summer grilling

I've been meaning to do a post about backyard grilling all summer. Uh, how did it get to be Labor Day already? Since Labor Day is still a very popular time to grill I'll go ahead and post this info.

According to the Green Guide, there are drawbacks to all grilling methods but also ways to make all of them more eco-friendly. "Even though they use non-renewable fossil fuels, gas grills burn cleaner than charcoal, and electric grills emit less carbon monoxide . . . than either charcoal or gas. Charcoal fanatics can use briquettes that don't contain fillers such as coal dust, starch, sodium nitrate, limestone and borax. "

They have good information on various types of grilling methods. In a nutshell, if you like using charcoal (which I believe is a key difference between "grilling" and "barbecuing") it might be good to switch to a product like Cowboy Charcoal (also sold as the 365 brand at Whole Foods). This is a "low-smoke charcoal out of untreated maple and oak scraps from furniture and flooring plants." Also, try not to use lighter fluid or self-starter briquettes which contain petrochemicals.

Experts seem to say that gas and electric grills are a little better for the environment. The Sierra Club says, "Three out of four U.S. households own at least one barbecue grill. Among grill owners, 48 percent fire up with charcoal, 61 percent with propane, and 7 percent with electricity." They suggest that while your little bbq may not be such a problem, the combined effect of everyone grilling starts to add up. That said, the damage done from backyard grills likely pales in comparison to other types of pollution. But it is something simple we can be mindful of and make green adjustments without spoiling our holiday fun.

I still love my Weber. I use charcoal, but I did switch to the 365 brand and am happy with it. Burns a little faster and hotter, but works well. Happy grilling!