firewood types
Bal tashkhit ("do not destroy") is a basic ethical principle in Jewish law.
The principle is rooted in the Biblical law of Deuteronomy 20:19–20. Originally, the Biblical command was limited to wartime, and it forbade only the cutting down of fruit trees.
In early rabbinic law, the bal tashkhit principle was expanded to include other types of damage. For instance, the Babylonian Talmud applies the principle to prevent the wasting of lamp oil, the tearing of clothing, the chopping up of furniture for firewood, or the killing of animals.[1] In all cases, bal tashkhit is invoked only for destruction that is deemed unnecessary. Destruction is explicitly condoned when the cause or need is adequate.
In contemporary Jewish ethics on Judaism and ecology, advocates often point to bal tashkhit as an environmental principle. A few scholars have questioned or qualified the application of bal tashkhit to environmental problems, though its relevance to waste reduction remains well-accepted.
How to Purchase Firewood for the Winter
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately ChallengingThings You’ll Need:
- Log Storage Rack or Shed
- Log Storage Rack Cover
Ensure that you have a clean and working chimney or wood stove.It's important to have a certified chimney specialist clean and inspect the chimney every year. Required repairs should be completed prior to sparking that first fire of the autumn/winter season. This will ensure you have a safely operating fireplace and that you are maximizing the burning time of the wood.
Step2
Educate yourself. There are a few things that you must take into account when purchasing wood.-Wood MUST be seasoned. This means that the wood has been split and dried for 6 months to a year prior to burning. Wood that is well seasoned will deliver more heat to your home and burn cleaner so less creosote will be deposited into your chimney. If you purchase wood in the spring then you can season the wood on your own by keeping it dry.
-Wood types have different firewood qualities. What is the ease of burning, ease of start, ease of splitting, heating capabilities, etc... You can find information on this through your state's agricultural department. See link below.
Step3
Determine how much wood you will need. There are two things to consider - storage space and how often you will burn the wood.
Most states have set firewood measurement standards so that consumers can better figure the value of the wood they are purchasing. One such measurement is a cord of wood. This could be stacked 4 feet tall by 4 feet wide by 8 feet long or its equivalent (it must equal 128 cubic feet).
Wood can be kept inside of a shed or on an elevated log rack with a log rack cover to protect the wood. Log racks can be purchased in sizes to store a 1/4 cord, 1/2 cord, 1 cord, etc... If you will keep it in a shed, measure the space so you will know how much to order.
If you burn one fire every day of the winter you may need more than one cord for a standard fireplace. If you plan to use firewood as a major source of heating your home you may need to purchase 3 - 6 cords of wood. Wood burning stoves have a different burning time and need less wood.
If you have never purchased wood and are uncertain how often you will burn it, it is best to consider the space you have for storage and begin with a smaller amount like a 1/2 or 1/4 cord. You can always purchase more if you run out.
Step4
Prepare the list of questions you will ask when you call or visit firewood providers. For example:
-What is their charge for a cord or 1/2 cord of seasoned firewood?
-Is the wood seasoned? If so, how long was it seasoned?
-What type of wood do they have available?
-Is the wood split? To what size? (Wood stoves take smaller pieces of wood than fireplaces)
-Will they deliver the wood? If so, is there an extra charge?
-Do they stack the wood for you? If so, is there an extra charge?
Step5
Get quotes from firewood providers.
Online sites such as Craig's List are filled with ads for firewood from your local farms and landscaping businesses. Sometimes farms will offer the wood for free if you are willing to pick it up and cut it. You can call a licensed Firewood dealer but be mindful that you may pay more than you would at a local farm or landscaping business. The plus side of buying from a licensed firewood provider is that they are bound to honor the firewood standards set by most states. In other words, you will get what you pay for.
Step6
Evaluate the estimates and decide on a provider. Lowest price should not be the deciding factor unless all other things are equal.
Delivery and stacking are important and often times worth the extra charge if it's reasonable. If they stack the wood for you at your home, it will be easy for you to tell if you have received the amount of wood that you paid for. If you pick it up yourself you run the danger of getting shorted (a common consumer complaint).
The type of wood being offered is also important. Whatever quote you accept, be certain that you are receiving wood that burns easily, cleanly, and produces high heat. See link below for charts on wood types.
Step7
Make sure you are home for the delivery. This is the only way to be certain you receive what you ordered.Inspect the wood. Is it seasoned? Signs to check for - is the bark falling off the wood, does it have a gray color, is it dry on the ends, can you see cracks. These are all good signs that the wood is ready for burning.
Make sure stacking is done correctly. It should be done in even rows with larger pieces at the bottom of the pile. The pieces should be stacked tightly together. Check the stack periodically and make sure it is not leaning otherwise the whole pile could fall and you will have to do the work over again on your own. If it is leaning adjust the rack or adjust some of the larger pieces of wood to redistribute the weight.
Step8
If you stacked the wood in an outside area or on a log rack use a cover to protect your purchase.
Step9
Bring some pieces into your home and enjoy a nice cozy fire!
