It’s cold outside- and I know us Southern Californian’s shouldn’t complain- but we need heat sometimes. I have lived without a heater for over 10 years- fortunately I do have a fireplace- but what to burn? I wish I could burn all my leftovers from remodeling- unfortunately they release toxins in the air.
The first thing I did was to to Craigslist to see what is for free. Nothing in my neighborhood- plus all available products were outdoors and we just had rain. Other areas have plenty of used firewood:
- Rhode Island-“MAGADO fire logs. The most convenient wood for the fireplace and wood stove.Will also enhance your cord wood even if it’s wet. No mess, No bugs, No bark and most of all NO CHEMICALS.
- If you are lucky and live in North Carolina High Country- check out Green Forestry Solutions- who sell firewood from forest cleanups. (For expert tree removal Raleigh, contact Leaf & Limb Tree Service)
- In Hawaii- HtM Contractors is offering Firewood
I could Make My Own-
Make Your Own Firewood Before proceeding recycle what you can. Many items you get in your mail box everyday; junk mail, pizza boxes and any cardboard or paper product
Step 2-Take your new pile of gathered paper, card board or magazines roll them up nice and tight. Make different sizes so you have starter pieces and long burning logs.
Step 3-Next tape the rolls really tight. Make sure you use something that burns easily without releasing toxins.
Step 4-Wet each rolled piece really well using your garden house or dipping them into a bucket.
Step 5- Set the rolls on a rack, allowing air to flow around the entire log. Let them dry out for a few weeks and their your have your new pile of wood to burn. Wetting the newspapers while rolled up and allowing them to dry completely creates a soft wood burn log.
Moral of this story:
- The most eco- friendly firewood is no firewood
- If you need firewood- salvage it- and start salvaging early (summer) for the winter. Wood pallets are available here all year. If you are concerned about wood and toxins check out Woodheat.org
- Keep firewood dry so you can use when you need it.
- If you didn’t do that- Buy Firewood local
- If not – try using Eco Friendly Firewood from the following sources.
Where to buy:
- All Season Firewood- Uses only wood that has already been downed. (Santa Rosa, CA)
- True Fuel- Made from the waste wood from wood manufacturing plants, these logs provide consistent, clean heat with little ash or smoke to pollute the air. They are made from domestic resources and cheaper than fuel oil and create far less less pollution. They’re great for campgrounds and outside barbecues too. You can cook food with them without having to jump away from the sparks and gag on the smoke! 10 logs for $16.99
- Java-Log Fireplace Logs – crackling logs that burn for 3 hours. Made from coffee waste and vegetable waxes, and packaged in recycled materials. Find stores here($32/6 logs).
- Duraflame – petroleum-free logs that burn for 3 hours and use 80% fewer resources than regular firewood. Store locator here ($26/6 logs).
- Raven Firewood– Eco Friendly- high density energy logs
- Irish Flame- Irish Peat turf-
Resources;
- U.S. Department of Energy – tips for getting the most out of your fireplace.
- EPA- Recommendations on Wood Stoves, Burning and More
we now carry magado and bio-flamme firelogs. serving the NJ, NY, CT and PA areas. We deliver to your home. Our site is under construction right now but we have product to sell. 973-greenco
Make sure that you know the burn regulations for your community. There are Spare the Air days and no burn days due to air quality concerns.