OPEN LETTERS
An Open Letter to People Who Light Bonfires in Their Gardens
You are inconsiderate morons
People Who Light Bonfires in Their Gardens,
You are a nuisance. Worse than that, you are a danger to yourself and others. So stop it. Stop it right now.
You seem to think it’s okay to behave like you are living alone in a hut in the woods, rather than next to other people who don’t want to breathe in smoke.
My small town sits in a little valley. If there’s no wind, and someone lights a bonfire, the smoke just slowly drifts down the valley. Anyone with clothes drying on the line will end up with them smelling of smoke. Anyone with asthma or other breathing problems will have to go inside and shut the windows, which is unpleasant on a hot day.
Last year, our town council put up notices advising people not to light bonfires. With the coronavirus lockdown in place, there were ill people with covid-related lung problems stuck at home. The last thing they needed was to breathe in smoke.
But also, our district council warned people about the hazard of lighting bonfires in windy weather. One sudden gust of wind and your wooden fence could catch fire.
Still not convinced? Okay, let’s see what the UK Government has to say on the matter:
“You cannot get rid of household waste if it will cause pollution or harm people’s health. This includes burning it. You can get rid of household or garden waste by composting or recycling it. Contact your local council to find out how to dispose of garden waste and about recycling in your area.”
Every two weeks, we have a collection for garden waste. This service costs £50 per year, and the brown bin costs £20. Or you can drive to your nearest recycling center and dispose of it there. If you don’t have a car, get someone else to drive you. Or you can compost it. Choose one of those options. Don’t burn it like an inconsiderate prick.
Annoyed,
Your Neighbour
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