Janis Vitols at B&Q Store Ireland handling EcoBriquettes

A Real-Life Story: How EcoBriquettes Transformed Heating for an Irish Couple

Mar 27, 2025Janis Vitols

In January 2025, I was privileged to visit every B&Q store (our stockist) across Ireland to connect with customers and better understand their experiences with Ecofuel products.

At the Cork B&Q store, I met Mary and Liam, a retired couple whose warmth and sincerity immediately resonated with me.

This is their story!

Honouring Tradition, Seeking Simplicity

Mary and Liam had always treasured their traditional wood-burning stove, using seasoned wood and turf sourced from their own land, which is deeply rooted in Ireland’s cherished heating traditions. However, as the years passed, Liam found the physical demands of cutting, stacking, and storing turf increasingly challenging.

Beyond physical strain, the couple also grew frustrated with frequent ash disposal, ongoing stove maintenance, and the inconvenience when their stove failed on particularly cold winter nights.

When I introduced Mary and Liam to EcoBriquettes, their immediate reaction focused on practicality and convenience. While respecting their deep connection to the tradition of turf heating, they appreciated that EcoBriquettes offered a ready-made, efficient, and environmentally thoughtful alternative.

Embracing Positive Change

Motivated by the promise of easier handling, reduced fuel consumption, minimal ash production, and the delightful possibility of using the ash as garden fertiliser, Mary and Liam decided to try EcoBriquettes.

The transition was effortless and immediately rewarding.

Liam was delighted not to have to constantly clean the stove, while Mary was delighted by how quickly and easily the EcoBriquettes could be lit.

Additionally, the cardboard packaging made it easy to transfer the briquettes from their storage shed to their living room and left no mess behind.

Inspiring Others

When family and friends visited Mary and Liam’s home, they instantly noticed their living space's enhanced warmth and inviting comfort. Visitors became genuinely curious about this new heating solution, leading to spontaneous and engaging conversations.

Without realising it, Mary and Liam had become natural ambassadors, effortlessly sharing their authentic experiences. 

A true cornerstone of our collective success.

Building a Meaningful Legacy

Mary and Liam’s journey beautifully illustrates Ecofuel’s core purpose: to provide practical, sustainable heating solutions that genuinely improve lives while honouring Irish traditions.

Their story demonstrates that meaningful change can be simple, respectful, and forward-looking. By choosing EcoBriquettes, crafted entirely from often-overlooked sawmill waste, they have enhanced their lives while gently inspiring those around them to embrace the next chapter in our shared heritage.

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