How To Keep Your Summer Cookouts Green

Summer is here. In the US and the northern hemisphere, it is also the season of delicious grilled delicacies. As temperatures rise and days grow longer, we eagerly prepare smoky, charred meats and vegetables. Gathering the family together for a cookout is a joyful reprieve. Time together outdoors transforms the chore of cooking into a festive event.

However, what might be the environmental impact as we fire up our grills this season? Three-quarters of American households own a grill of some kind. On the Fourth of July, the season's peak, 60 million barbecues will be fired up across the country, consuming a lot of charcoal and lighter fluid.

So how can we balance family togetherness, outdoor time, and delicious grilled tastes with climate awareness? Here are some options for grilling green and reducing our carbon footprint.

The Grill and The Fuel

Understanding the grill type and fuel required to make the process sustainable is the first step. That's where our answer to going green lies. Many grills are on the market, including charcoal, gas, wood pellet, electric, and ceramic grills. The type of fuel each of them needs to function determines its sustainability factor.

Traditional charcoal briquettes are made from non-renewable resources. They release harmful chemicals into the air. Although they add an excellent flavor to food, they are less eco-friendly.

Gas grills are a decent choice for an eco-friendly grilling session. These grills run on propane or natural gas and burn cleaner and more efficiently. They are convenient and have a smaller carbon footprint than charcoal grills, which produce almost three times more greenhouse gases.

Some charcoal is made from renewable resources, but many types are made with lighter fluid, a fossil fuel. Plus, charcoal grills keep burning after you cook, releasing more harmful substances. But, if you can't do without that smoky flavor a charcoal grill produces, consider natural lump charcoal from renewable sources such as hardwood trees. They burn cleaner.

Electric grills do not require charcoal or propane. They are eco-friendly if powered by renewable energy sources like solar or wind. They produce no emissions and are easy to clean. Solar-powered grills utilize the sun's energy for cooking, making them an eco-friendly alternative for outdoor meals.

Wood pellet grills combine the best qualities of charcoal and gas grills. They have become appealing because they are energy-efficient and clean-burning. Pellet grills use compressed wood pellets made from scrap wood. They are renewable and carbon-neutral. They release less pollution than charcoal, offering a flavorful grilling experience.

Ceramic grills, like kamado-style grills, are versatile. They retain heat well, reducing fuel consumption. Pick sustainably sourced, organic charcoal like lump bamboo or coconut shell charcoal instead of conventional charcoal briquettes if you prefer only charcoal. The latter produces more pollutants.

Cooking outdoors on a grill can be more energy-efficient than using your indoor stove or oven. Pellet, ceramic, and gas grills are greener options than charcoal. Whichever you pick, remember to grill efficiently to lessen your environmental impact. Green grilling equipment, reusable accessories, eco-conscious barbecuing, biodegradable tools, and organic grilling supplies make for an environmentally friendly cookout.

What's cooking?

The meat industry contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. Consider incorporating plant-based alternatives. Not only are these options better for the planet, but they are also a healthier choice for you. Plants are far less climate-intensive than meat. And the choices are endless: tofu, tempeh, seitan, mushrooms, jackfruit, nuts, beans, grains, and legumes.

Gilling doesn't have to be all about meat. But if you can't do without it; seek sustainably raised meat without antibiotics or hormones. This will lower the environmental impact and support local farmers, who prioritize the planet's health. Beef and lamb production require high amounts of water and result in significant manure pollution. On the other hand, poultry production is less taxing in terms of the climate.

While grocery shopping, understand labels to make more sustainable choices. 

The Celebrations:

Using disposable utensils and plates is convenient, but single-use products create excessive waste. Instead, find reusable utensils and plates from eco-friendly materials such as bamboo or recycled plastic. Or try using metal utensils such as steel, brass, or copper. They can be easily cleaned with no plastic or paper waste in hand.

Use reusable cleaning supplies and tablecloths instead of napkins and disposable paper products. These little changes can help transform your meal into a green one.

The Cleaning:

Using reusable grill cleaning tools instead of disposable ones is essential to keeping grilling eco-friendly. Invest in a high-quality, durable grill brush made with recyclable materials. By opting for eco-friendly grill cleaning tools, you can relish your grilled foods while helping to protect the planet.

You can also select eco-friendly sponges to cleanse your grilling tools and surfaces. Conventional sponges are often made of synthetic materials. They do not last and require frequent replacement, contributing to waste. However, a durable sponge made of long-lasting materials can be used repeatedly.

Use home ingredients like a paste made from baking soda and water. Scrub right after you finish cooking. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to clean. Implementing these green grilling tips encourages sustainable BBQ practices, promoting environmentally friendly grilling while producing a low carbon footprint.

The Leftovers:

Going overboard in a festive and generous mood is easy, leading to food waste. Plan your menu and quantity ahead of time. Only prepare what you need. If there are leftovers, store them in reusable containers and enjoy them afterward—or share them.

Find ways to practice climate awareness that keep the fun, festive, and tasty summer vibes going. What works for you?