How Earth Friendly is Your Backyard Barbecue?

With spring coming up fast, you may be thinking about grilling and backyard barbecue fun. But, how green is a barbecue? If you have one are you single handily killing the planet?

Eco-issues of barbecues – how to green your cookout:

According to CNN, “The carbon footprint of backyard grilling is not that significant compared to what people do in their everyday lives. Lights, TVs, cars, these are much more significant than grilling.” Which is good news. If you love barbecues, make sure you stay green in other areas to offset the issue.

You can green your grilling experience by grilling with gas or charcoal  – both better than gas or electric. Later we’ll look at some greener grill option.

Buy organic – organic meats for sure (there are tons o’ pesticides in conventional meats), get organic brew to drink, in season seafood, and organic veggies to grill too. Also think local. Locally bought food supports the economy and offsets long transport energy issues.

Use real plates, silverware, cups, and cloth napkins. Disposables are icky for the earth and frankly, don’t hold food as well. IF you must use disposables, use items made from easy to compost and biodegradable materials (corn starch and potato starch or 100% recycled for example.)

Don’t use toxins to fight bugs at your cookouts. DEET, the main component in most bug repellents is bad for your health and the earth. Use natural options.

Next up some other green barbecue tips to get you prepped for spring – from grills to organic recipes and more.