I came across a uninformed article about burning firewood today.
Here is the link if you wnat to read it:
http://www.treehugger.com/energy-efficiency/how-use-wood-stove-without-burning-down-house.html
Here is the response that I wrote back to the author in the comments section:
"Hello Mr. Alter,
Here are 5 reasons why burning firewood is VERY green.
1) Burning firewood can actually REDUCE a person's carbon footprint.
Many people only burn firewood that is from trees downed in storms and trees that are dead/dying.
***Please note:*** When a tree dies and rots, it releases all of its stored carbon back into the atmosphere. You can let the tree rot and use MORE oil and gas for heat or you can use that wood for heat and use LESS oil and gas.
2) Firewood is renewable.
There is NO limit on the amount of trees that can be replanted after harvesting. Also, trees mostly re-populate themselves without human intervention via seeds.
3) Firewood does NOT contribute to war.
Unlike oil, firewood decreases our dependence on fossil fuels which DECREASES war, death and violence.
4) Firewood accidents do NOT destroy the environment.
Ever heard of a "firewood spill?" Harvesting firewood can't destroy our oceans and cutting down trees does NOT ruin drinking water like fracking for natural gas.
5) Firewood is local.
Unlike oil and gas that must be transported across the country and/or world, most people source firewood close to where they live.
SAFETY
When was the last time you heard of a whole neighborhood exploding due to firewood, like natural gas can do? Also, firewood will not spring a leak and contaminate your basement or your garden soil like heating oil can.
AIR QUALITY
Modern EPA certified stoves only have a small amount of smoke at the start of a fire. Then there is no visible smoke from the chimney because the wood smoke gets burned up from either a catalytic combustor or secondary burning tubes.
CONCLUSION
Please enjoy a nice cozy fire in a modern stove or fireplace inset. You will be helping the environment, reducing your heating bills, and getting good exercise from chopping and/or carrying firewood."
Here is the link if you wnat to read it:
http://www.treehugger.com/energy-efficiency/how-use-wood-stove-without-burning-down-house.html
Here is the response that I wrote back to the author in the comments section:
"Hello Mr. Alter,
Here are 5 reasons why burning firewood is VERY green.
1) Burning firewood can actually REDUCE a person's carbon footprint.
Many people only burn firewood that is from trees downed in storms and trees that are dead/dying.
***Please note:*** When a tree dies and rots, it releases all of its stored carbon back into the atmosphere. You can let the tree rot and use MORE oil and gas for heat or you can use that wood for heat and use LESS oil and gas.
2) Firewood is renewable.
There is NO limit on the amount of trees that can be replanted after harvesting. Also, trees mostly re-populate themselves without human intervention via seeds.
3) Firewood does NOT contribute to war.
Unlike oil, firewood decreases our dependence on fossil fuels which DECREASES war, death and violence.
4) Firewood accidents do NOT destroy the environment.
Ever heard of a "firewood spill?" Harvesting firewood can't destroy our oceans and cutting down trees does NOT ruin drinking water like fracking for natural gas.
5) Firewood is local.
Unlike oil and gas that must be transported across the country and/or world, most people source firewood close to where they live.
SAFETY
When was the last time you heard of a whole neighborhood exploding due to firewood, like natural gas can do? Also, firewood will not spring a leak and contaminate your basement or your garden soil like heating oil can.
AIR QUALITY
Modern EPA certified stoves only have a small amount of smoke at the start of a fire. Then there is no visible smoke from the chimney because the wood smoke gets burned up from either a catalytic combustor or secondary burning tubes.
CONCLUSION
Please enjoy a nice cozy fire in a modern stove or fireplace inset. You will be helping the environment, reducing your heating bills, and getting good exercise from chopping and/or carrying firewood."
