Causecast

by JESSICA WOLF, Contributing Writer

If you’re planning to wrap up your summer with a holiday bar-b-que this weekend, keep in mind that depending on what and how you grill, you may be releasing carcinogenic toxins into the environment and your food. And any time more than a few gather in one place to celebrate, there’s a chance for wasteful non-eco-friendly behavior to ensue. Here are a few simple steps to make that festive outdoor gathering a little bit easier on the environment.

Step 1: Evaluate your grill and grilling accouterments

Grilling outside (on a non-electric grill) can save energy because unlike an indoor oven, it doesn’t have to take time to heat up and won’t permeate heat throughout your house, which anyone who grew up with a frugal father in the desert knows will send the air conditioner into overdrive and drive the aforementioned father apoplectic when the electric bill arrives.

Grills that run on natural gas are arguably best for the environment because gas burns cleanly, while wood and charcoal release all kinds of sooty particles into the air, but natural gas is still a finite natural resource so there is an overall collective planetary impact from gas grilling.

For discerning BBQ foodies who just have to have that woody charcoal flavor, the news is even worse for the environment. Burning charcoal, especially when paired with fat drippings from meat on the grill can release carcinogenic compounds called heterocyclic amines (HCAs). However, there are some alternatives that may lessen the charcoal impact, like Cowboy Charcoal’s purported 100% natural product. Nothing can stop the smoke particles that charcoal releases, so keep that in mind when planning a “green BBQ.”

If you’re determined to be the greenest BBQer on the block, next summer, invest in a solar grill, after all, the best grilling season is summer, when the sun is out en force.

Step 2. Make eco-friendly (and healthier!) food choices

Because it can’t be said often enough, when you’re planning a menu for any event, try to purchase fresh, seasonal, organic vegetables. If you can take the time to search out a local farmer’s market and buy produce there, you may pay a bit more (but not much) and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’re eating macrobiotically, with fewer chemicals and pesticides and you’ll be supporting your local economy. The U.S. Department of Agriculture maintains a database of farmer’s markets searchable by zip code. It’s a good place to start your search for local food options.

What would a BBQ be without meat? If you’ve seen Food, Inc. you might be off meat for a while. If you decide to bypass the meat, there are tons of soy and veggie burger and hot dog options. Seize the opportunity to make some friends go meat-free for a meal; they might love it! For the meat-lovers, check out the National Geographic Green Guide for a beef buying guide that will steer (pun intended) you to the healthiest organic options.

Step 3. Go for a little less disposable convenience

This is by far the toughest part, but once you make a few of these steps, you’ll find they permeate the way you plan gatherings for some time to come.

Don’t buy any more plastic silverware. Seriously. Root around your pantry, cupboards, random boxes in the garage. Most suburban American homes likely have some quantity of leftover plastic utensils. Instead of buying more, use up what you have and once those are gone….simply bring out the real silverware. Think about it, silverware is the easiest dish to wash. You don’t really need the plastic option (ever).

In the same vein, invest in or make some reusable cloth napkins. They’re far more absorbent and you’ll be amazed at the reduction in waste.

When it comes to plates – you might be reluctant to use the real deal. You’ll be eating outside, there are kids running around, maybe a few dogs and bicycles too…of course it’s not the time to roll out your best china and those real dinner plates are not always ergonomically desirable for juggling as you walk round and mingle outside. Invest in a set of reusable plastic plates, those are light to carry and pretty much indestructible. If you have kids, you probably already have some. If you still need some disposable plates, don’t go for the cheap paper or non-recyclable plastic disposable plates from the grocery store. Think about stocking up on disposable bamboo plates. Bamboo is a versatile plant that, unlike wood, is a quickly renewable resource.

Instead of providing single-serving cans of soda or bottles of water…go for the big jug or the two-liter, it creates less waste. Provide recyclable plastic or paper cups and a sharpie for guests to write their name on it and ask them to be sure and reuse their cup throughout the party.

Step 4. Make recycling part of the event

Encourage your BBQ guests to get into the spirit of the green event by setting up clearly labeled separate containers for recyclable materials and non-recyclable/food waste. Point out these options as guests arrive and gently ask them to help keep waste controlled as they enjoy the gathering. Or, if your friends are a bit more on the silly side, make a game out of who can be the best recycler!

Happy Grilling!

Photo by combust, flickr.