Banfire

Successfully completed Fire Safety Inspection of GIZ Premises, Rule of Law, IS Office, German Chamber of Commerce (6 Buildings) jointly with Grontmij GmbH (Deutschland). Thanks to BETS and GIZ officials for making this a fast and efficient process.

Leaf Burning:
===========
Question: Is it OK to burn brush/ fallen leaves?

Short Answer: NO.

Explanation: Many of us, especially in rural areas, have been in the habit of burning leaves that accumulates on their property. But this practice adds carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change, as well as adding particulates and other air pollutants.

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas (GHG) that contributes to the greenhouse effect. GHGs essentially thermally insulate the Earth, making our planet warm enough to inhabit. However, humans have pumped excess GHGs into the atmosphere, causing the average temperature of our planet to increase over time. (See Climate Science for more on the basics of climate change.)

If we burn 100 pounds of brush(small dry fallen branches), we will release about 40 pounds of carbon – which translates to about 147 pounds of carbon dioxide – back into the atmosphere.

Leaves also contain lots of carbon. Instead of burning them, we can compost them, use them as mulch, or even use a mulching lawn mower(or electric trimming blades) to shred them back into our lawn. (Small diameter brush will break down relatively quickly when layered with leaves and grass clippings in compost piles.) Composting does release some carbon dioxide, but much of the plants’ carbon remains locked up in the compost.

Even if we choose to burn those leaves/ brushes we should also be aware of at least two more facts: Inhaling of the fume causes asthma and there is always a chance of the fire spreading.

Some countries have leaf burning regulations, marking specific landfills the only place for the burning.


Remember:
1. Good result does not always come from the shortest path (in this case leaf burning on spot).
2. Safety First, be that fire safety or health safety.

~~ Think about the harm being caused to others by leaf burning and try to avoid it as much as possible.

Stay safe.

BANFIRE

Source: "Cornell Climate Change"

Is it OK to burn brush? | Cornell Climate Change Answer: Many New Yorkers, especially in rural areas, have been in the habit of burning brush that accumulates on their property. But this practice adds carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change, as well as adding particulates and other air pollutants.