Minister for the Environment and Heritage Mick Gentleman today announced the launch of the ACT Government’s annual Burn Right Tonight campaign, which focuses on reminding Canberrans to use their wood heaters appropriately, or switch to a more sustainable alternative in order to keep Canberra’s air clean.
“The ACT Government is committed to keeping Canberra’s air clean, but smoke from domestic wood heaters remains the largest source of air pollution in the Territory,” Minister Gentleman commented “We are reminding Canberrans about the effective use of wood heaters to minimise pollution and help protect residents from harmful health impacts. Canberrans can look after our local environment and reduce wood smoke pollution by burning right tonight,” Minister Gentleman added.
Minister Gentleman explained that the ACT Government has some great incentives for residents to replace their wood heater with more environmentally-friendly alternatives such as electric systems. Those who wish to simply remove their wood heater can receive a rebate of $100.

There are a number of tips that can help you use your wood heater effectively, such as:

• using dry, well-seasoned, untreated wood;
• opening the air control fully when starting a fire;
• using smaller logs to maintain a vigorous fire;
• not leaving a fire smouldering overnight.

The ACT Government will run advertising for the Burn Right Tonight campaign throughout winter and aim to minimise this pollution, and help protect residents from the harmful health impacts. For more hints on reducing air pollution and saving money.