Clean Air Day 2023: From Smog to Sustainability

National Clean Air Day 2023 reminds us of the importance of collective action in combating air pollution. As we strive for sustainability and cleaner air, woodburners can still be a part of our heating solutions if we adopt responsible practices.

June 15, 2023
By Reece Toscani
Leave a Comment

Stoves and the Environment, Woodburner News

Introduction: Why Clean Air Day Matters

For stove owners and sceptics alike, Clean Air Day 2023 provides the perfect opportunity to revisit the role of modern wood burning stoves in the journey towards cleaner air. Every June, the UK comes together for Clean Air Day, the nation’s largest campaign on air quality. In 2023, the theme was “Clean up our air to look after your mind”, highlighting the surprising connection between pollution and mental health. This annual event, coordinated by Global Action Plan, aims to raise awareness and encourage action across every part of society — from transport choices to heating our homes.

From the Great Smog to Cleaner Skies

The fight for clean air is not new. In December 1952, the Great Smog of London smothered the capital in a toxic haze, leading to thousands of premature deaths. This tragedy became the turning point for UK air quality policy, resulting in the first Clean Air Acts that phased out coal burning in urban areas. Seventy years later, while our skies look very different, the debate continues. Pollution no longer comes just from coal and factories — today, we face challenges from transport, agriculture, industry, and domestic heating. Clean Air Day 2023 keeps this conversation alive by reminding us how far we’ve come, and how much more still needs to be done.

Modern Wood Stoves and Air Quality

One part of that story is the role of wood burning. Critics often single out stoves as a major contributor to poor air quality, but the reality is more complex. According to the Stove Industry Association’s research, modern Ecodesign-ready wood burning stoves produce up to 90% fewer particulate emissions than open fires, and around 80% fewer than older stoves. While no combustion method is completely emission-free, these stoves represent a huge step forward in reducing air pollution while still offering reliable, affordable, and sustainable heating. For rural or off-grid households, where alternatives like heat pumps or gas may not be practical, they remain an essential solution.

Want to explore the facts about stove emissions in more detail?
Keep an eye out for our upcoming PM2.5 deep dive, where we’ll separate science from headlines. In the meantime, you can explore our Ecodesign Stove Guide
to see how today’s stoves are leading the way in cleaner, more sustainable heating.

Understanding PM2.5 in Context

One of the main pollutants raised during Clean Air Day is PM2.5 — fine particulate matter small enough to reach deep into the lungs. Campaign groups frequently cite stoves as a key source, but context matters. Road transport, industrial activity, agriculture, and even certain cooking methods contribute significant amounts of PM2.5. Domestic wood burning is just one piece of this wider picture. This year, we’ll be publishing a detailed deep dive into PM2.5, exploring what the science says about stove emissions, how they’re measured, and how modern Ecodesign stoves compare with other everyday sources.

Responsible Burning: Small Steps, Big Impact

Clean Air Day isn’t just about policy — it’s about personal action. For stove owners, that means burning only properly seasoned or kiln-dried logs, keeping stoves serviced and maintained, and considering upgrading from an older appliance to a modern Ecodesign-ready model. These choices reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and save money in the long term. Small steps at home, when taken collectively, can make a real difference to the air we all breathe.

Looking Ahead

Clean Air Day 2023 was about reflection as much as action. From the Great Smog to today’s cleaner skies, innovation and responsible choices have made enormous progress possible. The same applies to modern stoves: with the right technology and responsible use, they can form part of a balanced approach to heating that respects both the environment and public health.

What’s your take on Clean Air Day? Do you think modern wood stoves should play a role in the UK’s clean air future — or do you have concerns about emissions? Share your thoughts in the comments below — we’d love to hear different perspectives.

See related stories to this one:

Old Woodburners, Overnight Burning, Stove Industry Association, Sustainable Heating

Reece Toscani

Reece has over two decades in the fireplace and stove world — testing, reviewing, and occasionally getting covered in soot, all in the name of wood-fired home heating. He cuts through the nonsense, busts the myths, and shares straight-talking advice to help you enjoy your stove without the confusion. From Fireplace Products to Redefining Woodburners, if it burns wood, he’s probably tested it, fixed it, or argued about it. Now, through Woodburner Insights, he shares that experience with the world — both here and on YouTube.