How to make your fire pit more eco-friendly

A crackling fire is the hallmark of many a summer night spent outdoors with friends and family. The fire pit is often the highlight of a camping trip or the leisurely nightcap to a summer’s day.

But there’s also a dilemma for some: how to enjoy the tradition while still keeping things environmentally friendly and keeping the wood smoke to a minimum?

Fortunately, there are a host of alternatives these days. One popular option is to install a natural gas fire pit. Although it needs a gas line and would remain stationary, this one still retains a similar look and feel to the concept we associate with fire pit.

If you already have a wood-burning fire pit or simply can’t imagine giving up the logs, you can also find alternative materials. An article in Forbes suggests logs made from non-petroleum natural wax, recycled sawdust, used coffee beans, soy, and switchgrass. Many of these release up to 80 percent fewer emissions than regular wood when burned, it says.

Indoors, a pellet stove is a good replacement for the standard wood stove. Pellets burn cleaner and almost completely and can also be a cost-efficient way to heat your home.