Municipality Launches Wood-Burning Awareness Campaign

“We understand that, given current energy prices, people want to light their wood-burning stoves a little more often. But please be considerate of others,” says René Zoetemelk, alderman for the Environment. “One in three Dutch people is affected by wood burning. They experience symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath.”

Harmful substances, including particulate matter

When you light a wood-burning stove, pellet stove, or open fireplace at home, smoke is produced. That smoke contains harmful substances, including particulate matter. These harmful substances cause air pollution and can harm your health and the health of others around you.

Check out Stookwijzer.nu first

Would you still like to light your wood-burning stove, pellet stove, or open fireplace? Then check out Stookwijzer.nu first at . “It’s a handy tool where you can enter your address or ZIP code,” continues Councilmember Zoetemelk. “You’ll then see right away whether it’s a good idea to burn fuel that day.”

Minimizing Emissions

You can also minimize emissions of harmful substances by following certain tips. These tips are highlighted in the municipality’s campaign. The alderman said, “Think of tips such as checking Stookwijzer.nu before lighting a fire, burning only dry wood, and sweeping the chimney.”

Newspapers and Social Media

The campaign will be featured in newspapers, on websites such as sleutelstad.nl, and on social media over the coming months.