Friday—Food And Fashion:
Green Grilling: July 4th BBQ Tips

July 3, 2009 Written by Connie Wu

Preparing for your annual July 4th barbecue and fireworks extravaganza? Celebrate with “green” grilling this Independence Day and free yourself from the negative impact of BBQ pollution! OK, cheesy, we know, but we’re serious about celebrating in a more eco-friendly way. We compiled a list of tips from Grist.org and AOL Food to grill more efficiently – and safely:

Avoid disposable plates and forks at your barbecue. Bonus points if your dinnerware and silverware is made of sustainable or recycled materials, like the bamboo dinnerware and recycled glass wine glasses from this Uncommon Goods Picnic Basket. Or, consider biodegradable dinnerware from companies like Biocorp.
Natural gas is cleaner and more energy-efficient than burning wood or charcoal, which generates tiny soot particles that pollute the air and cause lung and heart health problems.
If you insist on grilling with charcoal, there are a few that are environmentally-certified – look for Rainforest Alliance Smartwood sustainably-harvested charcoal.
Wood ash cab be used sparingly as fertilizer – but be aware that it is very alkaline. Charcoal ash, however, contains dangerous trace elements and should be carefully disposed of in the garbage.
Always grill your meats at proper temperatures and check with a thermometer to reduce the risk of E. coli, salmonella, campylobacter, and Listeria, found in undercooked ground beef and poultry. Wash hands and surfaces often.
Buy local produce from a farmer’s market or co-op, instead of buying chemically-treated packaged vegetables from the supermarket. Make sure to clean veggies thoroughly to remove any traces of dirt or manure.
This is a no-brainer, but recycle! If you serve bottled or canned beverages, try to purchase family-size drinks instead of multiple individual-size cans or bottles.
When you’re done grilling, scrape the grill while it’s still hot and clean the grate with baking soda and a wire brush, rather than harsh chemicals.

See Grist.org and AOL Food for more eco-grilling tips!

ydt Readers!

Now you’re ready to start celebrating July 4th in true patriotic red, white, blue – and green – spirit! To make this Independence Day holiday even better, we’re giving away an Eco Picnic Basket valued at $150 from Uncommon Goods to 1 lucky reader – complete with bamboo plates, a bamboo cutting board, bamboo silverware, recycled glass wine glasses, and natural cotton napkins! Simply share an eco barbecue or picnic tip in our comments section below by July 12, 2009 to enter to win.

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