How To: Grill Green
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto 
on 07.26.06
At this time of year many of us go to big barbecue fund-raisers or events for our veggieburgers. When planning a big barbecue there is more to consider than just the fuel- we have mentioned before that propane appears to be better for the environment than charcoal. The San Francisco Department of the Environment has some useful tips for making your barbecue event a little greener:
1. Choose locations accessible to public transport. Encourage all those who come to take transit, carpool, ride their bikes or walk to improve air quality and reduce traffic congestions.
2. Smoke contributes to smog. Avoid charcoal and wood grills in favour of propane to reduce air pollution. Avoid lighter fluid which releases Volatile Organic Compounds VOCs which are hazardous to health.
3. Use reusable dishes rather than plastics or styrofoam and washable napkins rather than paper.. If you must use disposables, use compostable plates, cups and utensils.
4. Shop greener to reduce waste especially of packaging. Avoid single serving products. Buy in bulk and larger containers. For drinks buy recyclable containers rather than juice boxes which are not recyclable in SF.
5. After the barbecue, recycle the recyclables and put the compostable items including paper in the green bin.
6. It is suggested that leftover food should be sent home with people in reusable containers or given to the food bank if larger quantities are leftover. . ::SF Environment via ::Gallonletter
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I've been seeing more about compostable plates. I always thought that the paper plates (Dixie) you get from the supermarket were all compostable.
Just a thought...
Wouldn't cooking with a wood pellet grill be almost 'carbon neutral'? Granted, it still puts out particulates (doesn't all grilling?), but it's a pretty basic product... compressed recycled sawdust. There is a nominal amount of electricity used to power the feed auger but I'd rather my food taste like it was grilled over a wood fire than a petro distillate.
I was hoping you’d mention something about solar cookers, the ultimate in green barbequing. You usually barbeque when it’s sunny out and why not show everyone a new and exciting way to reduce you dependence on fossil fuels and shrink your environmental footprint.
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editor note: That's a good idea, actually.
I guess normal paper plates and utensils have too many chemicals huh. I had no idea about the compostable plates and utensils. I might have to get me some.
For the folks saying solar cooking is a good idea: Have you actually *tried* cooking anything that way?
What's the difference between charcoal and wood pellets? I assume there's less energy needed to turn wood into pellets, vs turning it into charcoal, but they're both renewable resources. Also, its hard to beat the taste of charcoal. Learning to start your charcoal without lighter fluid, learning to use less coals, and coming up with more efficient grill designs sounds like a better approach.
For years I used propane, but its harder to find, hard to know how much is left in the tank, doesn't taste as good, and isn't a renewable resource.
I agree with Jasno. Personally, I use Mesquite coals - they burn hotter, and taste cleaner to me(no, I don't eat the coals!).
I slow cook everything from steaks to burgers - so I don't need an intense fire in the middle of my grill.
I suggest a charcoal CHIMNEY - it helps get all of the coals cooking and you don't need any lighter fluid. I usually need 1 small piece of card-board.
Yes, I'm probably not the most tree hugger but don't mess with my grill.
Where in Ontario can I buy compostable plates, mugs and cutlery?
Teresa
Speaking of grill - How cool is a solar grill light! -
How cool is a solar grill light!