The cold season finally got us here in Southern California. Shortly, there will be a fire burning bright in every family room, adding warm and cozy ambiance to our season's spirit.

I have spotted recently a very cool (and eco-friendly) alternative to a traditional wood burning or gas fireplace: the EcoSmart fireplace line by Australian manufacturer The Fire Company. Those innovative, open, environmentally friendly fireplaces are fueled by denaturated ethanol (alcohol) and don't require any utility connection for fuel supply. Denaturated ethanol burns clean, resulting in emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) and steam (H2O). That's why the fireplace does not require flue for ventilation. You can choose between freestanding portable pieces, in-wall or outdoor weather-resistant products. Stainless steel, fiberglass, glass, leather, different color options, and many shapes and sizes are definitely a big design advantage, in addition to the green aspect.

EcoSmart Fires are not only beautiful, but their thermal input is 14 Mj/h – 13,000 BTU – 3.5 Kw/h – which is equivalent to 2 electric heaters, able to heat up to over 350 sq ft of living space. One 1-1⁄4 gallon (5 liters) of fuel would last from 7 hours on the maximum setting up to 20 hours on the minimum setting.

Countless design awards are a proof of this product line's superiority in almost every aspect of green design. I hope I will soon report a successful installation of one of the EcoSmart fireplaces.

EcoSmart Q, 2009 New York House Magazine’s Innovative Green Design Awards “Coolest Green Product”