Tips for using your wood burning fireplace

Many people enjoy warming up next to a cozy wood burning fireplace. But, it’s important to protect yourself, your home and your family. If you have a wood burning fireplace, please follow these simple tips:

1. Only burn wood that has been aged for at least six months. Seasoned wood burns hotter, cuts fuel consumption and reduces the amount of smoke from your fireplace.
2. Use only clean newspaper or dry kindling to start a fire. Never use gasoline, kerosene, charcoal starter or a propane torch.
3. Don’t let your fire smolder overnight. It does little for heating and increases air pollution.
4. Clean ashes from your fireplace. Excess ashes can clog the air intake vents of your fireplace. Dispose of ashes in a metal container, away from the house and any flammable material, to reduce risk of fire.
5. Keep your chimney clean. A clean chimney provides a good draft and reduces the risk of a chimney fire. Have your chimney inspected by a professional once a year.

Visit www.epa.gov/burnwise for more information on how to burn wisely.

BizRecycling helps local organizations cut costs 

Guardian Angels Catholic Community serves residents through a broad range of ministry services including ‘Hope for the Journey Home’ – transitional housing for families experiencing homelessness for the first time. While this ministry is on the campus of Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Oakdale, it is an operation supported by more than 30 churches in Washington and Ramsey counties.  

A BizRecycling grant helped Guardian Angels start a composting program, install color-coded bins, labels and signage. All of this resulted in lower monthly garbage bills. Training from recycling experts helped staff better understand best practices and guide the families they were hosting. Watch this video to learn more about Guardian Angels’ grant project.

“It’s easy to do,” said Program Manager Trish Brokman. “If you’re looking at a way to reduce your garbage bill, your garbage collection, be environmentally green, go for it. It just works.” 

BizRecycling works with businesses, apartments and multi-unit buildings in Ramsey and Washington counties to improve their recycling and food scraps collection. Experts answer business waste reduction and recycling questions by phone, email and video. They also conduct on-site visits on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more at BizRecycling.com.  

New program helps businesses reduce pollution

Did you know? Businesses can receive free technical and financial support through Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy’s Business Pollution Prevention Program. This program helps businesses switch to safer, more sustainable chemicals and modern, high-efficiency equipment.

Eligible businesses are businesses in Ramsey County that utilize chemicals containing or producing perchloroethylene (PERC) or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as some dry cleaners, auto body shops, industrial painters and printers. Funding covers up to 75% of project costs, for a maximum of $50,000. Projects from businesses owned by people of color or located in communities particularly vulnerable to the impacts of pollution are especially encouraged to apply. Learn more and email programs@recyclingandenergy.org to get started.