Tips for Firewood Consumers

Environment Australia

Ask your wood merchant where they get their wood from. Do they take habitat into consideration?
Ask your firewood merchant if they sell mixed loads. By mixing some softwoods with hardwoods, some of the pressure on native woodland species is alleviated.
Where possible, avoid purchasing redbox, yellowbox, whitebox, ironbark and mallee. These species are already under extensive pressure from agricultural clearing (particularly in SE Australia). Continual harvesting of them for firewood is not sustainable.
If collecting firewood yourself, purchase a permit and gather the wood from state forests where firewood gathering can be managed sustainably.
Avoid collecting or purchasing wood with hollows. When left in place, this wood forms important habitat for many native animal species.
Recycle - use old fence posts and off cuts
If you live in an urban area - keep an eye out for trees that have been cut down by the council or your neighbours (obstructing powerlines, renovations etc). Once seasoned - this is an excellent source of cheap wood. Contact you local council and ask where this wood can be sourced.
Only burn well seasoned, dry wood to reduce the wood smoke emissions.
Use correct burning techniques. This will save you money and reduce the amount of firewood that you consume. If unsure, contact your local wood heater retailer for correct burning procedures.

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