man using coalpot2coal pots 1

B&C Educational have a coal-pot dilemma.  We have some 400 Gambian coal-pots which we need to dispose of.  These coal-pots are like mini-barbecues and are widely used in The Gambia for boiling tea and for cooking (see man in photo with his tea boiling at his feet).  They are very efficient using small amounts of burning charcoal and effectively focussing the heat. They are made by artisan metal bashers in the markets of Serrekunda and other places.  They recycle old metal oil cans, oil drums and pieces of metal from discarded household goods and cars. So they are very environmentally friendly using small amounts of renewable fuel efficiently and being essentially made from metal waste.  They do have sharp edges, Gambians are brought up to be careful and can use these perfectly safely, however they may transgress health and safety rules in the UK and therefore are not welcomed as artefacts suitable to be inspected by young children.  What should we do with them? take them to a UK tip? – not very green.  Flatten them and give them to the local waste collector? (not very green).  Give them away to deserving causes? but who?  So we humbly seek advice from the blogosphere- what shall we do with our coal pots?