Cleaner Heating And Cleaner Air

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32252, 21 March 1970, Page 10

Cleaner Heating And Cleaner Air

The Christchurch City Council has issued its booklet on clean air and better heating. It is free, thorough yet simple, and deserves the attention of every citizen who believes that action must be taken to reduce air pollution in Christchurch. The main message in this booklet, now available at the council’s office to individuals or groups, is not revolutionary. It is an appeal—indeed a compelling argument—against the open, coal-burning fireplace, and it makes recommendations on the cleaner, cheaper, and more efficient use of solid fuels, or of alternative fuels such as electricity, gas, and oil for heating.

This booklet does not cover all the sources of air pollution and the ways of combating them. Nor is it an attack on coal as a source of heating. It simply deals with the main source of pollution—the inefficient open household fireplace—and with the alternative means of household heating. “In new houses ”, says the booklet, “ the installation of

“ modem equipment, and in existing houses changing “ to clean, comfortable methods of heating will mean; “ reduction in the costs of heating the home; obtaining “a greater degree of warmth and comfort in the “ home; and, while obtaining these two advantages, “ help to reduce air pollution in your neighbour- “ hood Public authorities can do much by way of example, advice, and assistance to reduce or prevent air pollution; but the information in this booklet shows that citizens have it in their own hands to do much to help themselves.

A series of five articles from the Coal Research Association now appearing in “ The Press ” has been accepted on the representations of the coal industry that it is being condemned unheard in the court of public opinion of the crime of poisoning the atmosphere. The articles at least provide some assurance that the coal industry itself is giving much thought to ways of preventing air pollution. In particular, it is trying to reduce the average sulphur content of coals available in Christchurch. Coal is not the only offender, although it has received the most blame. Much more remains to be done, and those involved with other pollutants, not least the oil and petroleum industries, might well follow the lead given by the coal industry.