Guildford Borough Council supports Clean Air Night
There was a 40% increase in purchases of wood burners between 2021-22. The Stove Industry Alliance expects sales to rise even further this winter. Many people might turn to wood burning in the face of rising energy bills. But research states that wood burning is a more expensive way to heat your home than central heating. [1]
It's also reported that air pollution results in over 36,000 people in the UK dying each year. [2] Breathing clean air is vital for our health. Cleaner air measures provide benefits for our wellbeing as well as that of the planet.
There is new and mounting evidence that shows wood burning has a negative effect on your wallet, your health and our environment.
Lead Councillor for Regulatory Services, Cllr Merel Rehorst-Smith said:
"We're committed to building a community that values environmental responsibility. Clean Air Night is a great opportunity for all of us to learn how we can collectively make a difference.
"The quality of our air affects everyone, that's why we all have a part to play in improving it. One thing we can do is cut down on wood burning and this is why it's so important to raise awareness of the impact it has on our environment."
Cllr George Potter, Lead Councillor for Environment and Climate Change, said:
"There are many myths out there about wood burning. That's why Clean Air Night is so vital in raising awareness of the facts and allow residents to make informed decisions about how to heat their homes.
"We have taken steps in Guildford to reduce the impact that wood burning has on our atmosphere, such as our smoke-controlled areas, but it remains a worrying fact that lighting fires in our homes is the largest source of small air pollution in the UK."
Wood burning smoke contains fine particle air pollution (PM2.5), which enters your bloodstream when inhaled and causes health issues, including:
heart and lung disease
asthma
diabetes
dementia
Burning wood is the most polluting way to heat your home. Recent research reveals that even homes using newer 'eco-design' wood burners are three times more polluted than those without.
This information will be new for many people. That's why Global Action Plan is running Clean Air Night, to spark a conversation and raise awareness about wood burning across Guildford and beyond.
We have many smoke-controlled areas in Guildford. These are areas where you cannot emit smoke from a chimney unless you're:
burning an authorised fuel
or using 'exempt appliances', for example burners or stoves.
You must not buy an unauthorised fuel for use in a smoke control area, unless it's used in an exempt appliance. You can receive a fine of up to £1,000 if you break the rules.
Cllr Potter adds: "I hope residents support Clean Air Night by helping to keep our skies clear on Wednesday 22 January and for the rest of the year."
Find out more about our air pollution and air quality management schemes in Guildford.
Visit our website to find out if your property is in a smoke-controlled area.