In letters to the head offices of supermarkets and stores, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy and Shadow Minister for Climate Change – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has urged the businesses to take a “civic-minded, ecologically friendly leadership position” and commit to discontinuing the sale of disposable BBQs during next year’s summer season.
Mrs Finch-Saunders MS has written to the offices of ASDA, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrison’s, ALDI, Lidl, SPAR, B&M, Home Bargains, Wilko, Poundland and Poundstretcher.
Earlier this summer, the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service was called to three separate incidents caused by disposable barbecues in one day. In a statement, it was made clear that all three incidents occurred after people failed to get rid of their barbecues safely.
Commenting on her letters, Janet said:
“Disposable BBQs are a truly modern menace that pose far too many risks to our environment and public health. As these foil BBQs are portable, they may be used in unsuitable locations such as under trees or near long grass, bushes or fences which may easily catch fire.
“As the bottom of the barbecue can get extremely hot, and with prolonged dry weather over the summer, there is potential to damage the ground. As we witnessed earlier this summer, they can also cause unnecessary bin fires if disposed of before they have cooled to a suitable temperature.
“The fact that these products are non-recyclable, in an age when we should be prioritising the circular economy, should give retailers pause for thought. I have found them discarded and left under sand to scar feet. This would not be happening if customers were pointed towards reusable portable BBQs.
“I have written to a range of retailers to ask that they take a civic-minded, ecologically friendly leadership position by committing to discontinuing the sale of disposable BBQs during next year’s summer season. This bold step must be made now before stock decisions are taken.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- An example letter sent to the organisations can be found attached.
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
