As the public is becoming more aware of our impact on the environment, we are seeking more responsible sources of energy. Alternatives to fossil fuels, such as biofuels, are becoming more in demand. Firewood is a form of biofuel, but in order to burn wood you must cut down trees. It also produces a lot of smoke. Could firewood actually be a form of energy that is harming the environment?

Clearing forests for firewood in the developed world is really not a problem. In some third world countries it is, but not here in the US and other industrialized countries. Anyone who spends much time in our forests knows that deforestation is less of a problem than the environmental groups and the media lead the public to believe. An even greater problem is out forests is too many trees.

How can you have too many trees? Lightning sparked fires have been a part of nature since before humans ever walked the Earth. These fires keep the forests thinned and clean. Since we started putting out wildfires, the trees have become overgrown. Some forests have become so thick you can hardly walk through them. The excessive amount of trees competing for the same resources stresses the forests, slows the growth of trees, and makes them more vulnerable to diseases and fire.

Responsibly harvested firewood often comes from thinning the trees. Only some of the trees are cut which leaves more room and resources for the trees that are left to grow. This produces more healthy and natural forests that are more similar to what was there before people started putting wildfires out. The difference is, instead of the wood being consumed by wildfire or rotting in the forest, it is consumed in your home where the energy can be used instead of burning fossil fuels.

If you are worried about your firewood contributing to deforestation, think again, you may actually be helping the environment by burning wood. Just be sure your firewood is coming from a responsible source and well managed forests.

Buy wholesale firewood harvested from a responsible and sustainable source.

Discover how you can make wood pellets as another alternative source for heating.

Author: Michael A Wilson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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