Alternative Fireplace "Logs"
by Kara DiCamillo, Newport, Rhode Island on 01.21.07
This month’s issue of body + soul includes a column regarding fireplace fumes and how to steer clear from dangerous toxins. These include the petroleum and paraffin wax which are found in the traditional “logs.” According to the magazine, one option is Cleanflame Firelogs which make use of unrecyclable waxed cardboard and burn more cleanly than the artificial ones. Another is called Simplefire, with bags of recycled paper briquettes that can go straight into a fireplace. Duraflame, which has always been the synthetic standby, has also introduced a natural product. Although not made of recycled materials the “Its All Natural Firelog” uses vegetable and plant waxes instead of petroleum. Via ::body + soul
Thirsty for more? Check out these related articles:
- 60 Minutes Reporter Attacked in Chinese E-Waste Pit
- This Month in Mother Jones: Rescuing the Economy and Saving the Planet
- Greenlanders See Independence and Natural Riches as the Upside of Climate Change
- Windspire Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Wins PopSci Award, Maker Opens New Factory
Geothermal Power Plant Triggers Earthquake in Switzerland
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The Observer's Low Carbon Diet - (or how to lose half a tonne in just one month)
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Another great alternative is logs made from recycled coffee grounds (quick web search will. In addition to being made from a used substance (coffee that's already been made), the logs burn much more efficiently AND generate more heat than wood logs. And there's the added benefit of that fragrant, best-part-of-wakin'-up aroma when you use 'em :o)
I have also used a product called EnviroLog, which is a bonded log of waxed paper products. You can see the print on the old paper, which is rolled up and coated with wax. As with the item mentioned in this post, however, I can't help but wonder:
(1) how exactly does the wax bonding or the wax in the original product improve on the problem of burning paraffin wax in traditional fireplace "logs," and
(2) why should I think that all of the recycled materials that go into these logs is safe to burn--aren't the inks likely to release dioxins as they burn?
Where can I buy a bubblicious wood stove?
now THAT's something I'd like to investigate in Toronto.
ambiance & practicality... & 'Green-Guilt-free'
Thank you!
*rubs paws together considering the possibilities of a romantic dinner*
~~~
BlueBerry Pick'n
can be found @
ThisCanadian.com
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"We, two, form a Multitude" ~ Ovid.
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"Silent Freedom is Freedom Silenced"
I have used all types of firelogs over the years and the best logs that I have used by far are called HotLogs. They are also called Cleanflame. Their owners say that their website (www.hotlogs.com) is a little out of date, but has most of their info. Basically they take waxed cardboard boxes that can't be recycled and turn them into firelogs. They have been lab tested and are total environmentally friendly. Even the ink on the cardboard boxes are non-toxic because it is made from vegetable coloring. It has very little smoke, doesn't smell like diesal (like most logs which are made out of desal sludge wax). Best of all it burns awesome and is the lowest cost log on the market. After finding these gems, they are all I will ever use.
I have used all types of firelogs over the years and the best logs that I have used by far are called HotLogs. They are also called Cleanflame. Their owners say that their website (www.hotlogs.com) is a little out of date, but has most of their info. Basically they take waxed cardboard boxes that can't be recycled and turn them into firelogs. They have been lab tested and are total environmentally friendly. Even the ink on the cardboard boxes are non-toxic because it is made from vegetable coloring. It has very little smoke, doesn't smell like diesal (like most logs which are made out of desal sludge wax). Best of all it burns awesome and is the lowest cost log on the market. After finding these gems, they are all I will ever use.