Did You Know.... that wood is carbon neutral. As trees grow they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When trees die and are left to decompose in the forest or burn in forest fires the carbon stored in the trees is realeased in the atomosphere as carbon dioxide. Burning frewood produces the same amount of carbon dioxide as the tree has absorbed during its life cycle...makeing wood burning carbon neutral.
Top Reasons to Heat with Wood
1. Its a renewable energy resource
Wood is energy from the sun, stored by the tree as it grows. When you burn wood you are releasing this stored energy. In the dark of winter, it's like having a bit of summer on your hearth.
2. You're in charge
Stop writing checks every month to the energy utility companies. Do you really want to leave something as important as staying warm in the hands of a faceless corporation?
3. No more freezing in the dark
When a storm interrupts the electrical supply, all the conventional heating systems are useless, but the woodstove keeps you warm, cozy and safe. Now a power failure isn't so much of a drag: You get to use the candles.
4. Warms you like no other
The radiant heat from a stove or fireplace is like the rays of the sun. It warms you through and through.
5. The romance of the flame
The soft glow of firelight is the favorite seting for an intimate conversation. It's the palce where friends and family gather to talk and laugh in comfort.
6. Heat a space, save some energy
That stove or fireplace in the living room keeps you warm and coxy in the place you spend your time. The basement and bedrooms stay cool. Regardless of what you pay for energy, space heating with wood clips 25 percent right off the top.
7. Invest in your community
Spend a buck on oil, natural gas or electricity and you feed a corporate giant. Spend a buck on firewood and feed your neighbor.
8. It's Cheaper!
If you live in a part of the state with abuntdant firewood, wood is the cheapest heating fuel you can use.
(mother earth news feb 09, by John Gulland)