Aldi stops sales of disposable barbecues
The supermarket will no longer sell the barbecues in any of its UK supermarkets in a bid to protect the nation’s forests and wildlife.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Aldi has stopped selling disposable barbecues in all of its UK supermarkets in a bid to protect the nation’s forests and wildlife.
The ban would also lead to the removal of approximately 35 tonnes of single-use waste packaging, the discounter said.
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.”
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.
Fires last summer at Froward Point in Devon, Wareham Forest in Dorset and Darwen Moor in Lancashire were all caused by instant barbecues.