Clean Air Night is launching on Wednesday 22 January 2025

In Elmbridge, we care about the wellbeing of residents. Air pollution affects everyone and is estimated to shorten the lives of many in the UK. It particularly impacts the most vulnerable, including children, older adults, and those with heart and lung conditions. Together, we can make a difference by raising awareness of the factors that contribute to air pollution and taking steps to improve air quality. 

Join us for Clean Air Night, part of a campaign to reduce pollution, led by the Environment Centre (tEC) and Global Action Plan. This initiative aims to dispel myths about wood burning and highlight its impact on public health. 

Did you know that wood burning: 

• Harms your wallet:  despite the belief that wood burning is cost-effective or eco-friendly, research shows it is often more expensive than other heating methods. 
• Harms your health:  wood smoke is the most polluting way to heat your home. It contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that can enter your bloodstream, causing long term health conditions, such as heart and lung diseases, diabetes, and dementia. 
• Harms the planet:  burning wood releases more carbon emissions than oil or gas, contributing significantly to climate change. We cannot grow trees fast enough to offset the CO₂ produced. 

The Clean Air Night campaign emphasises that wood smoke pollution often goes unnoticed as it accumulates in neighbourhoods after dark when people light their log burners. Contrary to popular belief, the smoke doesn't always disperse; on cold, still nights, it can linger around properties and infiltrate homes, affecting both indoor and outdoor air quality. 

Key facts: 

• Nearly half of all wood burners are used for aesthetic or nostalgic reasons, with only 8% relying on them as their sole heat source. 
• Homes with 'eco' wood burners are still three times more polluted than those without. 

We understand this information may be new to many. That's why we need your help to spark conversations about wood burning, ensuring everyone can make informed decisions about how to heat their homes. 

More information  

Elmbridge air quality - https://www.elmbridge.gov.uk/environment/air-quality/improving-your-local-air-quality 
Global Action Plan - Clean Air Night - www.cleanairhub.org.uk/Clean-Air-Night 
The Environment Centre- wood burning - www.environmentcentre.com/wood-burning