Trendy and stylish cast iron fire pits and ceramic chimineas that adorn many a homeowner’s back deck or cottage lot add summer evening warmth and ambiance, but they come with a heavy appetite for real wood – a proven contributor to summer smog.
So as the Canada Day long weekend nears, homeowners and cottagers are being reminded they can reduce the heavy environmental price tag that comes from burning real wood by selecting composite fire logs for their summer sanctuaries.
Findings from numerous scientific studies are unanimous – a major source of smog over winter months is wood burning stoves and fireplaces. During summer months, the impact on air quality and health effects due to particle pollution from burning real wood can be just as damaging.
Studies cited by the EPA have linked particle pollution exposure from real wood to a variety of problems including increased respiratory symptoms, aggravated asthma, chronic bronchitis, irregular heartbeat, nonfatal heart attacks, and premature death in people with heart or lung disease.
Jarden Branded Consumables (JBC), the company that makes Canada’s popular Northland Fire Log, has developed a fire log specifically for outdoor use. The new “Patio Logg with Citronella” cuts particulates by 76 per cent and produces rolling, longer lasting flames than real wood. One Citronella Patio Logg burns for 2 to 3 hours.
“People often are shocked to learn a man-made fire log is a cleaner, greener option than real wood,” says Jim Rotz, JBC President. “Using man-made Patio Loggs instead of wood is a win-win. They add to your enjoyment of the great outdoors while reducing the impact on the air we all share,” Rotz says. “The product has a subtle citronella aroma that’s pleasing to people and reputed to help reduce mosquitoes in the immediate area.”
“In addition to getting a nicer looking fire with less effort, fire logs are also more neighbor-friendly,“ according to Eric Beam, JBC VP Sales & Marketing. “A roaring wood fire creates copious quantities of smoke – not appreciated when it blows into neighbor’s yards and houses.“
“It’s ironic that lighting a fire with real wood seems to make many feel like they’re getting back to nature or not really harming the environment,” he says. “But in reality, the particulates that end up in the air are a major pollutant, thought to be worst than second-hand smoke.”
Designed especially for metal or masonry outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, camp fires and metal chimineas, Citronella Patio Loggs generate radiant heat without the inconvenience or mess of real wood. The product is made from recycled resources which burn significantly cleaner than wood, cutting particulate matter by 76 per cent, creosote by 66 per cent and ash residue by 86 per cent. They also cut carbon monoxide emissions by more than 7 times compared to real wood.
Citronella Patio Logg features a split log shape that creates brighter and more colorful flames. The unique design is also safer and less likely to roll. In addition to easy lighting, its bark-like grooves create rolling, soothing flames. Just light the wrapper in two places and enjoy. No fire tending or adding wood for 2 to 3 hours.
Residents are advised to consult the bi-laws in their muncipality regarding fire pit or chiminea use.
Patio Logg with Citronella are available at major hardware and department stores. For more information visit [url=http://www.patiologg.com]http://www.patiologg.com[/url]
