Eco-Friendly Fireplaces

By Erica Sofrina, Author, Teacher Speaker and founder of the West Coast Academy of Feng Shui

It is sad but true that the days of curling up in front of a wood fire on a chilly night may be coming to an end. More and more states are banning wood fires on specific days, citing public health concern. In the Los Angeles Basin alone, fireplaces are used in about 1.4 million of the 5 million households, producing on average 6 tons a day of particulate soot in the air basin. About 106 tons of fine particulate soot is emitted every day in the greater Los Angeles area. You can only imagine what the numbers are for the entire planet!

Numerous studies have linked fine particulate matter, which sinks deep into the lungs, to increased lung and respiratory problems. An estimated 5,000 premature deaths in the Los Angeles basin alone are linked to fine particulate exposure.

As a result wood burning fireplaces will be banned for all new homes and remodels in the L.A. basin. Many states in the U.S. already have regulations banning or limiting the use of wood fires.

In this sixth article of my series on the Green Home, I continue my conversation with Diana Zamudio, Owner and Founder of eco-6 design as we discuss eco-friendly fireplaces. Diana is a specialist in Green Design as well as Feng Shui and is the teacher for the Green Design Program at my West Coast Feng Shui Academy.

Q. I asked Diana what kinds of fireplaces she feel are the most eco-friendly?

A. After much research I found a wonderful company called Eco Smart. They have the most eco-friendly fireplaces and fire burners on the market today. Their fireplaces are run on Bio-Ethanol.

Bio-Ethanol fire burners come in all designs

Q. What exactly is Bio-Ethanol?

A. Bio-Ethanol, or simply ethanol, is absolute alcohol. It is also called Methylated Spirits. It is a renewable energy source made by fermenting the sugar and starch components of plant by-products – mainly sugarcane and crops like grain, using yeast. It is also made from corn, potatoes, milk, rice, beetroot and recently grapes, banana and dates depending on the countries agricultural strength. Bio-Ethanol used to be controversial because it was made primarily from corn, but it has changed significantly and is now made from a variety of plant products.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Darko M.

2:02AM PST on Feb 7, 2012

I have my wood stove for heating air and when I put some small container on it filled with water it also serves me like water heater. Amounts of heated water are enough for cooking.

send a green star

3:24PM PST on Jan 28, 2012

i wonder how many energy (and air-soil polution) is needed for bio-ethanol production? I don't believe bio-ethanol is adequate substitution for wood which is the most green fuel for fireplaces (and not only for fireplaces). Maybe our efforts should be taken in other direction - seeking for more energy efficient wood fireplace types.

KS G.

4:34AM PST on Dec 27, 2011

Thanks for the article.

Mandi A.

7:10AM PST on Dec 15, 2011

Too cute!

Christina V.

10:38PM PST on Dec 14, 2011

neet!! I want one

Eternal G.

3:45PM PST on Dec 12, 2011

Nice.
Less humans and it would be even nicer!

Maria T.

7:49PM PST on Dec 11, 2011

I love fireplaces, The dancing lights and warmth of them... Regretfully I don't have one. Hopefully soon, when I move. Keeping my fingers crossed.

june t.

3:39PM PST on Dec 11, 2011

I love fireplaces, mine is a natural gas fireplace which I use as my main source of heat in my apartment. I turn the lights down because I like the glow of the fireplace. We had wood fireplaces as I was growing up, but they were hard on my cousin who had asthma. I hope the newer energy efficient fireplaces are safe for people with lung issues.

Carole P.

12:46PM PST on Dec 11, 2011

Very cool!

Santanita G.

12:03PM PST on Dec 11, 2011

I love my fire stove and will continue to use it. The propane heaters we used before gave me migraines. Burning wood is not and you can put a pan of water with essential oil on top for Aromatherapy.