Top Five Ways To Grill Greener
By Becky Striepe, Green Monkey Contributing Writer
Summer is officially here, and that means it′s time to play outdoors and get grilling! From the materials you burn to the food you′re cooking, a traditional cookout can be tough on the environment. Here are some super simple tips to help you grill greener without giving up any of the fun!
1. Feel the Burn
It might seem a little counter-intuitive, but gas grills often have a lower carbon footprint than charcoal. Propane is cleaner-burning than charcoal briquettes, and it is a more efficient fuel. If you′re doing an open pit grill where charcoal is really the only option, you can still green it up! Try checking out companies that make their briquettes in an environmentally sound way, like Cowboy Charcoal.
2. Plate it Up
The disposable paper plate is almost the emblem of summer cookouts, but all of that throw-away dishware creates tons of waste each year. Of course, reusables are the greenest option. Sometimes, though, you just really want the convenience of a disposable. For those situations, truly compostable dinnerware, like these from Ver Terra, are a great option. The company makes their dishes using just water and fallen leaves, and when the meal is over you can toss them right into your compost bin!
3. Decorate in Green
Whether you′re looking for a table cloth or a condiment caddy, there are lots of ways to green your cookout decor! The key is to replace one-time use decorations with durable options that will last you through the years. Instead of disposable streamers, you might try your hand at making a reusable fabric scrap banner. Not only are they fun to make, but you can use them over and over.
Rather than a paper tablecloth or runner, pick up a fabric one that you love. You′ll save money over time and create less waste while you do it! For condiments, I′m crazy about this six pack caddy. Not only will it look great on the table, but you′re keeping that cardboard out of the landfill at the same time.
4. Veg Out
The food you′re serving can make a huge impact on the planet. When it comes to food, stick with local, organic produce as much as you can. The biggest thing you can do to reduce your meal′s carbon footprint is cut back on the meat. Meat production creates huge amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, and beef farming is responsible for deforestation in the Amazon. If you have to have meat at your cookout, it′s best to go with quality over quantity. Hit up your local Whole Foods or co-op for locally raised, grass fed meat. Better yet, though, try some awesome vegetarian grilling recipes! You can always compromise and cut back the meat without cutting it out entirely.
5. Greener Beer
What′s a cookout without a cold beer, right? If you′re having a large party, you might consider a keg rather than bottles or cans. Kegs produce far less waste than all of those individually-packaged brews. Just make sure you′re pouring into reusable glasses! If plastic cups are your only option for keg beer, bottles or cans are a better bet.
The beer you choose can make a big difference, too. Try picking up brews from a company like Sierra Nevada, who works hard to produce their beer in an eco friendly way.
Grill in Balance, Monkeys!
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