Grilling Green
Now that the weather is warm, it?s time to fire up the grill!? Backyard barbeques offer a great way to get outdoors and relax with friends and family. ?Like any of life?s activities, some choices are greener than others.? But don?t fret.? Instead of agonizing over every barbequing decision, consider integrating a few eco-friendly changes in your repertoire this summer.? Or, throw one big Green BBQ Party, challenging yourself and guests to go green with a bang.Here are a few choices to consider:
Charcoal or gas?
When it comes to grilling, gas is better.? Burning charcoal creates tiny soot particles that pollute the air.? Some brands of charcoal contain an odd assortment of materials, including coal dust, sodium nitrate, and borax, in addition to their main component, sawdust.? Lump charcoal, although more natural, contributes to deforestation.? If you are using charcoal, douse the flames immediately when you?re done to minimize the amount of soot produced. Of course, the production of gas is energy intensive, but it is the better of those 2 options.
What?s on the menu?
Burgers and dogs are staples of barbequing.? But there?s no question that conventional meat production is tough on the environment.? When shopping, check out the options offered by small, local producers like at the new Tenafly Farmers Market?and pick up lots of veggies while you?re there.? Small producers tend to use more environmentally-friendly farming methods, and buying locally reduces the number of miles your food has to travel before reaching your plate.
Upping the veggie quotient in your otherwise meat-centric BBQ might take some creativity, but you don?t have to scrimp on taste.? Grill up portabella mushrooms or thick slices of tomatoes as a burger substitutes, serve grilled zucchini and eggplant brushed with olive oil as a side dish, and offer chili dogs without the dog (just chili, cheese, and sour cream on a bun).
Paper or plastic?
Plates, that is.? Skip both.? Ditch the disposables and consider buying an inexpensive set of ?picnic? dishes and flatware from a garage or estate sale, so you can reuse them again and again.? As for other party necessities, use cloth napkins and tablecloths, decorate with flowers from the garden, and trade the battery-powered boom box for a friend with a guitar. Aspire for sustainability!
Greening your next BBQ can be both a fun challenge and a conversation-starter among your friends.? Perhaps your guests will arrive by foot or by bike? ?Enjoy!
Jennifer Kleinbaum
Tenafly Nature Center
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