Published on 19 August 2025
Posted in Firewood
For many UK households, wood-burning stoves or open fireplaces are a cherished part of home life, especially in the colder months. But as cosy as it is, domestic wood burning isn’t without its environmental consequences.
The smoke from burning wood releases fine particulate matter into the air, which contributes to air pollution and impacts local air quality. And if the firewood isn’t sourced responsibly, it could contribute to deforestation, biodiversity loss, or unnecessary carbon emissions.
That’s where sustainable firewood practices come in. By making a few thoughtful changes to how you source, store, and burn your firewood, you can enjoy the warmth of a real fire while minimising your impact on the planet.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from sustainable firewood sourcing to the types of wood to burn, helping you heat your home the eco-friendly way.
The first step in reducing your environmental impact starts with where your firewood comes from. Not all logs are created equal, and sourcing matters more than you might think.
If you’re serious about choosing eco-friendly firewood, look for certifications like:
These certifications guarantee that the firewood comes from responsibly managed sources, following strict standards for sustainability. Using certified wood helps protect biodiversity and ensures replanting to maintain healthy forest ecosystems.
You don’t need to look far to find sustainable firewood. Buying local is often one of the most environmentally sound choices you can make.
Why local firewood sourcing is better:
Not all wood is fair game. Using wood from illegal or protected sources can do more harm than good. Why it matters
Once you’ve found a reputable, sustainable source, the next step is to choose wood that burns efficiently and cleanly.
Hardwoods are typically the better option for wood-burning efficiency. They last longer and burn hotter, so you use fewer logs to heat your space.
Even if you’ve chosen the most responsibly sourced logs, how you store and season them makes all the difference. Burning damp or unseasoned wood isn’t just wasteful, it’s polluting and inefficient. That’s why proper storage and preparation are essential parts of sustainable firewood practices.
Freshly cut wood (also known as green wood) contains a high level of moisture, often upwards of 50%. Burning it leads to:
All of which means more fuel burned, more money spent, and more harm to the environment.
To be classified as dry firewood, logs should have a moisture content below 20%. This ensures a clean, efficient burn and improves wood-burning efficiency across the board.
Make sure your firewood is given enough time to season; don’t rush the process. Patience pays off with hotter, cleaner, and longer-lasting fires.
Now for the practical bit, storing your firewood properly. These firewood storage tips will help ensure your logs stay dry, burn-ready, and pest-free.
Moisture from the soil can quickly seep into your logs and undo months of seasoning. Use pallets, a log store, or a raised rack to elevate your firewood.
Good ventilation is key. Stack logs in a criss-cross or loose formation to allow air to circulate between them. Tight, compact stacks might look tidy, but they trap moisture and invite mould.
Use a breathable tarp, log store roof, or wooden cover to keep rain and snow off, but leave the sides exposed to wind. Avoid wrapping your logs in plastic; it traps condensation and creates the perfect environment for rot.
A garage might keep your logs dry, but could lack airflow. The ideal storage spot is outdoors under a canopy, next to a wall, or in a purpose-built log store that’s open at the sides but sheltered on top.
Not sure whether your firewood is ready to burn? Here are a few easy checks:
For the most accurate reading, use a moisture meter on a freshly split log. Aim for less than 20% moisture content to ensure optimal burning and to help reduce emissions from burning wood.
Here’s a quick reference guide to help you stick to eco-friendly firewood habits throughout the year:
| Practice | Why it Matters |
|---|---|
| Use certified, local firewood | Supports sustainable firewood sourcing, lowers emissions |
| Store off-ground and ventilated | Keeps logs dry, prevents rot, and boosts burn efficiency |
| Ensure logs are seasoned | Reduces smoke and ensures dry firewood |
| Burn in an Ecodesign stove | Improves wood-burning efficiency, reduces pollution |
| Sweep the chimney yearly | Prevents creosote buildup and fire hazards |
Learning how to use firewood sustainably at home isn’t complicated, but it does require a bit of effort and know-how. From choosing certified firewood and storing it correctly to understanding how to season and check for dryness, each step helps create a cleaner, more efficient burn.
Even small changes, like checking the moisture in your logs or buying from a local, certified supplier, can make a big impact on your carbon footprint and air quality. It’s a win-win for your home and the environment.
Buying firewood in bulk is one of the smartest ways to save money and cut down on repeat deliveries, but it’s only a sustainable choice if the wood is properly sourced and stored.
At Log Dog, we make it easy to heat your home the right way. We offer high-quality seasoned hardwood and softwood in bulk, all from sustainable firewood sourcing. Whether you’re after 1 cubic metre or 2 cubic metres of loose firewood or prefer the convenience of bulk firewood bags, we’ve got you covered.
We also supply:
So you’re never without the essentials.
Contact Log Dog today to find the perfect firewood package for your household, and we’ll help you stay warm the sustainable way. Don’t hesitate to call us at 01295256436 if you have any questions.
Sustainable firewood practices include sourcing wood from responsibly managed forests, storing it off the ground to season properly, and burning it in an efficient stove. These practices help protect forests, improve air quality, and promote eco-friendly firewood use at home.
Start by burning only dry, untreated wood. Use an Ecodesign stove for better combustion and lower emissions. Avoid burning waste wood or painted materials, and always maintain your stove and chimney to maximise safety and wood-burning efficiency.
Follow these firewood storage tips: Stack logs off the ground (on a pallet or rack), allow airflow between them, and cover the top while leaving the sides exposed. Store in a sheltered but well-ventilated spot to keep the wood dry and ready to burn.
Look for Ready to Burn-certified or FSC-certified firewood. Ask your supplier about their harvesting practices and aim to buy from local businesses to reduce transport emissions. These are key indicators of sustainable firewood sourcing.
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