Green Your Barbecue This Summer

Summer and barbecues go hand-in-hand. Reduce your environmental impact this summer by taking a few steps to green your barbecue and outdoor parties. A green barbecue simply rethinks some of the standards we've become accustomed to. Instead of disposable plates and cups, break out the china or everyday plates that you can wash up after the party is over. Take some old t-shirts and turn them into fun napkins for your guests to use and avoid the waste of paper napkins. Instead of buying a disposable plastic table cloth, consider using a colorful flat sheet instead.

Plan Ahead for Your Green Barbecue

Greening your next barbecue begins with a good plan. Taking the time upfront to plan your menu and guest list not only reduces last minute trips to the store but also saves you time and money. Take the time to sit down and make a complete guest list and menu plan before going shopping. Look in your pantry for ingredients you may already have on hand. Be sure to include beverages and desserts on your shopping list.

Get Foods Locally

A green barbecue menu is comprised with fresh, locally grown foods. Visit your neighborhood farmer's market or work with your local farmer's co-op to procure responsibly-grown meats and organically grown fruits and vegetables. To find a farmer or farmer's market in your area, visit the Local Harvest website.

Embrace Greener Grilling

Instead of firing up the charcoal grill, consider using a solar oven instead. Solar ovens can cook a variety of barbecue staples including chicken, fish, meats and vegetables. Plus, the novelty of a solar oven is an experience your guests aren't likely to soon forget.

If using a standard grill is your preference a greener grilling choice is a gas grill. Gas grills burn cleaner than charcoal grills. According to Grist, Charcoal grills emit more pollutants into the air and are less environmentally-friendly than indoor electric ranges.Ideally a green barbecue features a menu free of meat. However, if no barbecue is complete without meat, consider using meat in smaller portions. A great alternative to serving guests a full steak or chicken breast is to grill shish kabobs loaded primarily with vegetables with a few pieces of meat in between. Use metal skewers over wood, since they are reusable.

Set Up Recycle Bins

Encourage guests to recycle soda cans by making it convenient for them to do so. Set up a recycle bin for cans and bottles for guests to deposit items after they have finished drinking from them.

With a little planning, you can turn your next barbecue green while making it an enjoyable party for your friends and family to enjoy.

Source:

Grist.org, Green Guide to Grilling, http://www.grist.org/article/greenguide-grilling/