Since before prehistoric time, humans have enjoyed the heat and comfort that comes from a wood burning fire. To early humans having a fire meant the difference between survival and death. To many modern humans, hating with wood can be a practical source of heat and to some it just brings a comfort and atmosphere that is matched by nothing. Now with worries about pollution and deforestation, is burning wood bad for the environment?

Pollution can be a problem from burning wood in some cases when too many people are burning wood in areas that are poorly ventilated. Wood smoke is natural since wildfires have been burning long before humans started using fire. But in some cases it can cause a health hazard if it is unable to be blown away. With modern wood heating appliances and proper techniques visible smoke and pollutants can be reduced or almost eliminated.

Deforestation is a concern for many since the thought of cutting trees leads to thoughts of forest destruction. But there are a lot of misconceptions about what goes on in forests. In some parts of the world there are problems with deforestation for making fuel wood. But in the modern industrialized world this is typically not a problem. Trees that are cut for firewood are often dead trees, trees that are of poor quality, trees that are overstocked and thinned, or grown on tree farms.

If you are worried about our pristine forests being ravaged to make firewood, it is not happening. Burning firewood is a carbon neutral form of energy and environmentally friendly when done properly.

Learn how firewood is measured and common cord of wood dimensions.

Find out why storing firewood in firewood storage sheds can help your have better quality firewood.

Discover how to make wood pellets and why wood pellets are a good green alternative source of energy.

Is Burning Firewood Bad for the Environment?