Crime Scene



According to Thursday's New York Times, "Curling up by the fire may be the next eco-crime."



At first I thought that this might be the perpetrator.....




or this...




Yes, that's the space shuttle, and yes, it's real.





Clever use of used rocket parts.





It's cool, but I don't think your artwork likes it.





Vending Machine fireplace





Kafka / Gulag fireplace





Ummmm?





Jail....for fireplaces?






But no, they are making criminals of all fireplaces, including these beauties....





























The author, Christina S.N. Lewis, asserts that the fireplace is acquiring a social stigma among those who aspire to be environmentally responsible. She contends it is joining the ranks of bottled water and large houses. 
This upsets me. My home is not large, yet I've always envisioned that when it was time to sell, I'd mention the THREE WORKING FIREPLACES in all caps in my ad. Who knew that I might have to downplay what I thought was an asset?
What do you do? "Uh....no...that's a bookcase." or "That's my album repository."









"I had that made for my shell collection."





You could try hiding it.








Or, you could turn it into a big vintage floor mirror.





As for me, I choose not to ignore the fireplace.





I really only use the one in my den, and not daily. I try to burn only seasoned dry wood, as per EPA guidelines, because it burns hotter and releases less smoke. I also try to build my fire correctly so that it has higher visible flames for the first twenty minutes, which causes the chimney to heat up dispersing the smoke so that it doesn't drift into the house creating a health hazard. 


In other words, I'm going to continue my "guilty" pleasure while trying to be as eco-friendly as possible.





What are your thoughts on this fiery issue?

Comments

  1. Kathy

    With the temps at single digits I plan to cozy up and enjoy my fireplace!! I mean really!

    Come and join in my Gorgeous Giveaway from Blydesign!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

    ReplyDelete
  2. Some gorgeous pictures of fireplaces...I find it hard to believe it's another thing we have to feel guilty about!

    ReplyDelete
  3. hmmmmmm....
    i have an answer to this issue,
    but i never knew it.

    often when a client of mine has awful furniture and a fireplace, and we have decided to replace it,
    they ask me "what will i do with my old furniture?"
    i simply point to the fireplace and giggle.
    hahahahaha

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is completely hilarious! I'm convulsing right now.
    Ugh, eco buzz-killers be damned. It's cold out people.
    Fire is primordial, front and center.
    Alcira

    nerochronicles.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I think it is someone with too much time on their hands! fire places in some shape or form have been around as long as we have!!!!!! Burn Baby Burn I say!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Donna Reinhart-BourgelasJanuary 21, 2011 at 9:18 AM

    Turn down the heat in the house and stoke the wood-burning fire! It's a natural energy-saving, cozy thing that's good for the soul and your love life :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Trees limbs fall so I will burn them and have a romantic fire. Wishing you a wonderful weekend. Heidi

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  8. Actually it's already in the works in many areas to outlaw the use of fireplaces. I know certain towns in Montana it's forbidden and I met a woman from Chile that told me areas there they can no longer us them. I'm surprised they haven't banned all gas fireplaces. I remember the Jimmy Carter years discontinued allowing natural gas line installed for outside grills. That's when the tanks came to be. Not to be Debbie Downer but I swear they'll be going after candles next. Have you notice the huge increase in price for new candle that are supposed to be more eco friendly. Why does eco friendly always equal cost lots more money? There's nothing like the smell of cherry tobacco in a pipe, a campfire and lovely candles. Some people have to rain on everyones parade.
    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh Shit! Thats how mad I am about this issue. I have stated before there is a threat in Ca. to outlaw the wood fireplace, all the while every street has two or three illegal leaf blowers, blowing dust and pollution all over the place and they never enforece this law. Are biggest problem is over population thats why I support Planned Parenthood! Now I may I tell you how I really feel!

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  10. Really?! I find it so ridiculous!! Here we are all trying to be good by saving on gas and electricity! But LOVED this beautiful and oh so clever post! A gorgeous round up of warmth!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Kathy,
    We have 5 working fireplaces and I'd love to add one in our bedroom. I say FIGHT THE MAN (or, in this case I guess, woMAN).
    Nice to meet you!
    Sheri

    ReplyDelete
  12. Crazy! I will continue to use our fireplaces well into April...but this post was beyond entertaining!:)

    ReplyDelete
  13. I totally refuse to feel guilty about lighting a fire! Nothing warms up the atmosphere of a home like an open fire.
    Thanks for stopping by
    Sharon
    My French Counry Home

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am counting down the days til the we have a real fireplace, which will be YEARS! I am all about being eco friendly but this is one true luxury I will not be able to give up.

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  15. I am laughing SO hard! I love a fireplace,it's snap, crackle and pop! I also LOVE menswear..on men and on furniture and in interior decorating...YUM!
    Ann

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  16. I would LOVE to have a fire in my fireplace, but it doesn't work. The previous owver stopped it up at the top and its now non-functioning. Such a shame. We'll have to renovate the flu and get up and going again. Until then, I burn a cluster of pillar candles in the fireplace.

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  17. when reading the times article I read 'blah, blah, blah...."
    I say burn baby burn! so many more major sources of pollution and waste. it's just a guilt trip. ignore!

    joan

    ReplyDelete
  18. We should be more concerned about our water. You cant make water! But you can plant a tree.

    ReplyDelete

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