How To Host An Eco-Friendly BBQ
Green Grilling: If you’re in the market for a new grill, choose propane over charcoal. When burned, charcoal releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well as over 100 times more carbon monoxide than propane. And the traditional lighter fluids used on charcoal grills release VOCs that contribute to smog. If you do grill with charcoal, you can significantly reduce it’s eco-impact by selecting briquettes made locally from sustainable and recycled wood scraps (try Wicked Good Charcoal or Cowboy Charcoal) or you may even want to make your own charcoal. You can also switch from using lighter fluids, which release VOCs to a chimney starter.
Green Grub
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Green your menu by choosing local or organic food choices whenever possible. Shop for fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products at your local farmer’s markets. If fish is on the menu, the Sierra Club recommends wild-caught Alaskan or Canadian salmon and farmed U.S. catfish as sustainable choices. And don’t be afraid to experiment with vegetarian selections such as grilled tofu, vegetable kabobs, soy dogs, or veggie burgers to reduce the meal’s environmental footprint. Use reusable or compostable plates, cups and silverware to minimize waste.
Green Games: Summer BBQ’s are all about relaxed, outdoor fun, so leave the battery operated toys behind and make sure you have plenty of balls, Frisbees, hula hoops, butterfly nets, buckets, and bubbles (make your own with 1/2 cup eco-friendly dish soap, 1 1/4 cup water, and 2 tsp sugar) for kids to play with.
Oh, and don’t overlook the obvious….one of the best ways to host an eco-friendly barbecue is to make sure you’re not wasting electricity inside while the whole family is outside. Turn off all the unnecessary lights and appliances in your home before you head out the door!
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