6 Tips to Host an Eco-Friendly Summer Barbecue

The Fourth of July is quickly approaching, and with that comes fireworks, celebration, and, of course, backyard barbecues! Here are some tips to make this the best barbecue for you, your guests, and the planet!

1. Grill more plants

We all know that meat isn’t great for the environment, but it’s a barbecue staple! Sure would be sad to miss out, right? You don’t have to! Vegetables like corn, potatoes, beans, and mushrooms can all be grilled and seasoned just like meat — and be even tastier! Plus it gets even better, because there are so many authentic meatless alternatives for burgers, hot dogs, and the like. Some popular plant-based meat alternatives brands include Beyond Meat, Quorn, and Gardein. You can even make your own meatless burger patties using beans or chickpeas! There are so many meatless barbecue options to explore!

2. Provide reusable utensils and dishes

This should be a pretty obvious and easy step to make your backyard barbecue more eco-friendly. Instead of spending money on paper or plastic cups and plates, just use what you have, or potentially have guests bring their own (which would also be a safer option with COVID).

3. Use an energy-efficient grill

Let’s not forget about the star of the show — your grill! It turns out there are so many different types of grills besides wood and charcoal, from solar-powered to electric. Anything that’s energy-efficient and emits low amounts of smoke is ideal, and avoid burning coal, which produces the most greenhouse gases.

4. Grill as much as you can at once

If you’re going to grill, you might as well get it all done at once. Get the most “bang for your buck,” so to speak. Maximize the use of your grill; you could grill appetizers, and even dessert! Turns out fruits are great on the grill — why not try it out!

5. Buy organic, local, and seasonal produce

One of my favorite things about summer is the produce. All the best fruits are in season — strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, peaches, and more! Make sure you take advantage of the delicious seasonal produce for your barbecue!

6. Take good care of your grill and barbecue equipment

The goal is to maximize the use of everything, including your grill and barbecue equipment. Take good care of your grill by cleaning it as necessary, and store all grilling tools so that you can use them again, year after year. Save the resources and time later by preparing everything now!

Make sure to apply these tips for your upcoming summer barbecues! Enjoy your summer barbecues with good food and company!