Back After Popular Demand: Grill up Eco-Style this 4^th of July

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 Natural Willow Eco-Friendly Picnic Basket . Or, if you must use disposables, consider biodegradable dinnerware from companies like Biocorp or Eco Palm Ware.

• Wonder which cooking method is greener?  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.   Other cleaner options include propane and alternative fuel from coconuts.  Earn more patriotic stripes by opting for a Solar Cooker.

• If you insist on grilling with charcoal, there are a few that are environmentally-certified – look for Rainforest Alliance Smartwood sustainably-harvested charcoal.

• Overcooking can cause cancer-causing substances, so keep your eye on the grill and don’t let anything burn.

• Wood ash can 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.  Better yet, you can limit your over all exposure to these risks by cooking more veggies than meat.  Not only do veggies have a lower carbon footprint than meat, they are less likely to be infected with these bacterias.  If you do go with meat on your menu, be sure you buy from organic and local farms.  Wash your 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.

• 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.  Use our DIY cleaning tips for any other messes you might have.

See Grist.org and AOL Food for more eco-grilling tips!  Happy Fourth of July.

Image via Move.com