Action Tips: Barbecue Green

When the weather heats up, barbecue season begins. And while a little backyard grilling isn’t going to ruin the environment, when 60 million people hit the BBQ at once – like they do on the Fourth of July – the impacts can add up.

The trouble is, grilling can be toxic, even downright polluting. Burning charcoal or wood produces clouds of sooty particles that can lodge in lungs, irritating asthma and other respiratory problems. Carcinogenic volatile organic compounds like benzene are released. The whole mess can contribute to smog. But with the right gear and a few tips, you can still kick back, throw a great barbecue, and grill up some world-class eats.

Choose the greenest grill

• While not perfect, gas, propane and electric grills burn cleaner and more efficiently than charcoal or wood. That means better air quality, both around your cook station in the surrounding community.
• Electric grills are the cleanest since they release 999% less carbon monoxide and 91% less carbon dioxide than charcoal.

A good lump of coal

• If you must use charcoal, minimize the potential health impacts by using all-natural, sustainably produced charcoal or wood briquettes. Conventional charcoal is loaded with additives, like coal dust and sawdust. When burned, the charcoal can release toxic by-products which can seep into your steaks and you’re the air.

Now on to the meat

• Grill organic, hormone-free meat and mix it up with organic veggies and fruit.

The picnic table

• Set your picnic table with reusable dishware and silverware and cloth napkins. If that’s not feasible, look for biodegradable or recycled-paper dinnerware, unbleached cups, and recycled-paper napkins.

Clean up time

• And when it’s time to clean up, be sure to clean up after yourself and your crew. Recycle what you can, and use natural cleaning products like
  • Orange Plus
  • SoyClean

Sources:

Sierra Club- http://sierraclub.typepad.com/greenlife/2007/06/get_your_grill_.html

Times Online- http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/article4128221.ece

The Daily Green- http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/green-grilling-bbq-460519?click=main_sr