- Use a propane grill instead of charcoal. Propane burns cleaner than coal and emits half the amount of carbon. Charcoal also may contain some unhealthy ingredients like nitrates, treated wood, petroleum products and borax.
- If you really like the flavor charcoal brings, try a sustainable all natural brand such as Original Charcoal Company, El Ranchero Mesquite or The Good One.
- Say no to plastic. Plastic cups, straws and eating utensils, are convenient but not good for the environment. Single use plastics take 500 years or more to decompose-(that’s a long life span for something made to be disposable!) Paper plates and cups decompose in less than 180 days. Or, you could skip the disposable all together and use real dishes. Don’t have enough cups? Tell your guests to BYOC - bring your own cup!
- Skip the store bought decorations. There’s no need to buy balloons and streamers when nature provides a bounty of materials to create a festive setting. Use live plants and flowers as centerpieces, or try an edible centerpiece made from fruits and veggies. Repurpose old shirts or sheets to make one-of-a-kind banners. And if your celebration lasts long into the night, place candles in recycled glass jars around your party space or hang them from branches for a festive touch.
Share your cookout ideas and photos! Tag us on Instagram or Facebook @urbanecologycenter. Have a wonderful season of safe and sustainable summer cookouts!
