A recent Q&A from the New York Times addresses a paradox every camper knows but few have likely considered in depth:
Q. Is it environmentally better to use safety matches or a fuel-filled lighter to start a fire while camping?
A. It might seem obvious that using a single paper or wooden match beats carrying a plastic container filled with fossil fuel. But there’s another relevant question: How many matches would it take to get the flames going? A trace of butane lighter fuel might be a more efficient tool.
And there are other factors to consider. How many trees were cut to make a commercial batch of paper or wooden matchsticks? Were the trees replanted after harvesting?…..
To read the whole New York Times feature, click here