PGAQ #41 by Vic Steblin, Nov 10, 2008

2570 Laurier Crescent, Prince George, BC, 250-564-1123

There exists an overriding opinion that pellet technology is wonderful. Governments and entrepreneurs convince us that there is money in waste wood. Many are convinced that the pellet industry is a win-win situation deserving of government funding and citizen support. Consider positives like biomass, co-generation facilities, going green, using waste wood, providing jobs, and alternative sources of cheaper energy.

I disagree. The pellet stove repulses me. The pellet stove does not have lower emissions than natural gas. Pellets are a human modification of wood that reminds me of the human modification of food. There is a general principal that states “Human interference has negative side effects”.

Humans who make wood burning more efficient are ultimately creating finer particles that get into our blood as well as our lungs and digestive system. This is a serious health concern and we should be reducing particles instead of adding to the problem.

Get rid of your pellet stove and use a sweater instead. The entrepreneurs who convince us that warmth is important are sacrificing our long-term health. Jump off the biomass burning bandwagon and bypass the pellet plant.