A SUPERMARKET chain has stopped selling disposable barbecues in all its UK stores in the wake of major heath fires – including the devastating Wareham Forest blaze in 2020.
Aldi says it is “committed” to reducing its impact on the environment by stopping the sale of disposable barbecues, in a step welcomed by Natural England.
This comes after a massive fire, caused by an instant barbecue, ripped through Wareham Forest in May 2020 in what was described as “one of the most devastating fires in Dorset in living memory” by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. The blaze destroyed the equivalent of 250 football pitches worth of forest.
Another fire in Wareham Forest destroyed 7,000 square metres of land in September last year.
Aldi UK’s corporate responsibility director Liz Fox said: “We are committed to reducing our impact on the environment and know that many of our shoppers are increasingly looking to do the same.
“We hope customers can embrace our latest move and still want them to enjoy their summer picnics and barbecues.
“As an alternative, we would encourage customers to opt for more environmentally friendly and sustainable options such as mini portable barbecues, ensuring they are used responsibly.”
The ban would also lead to the removal of approximately 35 tonnes of single-use waste packaging, the discounter said.
Amanda Craig, from Natural England, said: “We welcome any step that helps people act more responsibly whilst enjoying the countryside, and encourage everyone to follow the Countryside Code when spending time outdoors.
“This includes only using barbecues in places where signs specify they are permitted to better protect people, property and wildlife.”
The Co-op announced in June last year that it would no longer sell disposable barbecues in 130 shops situated in or within a one-mile radius of national parks.
The move followed concerns shared by the National Fire Chiefs Council over the number of instant barbecue-related fires, both in outdoor spaces and in the home when used on balconies or too close to garden fences and trees.
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