B&Q To Cut Patio Heaters

B&Q has announced it is to stop selling environmentally damaging patio heaters once its current stock is sold off.

The UK's largest DIY chain, said yesterday it has 20,000 heaters in its stores and expects to sell the last one during 2008. After that it will no longer stock the heaters which consume enough energy in an hour to make 400 cups of tea.

Ian Cheshire, B&Q’s chief exec, said: ‘A quarter of the UK's total carbon emissions come from the home and as the largest home improvement retailer in the country we are uniquely placed to help customers make a real difference.’

The decision follows Wyevale’s decision to drop patio heaters 10 months ago, and the Energy Saving Trust has been calling on other retailers to do the same.

Friends of the Earth welcomed the decision. Campaigner Ed Matthew said: ‘These carbon-belching monstrosities waste energy and cause needless damage to our environment. We are delighted that B&Q has decided to stop selling these products.