There is no replacement for the warmth of a roaring fireplace during the winter months. The crackling and glow from a fire offers comfort, relaxation, and cheer. Of course, there are drawbacks to burning wood. Not everyone wants to cut down the tree out front for firewood or even burn wood at all. Yet the alternative, manufactured fire logs, are composed of petroleum-based wax, which are harmful to us and our environment. This winter I chose to look for an alternative. I needed something that would keep me both warm and still friendly with Mother Nature.

Fortunately there are green companies providing consumers with products they can trust, and at the same time helping to support the environment. One local company solved my fiery dilemma. CleanFlame™, based in Oroville, CA, constructs eco-friendly fire logs without harmful petroleum-based wax. They consider themselves part of the green movement, and are also proud to be helping our local economy by creating jobs. The best part is that they are made from recycled materials. I took time speak with the friendly and knowledgeable Kory Hammon, CEO of CleanFlame™ fire logs. I was able to ask him a few questions about their product – where I could find it, and why it helps our local economy and environment.

About five years ago, CleanFlame™ began manufacturing fire logs using 100% recycled materials which are environmentally safe to burn. But where does CleanFlame™ locate and obtain these recycled materials? It turns out, they get them from the same places we all buy our fruits and vegetables, from grocery stores all over the country. In a previous life, I worked in a grocery store and can recall that every few days the produce department would receive their fresh shipments in Waxed Old Corrugated Cardboard (WOCC). These boxes are great for packing fruit and vegetables, but unfortunately are not recyclable and take 50 years to decompose. Everyday approximately 1,800 tons of waxed cardboard boxes are made. Because they are unrecyclable the boxes are sent to the landfills, which is costly and terrible for the earth. CleanFlame™ steps in and helps both the grocery store and my friend Mother Nature. Instead of sending these waxed boxes to landfills, CleanFlame™  takes the material and turns it into fire logs, which saves grocery stores thousands of dollars in waste fees and prevents tons of waste from being sent to landfills.

To find where this product is sold, I jumped online and visited the CleanFlame™ website, http://www.CleanFlame .com. To my surprise, the local health food store around the corner carries the CleanFlame™ fire log. I grabbed my coat and scarf, and walked to the store. Finding the product in the store was easy, as the employees knew exactly what I was asking for and where to locate it. The price for one of these logs is reasonable, and even cheaper than other manufactured logs! At the location I purchased it from, it costs about the same as a single white mocha. Unlike most manufactured logs on the market, CleanFlame™ advertises that it is safe to use for cooking, suitable for woodstoves, and can be used with other firewood. The earth-friendly fire log will not melt, drip, or spark, so it can be burned in any fire pit.

It felt good purchasing this product knowing it is from a local, green company that is boosting the local economy by providing jobs for people in our area. CleanFlame™ is currently expanding their business, and working on more clean burning products. It is nice to know there are alternatives out there that satisfy both my seasonal, cozy cravings, and my earth-friendly principles.

By Amanda Daley