Have you heard about the burn bans that cities from San Francisco and Olympia, Washington, to Keene, New Hampshire, have begun instating for its residents? Citing air quality–specifically, the fine-particle pollution smoke can create–state governments are seeking to clear the air, by restricting the burning of wood or manufactured logs in fireplaces and stoves, most recently (and notably) on the days of Thanksgiving and Christmas.
An article in a recent New York Times explores the exchange programs some cities are offering similar to the Cash for Clunkers or proposed Cash for Caulkers program: in return for discarding older wood-burning stoves or fireplaces, residents are awarded $1,000 towards the purchase of a newer, energy-efficient model–one with presumably less particle pollution and lower emissions. The residents’ mixed reactions are interesting; read more in “Where There’s Smoke…There’s a Trade-in” here.
What are your thoughts on the matter?
An energy-efficient wood-burning stove. Image via NYT.
