatively under-utilised worldwide.

    "Paris boasts the largest such urban cooling network in Europe: 110 kilometres (68 miles) of subterranean pipes criss-crossing the City of Light, reducing its need for energy-guzzling air conditioning.

    " 'It's like 'Batman'!' exclaimed a passer-by in the chic and touristy eighth arrondissement or district of Paris, as a manhole cover was removed to reveal a spiral staircase to the cooling network below.

    "The technology is not new: the headquarters of the United Nations in New York has been using water from the East River for cooling since the 1950s.

    "But much planning and construction is necessary and as such, these efficient and #sustainable cooling systems remain relatively rare.

    "But in Paris, the network has grown considerably in recent years to confront more intense and frequent #heatwaves, with the first of the summer forecast this coming weekend.

    "The process works much the same as a district heating network, but in reverse: heat is transferred from the air to chilled water pumped via pipes to buildings around the city.

    "But unlike conventional #AirConditioning, it does not blast hot air into the streets, according to Fraicheur de Paris, which manages the Seine cooling network and others in #Barcelona, #Singapore and #Dubai.

    "The company, co-owned by the French energy utility Engie, says it also offers significant savings in electricity consumption, chemical use and emissions of planet-warming carbon dioxide.

    "Heatwaves could push summer temperatures to 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit) by 2050 in Paris, said Raphaelle Nayral, secretary general of Fraicheur de Paris.

    "The city needs a more sustainable solution than air conditioning units with their associated heat and energy burden, she added."

    Source:
    yahoo.com/news/pariss-seine-ri

    #SolarPunkSunday #KeepingCool #ClimateChange #ClimateChangeSolutions

  4. Good morning tooters, it’s going to be the highest temp for us so far this summer - 39c forecast 🥵. Need to go up to my place & give my garden a good watering & fill the birdbath early today. I think I’ll be closing up the doors & windows early. Catch up with my sister this morning & see how she is. Then home to hide in the cool.
    Hope everyone has a great Sunday - stay cool, stay hydrated & ice cream is required today 😃. #AussieSummer #KeepingCool