Green tips for picnic, grill

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Jul 9, 2008 by Amanda Gold

By Amanda Gold

SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

Following are ways to reduce your carbon footprint when cooking or eating outside this summer.

Grilling green

n\u2009\u2009\u2009Although many prefer the flavor of charcoal grilling, a cleaner-burning electric or propane-gas grill can be better for the environment.

If you opt for charcoal, try to use natural charcoal or environmentally certified wood briquettes. Regular charcoal or soaked briquettes can contain additives or coal dust.

n\u2009\u2009\u2009If you're grilling over charcoal, use a chimney starter to light the coals instead of lighter fluid or briquettes soaked with fluid, which can emit smog-forming volatile organic compounds into the air.

n\u2009\u2009\u2009Buy local ingredients as often as possible, which means less fuel has been used to transport food items. Also, eat responsibly: Buy organic and hormone-free meat, poultry and wild fish when possible.

n\u2009\u2009\u2009Clean up promptly. Scrape the grill with warm water and baking soda to avoid having to use harsh chemical cleaners to pick up burned food once it has cooled.

Picnicking green

n\u2009\u2009\u2009Pack your picnic in a reusable grocery tote bag to cut down on paper or plastic bags. And look for a picnic basket made from bamboo or other natural materials.

n\u2009\u2009\u2009Think about your garbage. Limit the amount of disposable plastic and paper plates, opting instead for regular, reusable dishes. Rather than using Ziploc bags, store your picnic food in reusable Tupperware or bento boxes.

n\u2009\u2009\u2009Make sure anything you pack in you also pack out. If you can't find a recycle bin, bring empty bottles and cans home to recycle.

Green products

n\u2009\u2009\u2009Cowboy Charcoal. Low-smoke charcoal without added fillers or chemicals. The coal is crafted from natural hardwood scraps. Available at Lowe's or cowboycharcoal.com.

n\u2009\u2009\u2009Petroleum-free charcoal starter. This odorless fluid made from ethanol will help start your grill and is better than smoke created from petroleum. Available at realgoods.com.

n\u2009\u2009\u2009Bambu All Occasion Veneerware. Organic bamboo plates, utensils and trays. Available at Whole Foods, Bristol Farms, Crate and Barrel and greenfeet.com.

n\u2009\u2009\u2009 Biodegradable utensils made from corn. Available at greenfeet.com.