The joy of a domestic fireplace

Did you know that over a quarter of a century ago some 20% of American homes were thought to be burning wood for heating? A 1984 article in Time magazine highlighted some of the drawbacks of what sounds like a potentially green heating strategy. Back in 1984, there were potentially hazardous particulates in the air, and apparently on a day to day level these caused common colds, sore throats and burning eyes.

Fast forward to today when we now know that poorly functioning wood burning stoves are a major health and environmental hazard worldwide. In response, The Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves involves the United Nations Foundation and various American state agencies. It aims to put 100 million cheap-to-buy, cleaner burning and energy efficient cooking stoves into homes worldwide in the next ten years.

However, this doesn't mean domestic fires, AGAs or other wood burning stoves should be abandoned - they can be still be green and save you serious money towards Christmas! As the weather starts to turn colder, simply give them a green make over. Use clean burning Eco Firelogs made from recycled cardboard and install a wood burning stove fan to get more heat from burning your natural fuels. You can also literally turn your daily household rubbish into money by recycling it into fuel. Use simple briquette bands  and paper log makers to turn it all into safe, free heating fuel.