ALDI and Waitrose have both committed to ending the sale of disposable barbecues, following ‘increasing pressure’ from leading charities and environmental organisations.
Waitrose said it estimates that the move will save around 70,000 disposable barbecues from being sold each year – which will save ‘multiple tonnes’ of paper labels, shrink wrap plastic, cooking grills, foil and card.
Lucy Comer, buyer at Waitrose, said, “Disposable barbecues present a risk to our natural habitats and this is why we’ve committed to removing them from our shelves this year. This is the right thing to do to preserve our local ecosystems and another example of the work we’re doing to protect the planet. We applaud Aldi for standing with us to make this happen and we hope other retailers will follow.”
Liz Fox, corporate responsibility director at Aldi UK, added, “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.”
