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BANG FOR THE BITE
If 10,000 Biters switched from charcoal to gas, each time they grilled they’d avert the same amount of CO2 as if an 18-wheeler was taken off the roads for a year and a half.
COCKTAIL FACT
So much for campfires: 50% of all marshmallows eaten in the US have been toasted over a barbecue.
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home › tip library › Environmentally-Friendly BBQ
As the coals heat up your BBQ this summer, are they heating up the planet too?
The Bite
First, we encouraged all you grill jockeys to add soy dogs to this summer’s BBQ menu. Then we told all you red-meat-eaters to go for bison. Now it’s time to talk about the barbie itself: both you and the planet stand to benefit from gas barbecues, not charcoal or electric.The Benefits
- Although gas won’t add much flavor to your veggie or beer brats, it also won’t add as much CO2 to the air. Gas barbecues produce about half as much CO2 as charcoal grills, and about 1/3 as much as electric grills.
- Purists: if you’re gonna go with charcoal, support good resource management by looking for sustainably-farmed coals or chips certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
- Charcoal grills emit volatile organic compounds through smoke, and so does lighter fluid. Using a gas grill, you’ll avoid the liver, kidney and nervous system risks associated with VOCs.
Personally Speaking
Heather uses her tiny propane camping grill most nights during the summer, and although Jen has no interest in anything that resembles cooking, she happily BYOVBs to cookouts.Wanna Try?
- Weber Summit Platinum Grill - a grill master can dream, can’t she ($1,999)?
- Char-broil Patio Caddy - perfectly compact for apartment rooftop grillers like Heather ($170).
- Char-Broil Hickory Wood Chunks - uses wood certified by the FSC ($20).
Jun 28,2006
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All editorial suggestions in this tip are the result of testing and a preference for the tip topic. No advertiser has paid to have its company referenced in the tip. For more information, please read our Editorial Policy.
Um, Maybe It’s Healthier if You don’t Grill it Until It’s Black
Cooking? One of my strong suits. Baking? Even better.
Grilling? Um, well... not so much.
For some reason, grilling seems a distinctly male endeavor to me, and because of this, I've never really bothered to master it.
Thus, carcinogenically, (and given that I have 2 different kinds of grills), I have had many an overcharred grill experience over the years. For best results, take it from me - it doesn't taste better if you scrape off the black flakes...
-Heather... off to plan for a 4th of July rooftop fireworks-watching BBQ...
Biter Comments...
i was really happy to see an ideal bite about grilling. i've been pondering about the effects of charcoal/gas and lo-and-behold, you answered my questions. i'm with maggie, what about the hardwood? seems like if plants like it, at least it's easily recycled and should be a little more environmentally friendly.
USE MY GAS GRILL ALONG WITH CHARCOAL, IT HEATS THE CHARCOIL UP REAL FAST AND YOU DONT HAVE TO USE MUCH TO GET THE TASTE YOU WANT . IT WORKS REAL WELL . JUST PUT ABOUT 10 CUBES ON TOP THE GAS BURNER BEFORE YOU LIGHT IT UP .
YOU'LL SEE YOU WILL HAVE THE SAME GREAT CHARCOIL TASTE FOR LESS COST AND DAMAGE TO OZONE LAYER .
THANKS
DAVID BROWN
It seems to me that grilling may just be harmful all the way around, according to this. You support gas grilling but mining for natural gas causes harm to the planet too. Is there any good method?
I can't believe you're advising people to use gas! Charcoal may release CO2, but it's only temporary - it's reabsorbed by the next batch of trees being grown for more charcoal.
So what is really true, ie positive for the environment, re: using regular charcoal or coals made from wood?? And is it possible to get a decent gas grill for under $50?? I was not happy to see a listing for a gas grill that costs $1999.00!!
I'm all for all of us being more responsible about our environment and our Earth; we've only got one! And I respect everyone's right to choose their food, but remember, agriculture and beef producers have families to feed and lives to support as well. So please, keep that in mind as well. There has to be a healthy balance.
So what's the verdict? What's the best thing to do? BBQ season is upon us, and Biters will be going out to buy new grills soon... And is there an option that's inbetween the $2000 model vs. the apartment sized model?
PHOTO ALBUMS
Posted by: Maggie | June 28, 2006 at 11:47 AM