Flemish Environment Agency wants stricter rules for wood stoves: “They are polluting and unhealthy”

The VMM shows understanding for families who choose to heat with wood for financial reasons. “There is a lot of understanding for this, especially in times of crisis. If you live in a rented house with a stove as the only heating source, it is understandable that you do not invest in a cleaner alternative,” responds Katrien Smet.

“It is not those people we want to address and sensitize, but those who have the choice and who light the fireplace or stove as additional heating, for fun.”

Many people still believe that a stove or fireplace is a sustainable choice. Wood is not a fossil fuel and is also green and renewable. You can plant trees again and trees purify the air.

But the VMM believes that reasoning is too simplistic. “In theory that is true, but in reality not a new tree is planted for every tree that is cut down. It also takes 20 years or more before a tree can do its job. Moreover, dry and untreated wood is not always used in the stove. And if you have trees cut down in Canada for pellets that you burn here in Flanders, that is anything but sustainable.”