Reducing your carbon footprint this winter

Air pollution produced from wood heaters during the cold winter months in the city of Perth and regional WA has negative environmental and health impacts on the community.

Wood heaters (including fireplaces and wood stoves) are a key air pollution source leading to the formation of the brown winter haze that typically occurs in the atmosphere during cold, still nights.

Other air pollution sources contributing to the occurrence of haze include wildfires and controlled burns, mainly in spring months.

Woodsmoke consists of particulate matter (PM) and other air pollutants, which when inhaled into our lungs have negative health impacts.

These impacts are generally most severe in children, the elderly and people suffering from respiratory or breathing problems.

You can reduce smoke pollution from your chimney by following some simple steps.

- Keeping woodpiles under cover in a well-ventilated area so that it remains dry.

- Never burn green, wet or treated wood. Green or wet wood generates 50 per cent less heat than dry wood and produces more smoke emissions.

- Have your flue checked and cleaned by a professional before winter begins.

- Never burn old household rubbish, rubber, coal, charcoal, plastics, solvents, paints, driftwood and treated wood, as they can produce toxic and corrosive emissions.

- Start your fire with lots of paper and dry kindling with thewood heater air control fully open. This approach will assist in developing a bright, hot fire quickly.

- Keeping the fire burning brightly. A clean and efficient fire will have bright swirling flames and red hot embers, which will reduce smoke emissions from your chimney.

- Do not overfill your wood heater with big logs, as these can smother the fire, leading to increased smoke production. Smaller logs will help a fire to burn more brightly and efficiently.

- Do not leave your wood heater smouldering overnight.