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Huge areas of tropical rainforest are being destroyed to make charcoal for barbecues. The global deforestation is leading to growing problems.
Nigeria and the DRC Congo – two of Europe’s main charcoal suppliers – are also affected. Every year, Europeans use approximately 800,000 tons of charcoal for barbecuing. Seventy percent of the charcoal comes from outside the EU, and the bags often contain remnants of tropical woods.
Officially, tropical woods are subject to strict import conditions. But when it comes to wood charcoal, these do not apply.
Worldwide, 2.7 billion people cook and heat with wood or charcoal. The related emission of greenhouse gases is enormous. 55 percent of global wood is used as fuel per year, and much of it is cut illegally in Africa’s bush and tropical forests.
Nigeria produces most of its charcoal for export. Especially during dry periods, local Nigerian farmers use coal production as a lifeline to make money and feed their families. At the same time, charcoal mills travel the countryside in family groups, charring all the trees they can cut down.
The consequences are hair-raising. Nigeria lost 36 percent of its forests between 1990 and 2005. At present, twelve percent of the country is still covered with forest – but charcoal production continues to rise, eating up 350,000 hectares of fertile land here every year.
According to the UN, charcoal production is one of the main causes of deforestation in Africa, which in turn is closely linked to massive deterioration in soil quality and a growing risk of crop failure. But African legislation has been slow to respond to the problem. The coal business is highly lucrative business, and rakes in some 7.4 billion US Dollars a year.
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- 8 LB. BAG ALL-NATURAL HARDWOOD LUMP CHARCOAL FOR GRILLING, SMOKING & OUTDOOR BBQ COOKING – Upgrade your grilling experience with Mr. Bar-B-Q Lump Charcoal, made from a premium blend of 100% natural hardwoods for a clean, hot, and flavorful burn. Perfect for charcoal grills, smokers, kamado cookers, and portable BBQ setups, this high-quality lump charcoal delivers rich smoky flavor, consistent heat, and low ash for better performance and easier cleanup. Whether you're firing up a chimney starter, searing over high heat, or slow-smoking your favorite meats, poultry, seafood, or vegetables, this charcoal is the ideal choice for BBQ enthusiasts, grill masters, and outdoor cooks.
- LOW ASH HARDWOOD LUMP CHARCOAL FOR CLEAN, EFFICIENT GRILLING & SMOKING – Grill with less mess and more control using Mr. Bar-B-Q Hardwood Lump Charcoal, designed to produce minimal ash while delivering long-lasting heat and even cooking performance. Made from premium 100% natural hardwoods, this high-quality charcoal reduces flare-ups and popping for a smoother grilling experience. Ideal for use in charcoal grills, portable grills, kamado cookers, and even Ooni pizza ovens, it enhances airflow and temperature control while minimizing cleanup.
- HOTTER, LONGER, CLEANER BURNING LUMP CHARCOAL FOR GRILLING, SMOKING & BBQ COOKING – Achieve unbeatable grilling performance with Mr. Bar-B-Q Hardwood Lump Charcoal, expertly crafted to burn hotter, longer, and cleaner than standard charcoal. Made from a perfected blend of premium natural hardwoods, this high-efficiency charcoal offers superior heat retention, minimal ash production, and consistent temperature control for an exceptional cooking experience. Ideal for use in charcoal grills, portable grills, kamado cookers, and chimney starters, it’s perfect for searing steaks, slow-smoking ribs, and grilling all your favorite meats, seafood, and vegetables.
- EASY & QUICK LIGHTING HARDWOOD LUMP CHARCOAL FOR HASSLE-FREE GRILLING – Start grilling in no time with Mr. Bar-B-Q Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal, expertly crafted for fast, easy ignition and reliable performance. Whether you're using lighter fluid, natural fire starters, or a charcoal chimney starter, this premium charcoal lights up quickly and evenly, delivering excellent airflow for efficient burning. Ideal for use in charcoal starter kits, chimney starters, and all types of charcoal grills, this high-quality lump charcoal is perfect for BBQ enthusiasts who value convenience without compromising flavor. From backyard barbecues to camping trips and tailgating.
- PURE SMOKY FLAVOR WITH 100% NATURAL HARDWOOD LUMP CHARCOAL FOR AUTHENTIC BBQ TASTE – Enjoy the true essence of wood-fired cooking with Mr. Bar-B-Q Pure Smoky Flavor Lump Charcoal, crafted from 100% all-natural hardwoods for a clean burn and bold, smoky flavor in every bite. Free from chemicals and additives, this premium lump charcoal preserves the natural taste of your food, unlike briquettes that can alter flavor. Ideal for charcoal grills, portable grills, small backyard grills, and smokers, it’s perfect for grilling juicy burgers, searing steaks, or slow-smoking ribs, brisket, poultry, and vegetables.
Popular on Amazon
- Deep, wide and long grooves mean the briquets light easier and heat faster
- Made with natural ingredients and real wood, resulting in the authentic smoky flavor
- Longer burning and maintains hot fire
- Ready to cook in about 15 minutes
- Two 20-pound bags
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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Kingsford 30479 Charcoal Briquettes, 20-Pound Bag | $47.40 | Buy on Amazon |
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Mr. Bar-B-Q All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal for Grilling, 8 Lb. | Premium Charcoal for BBQ,... | $29.90 | Buy on Amazon |
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