Council launched its community Burnwise Scheme this morning following successful signing of a contract by three wood suppliers.
At the launch, Mayor Neil Sinclair was quick to thank the suppliers who have signed up to the scheme. "We have an air quality problem and we need to do something about it. Burning dry wood is one answer and your commitment to ensuring that our community has a supply of good wood is tremendous."
The Burnwise Scheme endorses wood suppliers who have committed to supplying dry wood to their clients, with written confirmation of how long the wood has been drying for, and how long it needs to be stored before it is ready to burn. Suppliers have moisture meters on hand so their clients can ask to have the wood they are buying tested in front of them. A good moisture test is less than 25%.
Burnwise suppliers will also provide their clients with educational information on proper wood storage and better burning tips. Clients will receive a written description of the wood they are purchasing, including the all-important storage time before use. Suppliers have also committed to not supplying treated or painted timber as the toxins released from such products are extremely harmful to our health.
"Council is very concerned about the continued air quality issues in Tokoroa during the winter months," said Sharon Robinson, Council's Group Manager Environment. "Poor air quality is caused by small particles in the air that are too small to see with the naked eye but large enough to enter our lungs. Woodburners contribute 93% of these harmful particles, with 5% from outdoor burning and 1% for both vehicle emissions and industry."
"Basically the quality of wood you burn affects the air your neighbours breathe," continued Mrs Robinson. "Improving our air quality is everyone's responsibility. Cleaner air will have a positive impact on our health."
"The Burnwise wood suppliers are part of the solution to our air quality problem," concluded Mayor Sinclair. Ends: words: 328
Caption: Mayor Neil Sinclair (on the right) with Council staff and Burnwise suppliers: Tokoroa City Lions, Balmoral Firewood Supplies and Tokoroa Firewood Ltd.
