Green Your Barbecue!
(Source: www.sierraclub.org)
- Choose a cleaner-burning propane or electric grill over one powered by charcoal, which contributes more to poor air quality. Or, try a solar oven or stove that avoids emissions altogether.
- If you do use charcoal, look for lump brands (briquettes may contain coal dust or other additives as binders) made from invasive tree species or harvested from sustainably managed forests. Switch from lighter fluid, which releases smog-forming VOCs, to a chimney starter.
- Buy sustainable fish and hormone-free meat for the grill. Better yet, skip the meat altogether and mix it up with locally grown veggies or fruit.
- Set your picnic table with reusable dishware and silverware and cloth napkins. If that’s not feasible, look for biodegradable or recycled-paper dinnerware, unbleached cups, and recycled-paper napkins.
- Clean up with a natural cleaner like Orange Plus (made with orange oil) or SoyClean.
- Fight off insect invaders without chemicals. Bug sprays containing DEET are bad for your health and the earth. Opt instead for a natural repellent like lemon eucalyptus.