Right now there are about 16 inches of snow outside our office here at Tankfarm. That’s why we’re dreaming of summer.
Firing up your propane grill for a summer feed is a tasty way to enjoy the warmer weather — but did you know you’re also helping save the planet?
That’s right. The Miami Herald’s Environment reporters are urging Americans to slap on the organic ribs and turn up the gas to help the world become a little greener.
“Grillin’ is easy — and energy efficient!” the Herald reports.
Top of the list in tips to green your grilling routine is to choose a propane or natural gas-fired grill, as they’re clear winners in environmental terms over dirty charcoal barbecues.
“Natural gas or propane-powered grills use less energy overall and are the better choice when it’s time to buy a new grill. They’re more energy-efficient and produce fewer pollutants than burning charcoal. The gas options also heat up faster and don’t produce any soot — plus there aren’t any ashes to dispose of after grilling.”
Charcoal often contains additives that release toxic contaminants when they burn. Propane-powered grills are also cleaner because you don’t need toxin-releasing lighter fuels to fire them up — you just turn the gas on and press the starter button!
The propane we consume in the US is almost exclusively produced in this country with plentiful supplies forecast for the future. It’s also a clean-burning alternative vehicle fuel that produces far fewer carbon emissions than gasoline or diesel.
But back to the barbecue. If you really want to get serious about saving the planet over a flame grilled burger, it’s worth spending a little more to buy organic and additive-free. It’s also much tastier.
“With all the focus on the type of grill you have, don’t forget about the food. When shopping for beef or chicken, organic choices are healthiest. You can spot them because of the USDA Organic label. This label verifies that the animals were given only organic feed and were not injected with growth hormones or antibiotics.”
The Herald article also recommends buying local meats, which keeps money in your community and reduces the miles your food travels to get to your table
Seafood lovers can hunt out easy-to-find sustainable seafood guides which tell you which seafood varieties to avoid if they are threatened. And, if fresh vegetables are on the menu, visit farmers’ markets for local crops and try to buy organic options.
You can find more information on sustainable seafood guides and pesticide-free produce resources at DoYourPart.com/Columns.
I don’t know about you but my mouth’s watering. Gentlemen — fire up your grills…(image: flamegrill.co.nz)
