Is a duraflame log or regular firewood a better heat source when considering our environment?

Well for one, a Duraflame log doesn't put out much heat.

For another, it's full of wax & other chemicals that I personally would prefer to not burn near my house, or into the air that we all have to breathe.

I'm gonna have to go with regular firewood on this one.

Its a more loaded question than you might think, but technically duraflames produce less pollutants when burned, as wax is a main component. They also tent to burn longer per log. But the actual production of duraflames does output some pollutants, where the growth of trees cleans our air. So there really isn't a solid answer overall, however if you're just looking at the actual burning aspect, duraflames are better.

Regular wood. Duraflame logs have binders, adhesives and VOCs in them that help them burn, in addition to producing NOx, SOx, CO and particulate matter. Firewood normally will only produce the NOx, SOx, CO and PM.

A regular log, been buring them for years and is a prime source of heat at our ranch. The environment is just fine!

Duraflames