| why use local charcoalThere are so many reasons to use local, traditionally-made charcoal. It’s chemical-free, lights easily without the need for lighter fuels, burns hotter (for perfect searing) and more steadily, and gives off a natural woodsmoke flavour.Britain's barbecues burn approximately 60,000 tonnes of charcoal a year, but almost nine out of every ten bags of charcoal are imported, mostly from environmentally sensitive areas or endangered forests in West Africa, South East Asia and South America. Huge environmental damage is caused by unsustainable deforestation and the resulting forest fires and floods in these regions. In the past twenty years, about half of the earth's mangrove swamps have been destroyed. To make matters worse, their loss is also linked to coral reef destruction. In addition, we add to the negative environmental impact through the consumption of fossil fuels transporting charcoal so far around the world to the UK. Unfortunately, buying imported charcoal not only takes money out of your local community, it can actually promote poverty in communities elsewhere: a United Nations report has shown that of the £2.80 retail price for imported charcoal, less than £0.10 goes to the charcoal burner. However, locally produced charcoal is actuallygood for our environment and local wildlife, as well as our economy! British woodlands have declined drastically in the last one hundred years, but woodcolliers use wood from coppiced woodlands; significantly contributing to the sustainable management and protection of our woodland habitats for wildlife and for generations to come. At the Wood Store, we are committed to promoting local trades and techniques, particularly those which employ methods which are sustainable and environmental. Charcoal £6.00/ 3kg bagLocally made in Sussex from sustainably managed woodlands, using traditional methods. |