Poundland has stated that it will no longer be selling polystyrene pumpkins for Halloween following the backlash that the discount store received over plastic pollution.
Earlier this month, a woman called Jemma Morgan from Liskeard in Cornwall spotted the plastic pumpkins being sold in her local Poundland store.
She posted a photo of the pumpkins on Facebook, expressing her outrage over the store’s decision to stock the artificial products.
“I am appalled, beyond gobsmacked and wonder how we can improve the outlook for our environment when I see Poundland selling painted pumps of polystyrene as carving pumpkins,” she wrote.
“I can’t help but think of how often we find those ‘impossible to clean up properly’ bits of broken up polystyrene on our beaches and wonder how long it will be before we find them with orange paint on.
“Feeling powerless when it comes to making a difference.”
A number of people have echoed Morgan’s views on social media, lambasting Poundland for its lack of regard for the environment.
“If only there was an environmentally-friendly alternative that wouldn’t create a tonne of litter and destroy our oceans and its inhabitants… You know, like an ACTUAL PUMPKIN,” one person tweeted.
“Not only should they be removed from sale immediately, I challenge your chief executive to spend a day litter picking to see the toll #plasticpollution is having on our environment,” someone else remarked.
Another person pointed out the potential risk of allowing a child to light up a candle inside of the plastic pumpkins, describing it as “irresponsible retailing.”
Following the criticism that Poundland has received over the pumpkins, it has now confirmed that the products will no longer be sold in any of its stores across the UK.
"I hope you'll be pleased to hear while these items have been on general sale in many retailers, we confirm we've taken the decision not to re-purchase them and remove them from sale from today," the chain store tweeted.
Approximately 18,000 tonnes of pumpkin is wasted every year following Halloween, according to environmental charity Hubbub Foundation.
The charity suggests organising a "Pumpkin Rescue" event with friends, family or colleagues to tackle the food waste.
