Lowtech Graph lists low-tech options for every need of a home. Here you can compare them, find tutorials to build them, and link them together into a circular system. Why low-tech?

Passive multi-zone pantry storage system

Passive

One of 3 ways to meet this need. Cost, carbon, footprint and rankings are relative to other solutions for the same need, not absolute.

What your site needs

North-facing exterior wall access for the cold/humid zone's vent box (new construction) or floor space for a zeer-pot unit (retrofit)

Built-in food storage divided into up to four zones, each with its own conditions: airy and light for fruit, airy and dark for potatoes and onions, cold and damp for root vegetables, and a small fridge for the rest. Each food keeps where it lasts longest, with little or no electricity.

Cost

Medium

Upkeep

Occasional

Skill to build

Basic

Lifespan

Matches structure/cabinetry lifespan (built-in joinery and vent detailing, not a separately wearing product)

Embodied carbon

Low

Space / material use

Medium

Output timing

Continuous process

Skill to repair

Basic

Inputs

• Fresh or perishable food
• Fresh air

Outputs

• Fresh or perishable food

Compare the 3 ways to meet this need

Levels are relative to the other options for this need, not absolute. Fewer dots is lighter.

• Passive multi-zone pantry storage system (This page)
  Can I use it? Works in a flat · No rebuilding needed
  What does it cost me? Upfront cost: Medium · Skill to build: Basic · Upkeep: Light · Change to daily life: Occasional · Works without the grid: Yes
  Choose it if you are fitting a kitchen and want each food kept where it lasts longest.
• Ventilated dry pantry
  Can I use it? Works in a flat · No rebuilding needed
  What does it cost me? Upfront cost: Low · Skill to build: None · Upkeep: None · Change to daily life: None · Works without the grid: Yes
  Choose it if you want dry goods, onions and potatoes to keep longer with no machine.
• Sand-box root vegetable storage
  Can I use it? Works in a flat · No rebuilding needed
  What does it cost me? Upfront cost: Low · Skill to build: Basic · Upkeep: Regular · Change to daily life: Occasional · Works without the grid: Yes
  Choose it if you want root vegetables to keep for months in a cool, dark corner.

Sources

• Low-tech Lab wiki, pantry storage tutorial, citing ADEME food-waste figures

Limitations of this page

We don’t list sizing or quantities, as the yield of each technique depends on the quality of its build. The catalogue compares options but doesn’t dimension them. Regulatory notes are indicative, with a French example, and need to be confirmed locally.