Domestic burning in the UK is known to have an impact on the environment, and a study published last year provided us with an insight into the current situation. Below, we introduce you to the report's key findings and explain why we think that moving towards eco-friendly fuel sources will help us combat the effects of human-induced climate change.
What does the research say?
The Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) recently announced the publication of research into domestic burning. The report was insightful for lots of reasons, and some of the key findings include:
- 46% of PM2.5 emissions in the UK come from outdoor burning.
- The burning of green waste accounts for 90% of all outdoor burning emissions, by far the single most significant contributor.
- Much of the fuel found to be burnt outdoors was highly polluting and unregulated.
- Ecodesign stoves account for the smallest percentage of PM2.5 emissions in the UK, at just 2.7%
There's a lot to take in from the report, but what's concerning is that the research found that much of the fuel used at domestic properties was ‘highly polluting’. Given the broad range of eco-friendly solutions at our disposal, this is something we can all do something about, as we explain in detail below.
The importance of eco-friendly fuel sources
As the research highlights, a significant amount of the fuel used in domestic burning is 'highly polluting and unregulated.' You might be aware that the UK government has already moved to ban the use of 'wet' wood and coal in recent times in an attempt to reduce domestic pollution. Therefore, now is the perfect time to switch to an eco-friendly source of fuel for your home fire.
At Homefire, we have a number of sustainably sourced, eco-friendly products that will help you significantly reduce your carbon footprint while still enjoying the benefits of a roaring home fire. For instance, our Ecoal Smokeless Fuel is made from crushed olives and emits up to 80% less smoke than traditional house coal. It also reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 40% and burns 38% hotter than house coal.
If you prefer wood, our kiln-dried logs are dried to a moisture content of just 20%, meaning they produce lower smoke emissions than standard wood. Given the fact that the government has moved to ban wet wood, it's important that you choose a fuel source for your fire that is legal. Another option is our high-energy Shimada wood logs are 100% clean with no additives or chemicals and are a more environmentally-friendly solution to other wood products.
The SIA research shows us that we can all do something to reduce emissions when it comes to domestic burning. The best way to do this is to ensure you're using an eco-friendly fuel source that has been designed with domestic use in mind. As well as the options introduced above, browse through our collection today to find the perfect eco-friendly fuel for your fire and to ensure that your home fire is in line with government requirements.