Although less harmful than throwing litter out the window, burning a wood fireplace can have its own adverse effects on the environment. Gases such as nitrous oxide and fine particulates of soot get released into the surrounding air every time a fire in the hearth is enjoyed. Methane, a potent green...

Few things can make a fireplace less enjoyable then when it billows with smoke anytime you start a fire. Not only does the smoke make it hard to breath, it also can permeate an obnoxious odor into the living space and leave a film of soot when it settles. A smoky fireplace, although frustrating, is ...