With summer in full swing and the 4th of July right around the corner, grilling is on our minds.
Cooking on the grill has us enjoying the outdoors and enjoying the smokey flavors.
We may not automatically think of the grill when it comes to being eco-friendly, but there are many ways we can lighten the impact of this summer activity.
The Grill
We’ll start with the actual grill – electric, gas, or charcoal. Likely you have an opinion on which provides the flavors you are looking for. That said, here is how the 3 stack up:
- Electric – These are often the most eco-friendly option, especially if your home is powered by renewable energy sources. They produce no direct emissions and are easy to use.
- Gas – Propane and natural gas grills are cleaner than charcoal, emitting less carbon dioxide and fewer pollutants. They also heat up quickly and provide excellent temperature control.
- Charcoal – Charcoal is the least eco-friendly. If you prefer the flavor that charcoal provides, here are two suggestions:
- Charcoal Type: Choose lump charcoal made from sustainable hardwoods instead of briquettes. Examples include bamboo logs and olive tree biproduct briquettes.
- Lighting: Avoid lighter fluid, which releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Instead, use a chimney starter to light your coals.
Grill Efficiency
To maximize your grill’s efficiency, you can follow these tips:
- Preheat Quickly – Avoid preheating the grill for too long. Gas grills are usually ready to cook in 5-10 minutes and charcoal in 15-20 minutes.
- Cook Smart – Grill multiple items at once to make the most of the heat. Use the entire cooking surface and cook items that require similar temperatures together.
- Lid On – Keep the lid closed as much as possible to maintain temperature and reduce cooking time.
- Meat Prep – When cooking meat, if you trim the fat before cooking, the meat will be healthier, and you will reduce flame flare-ups.
Cooking Supplies
Aluminum foil and parchment paper are popular products to use for cooking as they can handle the temperature of the oven or grill.
An easy alternative to consider is a pizza stone. If this isn’t an option, consider a silicone mat. You may wonder if silicone is plastic; it is not. Most believe the material is safer for food than plastic, with less risk of leaching. Some brands to consider include:
- GQC BBQ Grill Mat – These are made of Teflon and can withstand the grill’s heat. They come in a pack of six and are also dishwasher-safe (available from many popular retailers).
- Cut to Size Mat – These can be cut easily to fit the size of your grill and/or cooking need.
Grill Clean Up
When the grilling is done, using natural cleaners and brushes will enable you to clean your grill in an eco-friendly way.
When looking for eco-friendly grill cleaners, it’s important to choose products that use natural ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals.
A DIY solution would be to use natural cleaning solutions like vinegar and baking soda instead of harsh chemicals. They’re effective and better for the environment.
If DIY isn’t for you, here are some brands to consider:
- Char-Broil EcoSafe – Biodegradable and non-toxic grill cleaners that are tough on grease.
- Citrusafe – Uses the power of citrus to clean grills effectively without harmful chemicals.
- Simple Green – An eco-friendly BBQ cleaner specifically designed for grills.
- Caron & Doucet – A BBQ Grill cleaner oil to remove residue and prevent food from sticking.
When considering brushes, a sturdy grill brush with natural bristles can help keep your grill clean without shedding plastic into the environment. Some brands to consider include:
Eco-friendly grill brushes are typically made from sustainable materials, avoiding plastic and other non-biodegradable components. Here are some brands that offer eco-friendly grill brushes:
- Grillbadger – Wooden handle and natural fiber bristles.
- Weber – Bamboo handle and metal bristles; plastic free.
- Naturolic – They have both a natural fiber brush and a scraper.
Summary
By adopting these eco-friendly grilling practices, you can enjoy all the flavors and fun of a BBQ while minimizing your environmental impact. Sizzle sustainably and make your next barbecue a green gathering that’s kind to the planet. Happy grilling!