Get Your Grill on the Green Way

Fire up the grill, but keep the environment in mind during picnic season. Follow these reduce, reuse, recycle guidelines:

Choose the Greenest Grill

Electric grills are the most environment-friendly choice since they release 99% less carbon monoxide and 91% less carbon dioxide than charcoal. Next best would be propane, followed by natural gas-fired, which burn cleaner.

Choose the Greenest Foods

Break the hamburger/hotdog cycle. Go for locally grown and free-range meats, such as chicken and fish that are much leaner alternatives and just as tasty. Fruits and vegetables are your friend when it comes to the grill. Asparagus, eggplant, zucchini and squash and pineapple are just a few of the fruits and veggies that can spice up your grill.

Choose the Greenest Picnic Items

Reusable items from your kitchen are better to use than disposables, but if you must, look for items made from recycled paper. These are the items with high post-consumer content. Water, tea, and lemonade can be transported and served from reusable coolers. Other drinks can be offered from aluminum cans. Aluminum is lightweight and easily recycled.

Choose the Greenest Clean-Up Methods

After allowing your grill to cool completely, opt for a natural cleaning solution of one part water mixed with one part vinegar. Leftover solution can be used anywhere around your home. For a more abrasive method, mix one part of water, one part baking soda, with half part of vinegar.