To effectively eliminate pollution from residential wood heating, you would have to refrain from burning wood altogether. This, however, is not a realistic option for many Canadians. Still, wood smoke pollution can be considerably reduced if you improve your wood burning practices. It is also important that you consider all the available heating alternatives. If you decide to buy a wood stove, choose one that has been certified for low emissions by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA B-415.1-00). The following points will guide you through a more conscious way of heating your home while reducing emissions.

• Consider Heating Alternatives
• Choosing an Appliance
• Using Your Appliance
• Firewood
• Impact of wood heating on air quality
• Wood Heating Tips
• Model Municipal By-law for regulating woodburning appliances 
• Wood Heating Facts
• Wood Heating Information Resources

Videos

Environment Canada has produced videos that inform about good firewood preparation, good firewood practices and about the EPA-certified woodstove.

Note: High speed Internet connection is preferable to view these videos.

• Firewood, from the Forest to the Shed
• Wood Stove Operation
• Advanced Woodstove Technology

Government Actions

The federal, provincial and municipal governments are also doing their part to address pollution coming from residential wood burning.