Delicious Living

4 eco-friendly grilling options

Here are a few tips for keeping it earth-friendly when firing up the grill this season.

 When it’s time to fire up the grill, freshness and flavor are top priority. But don’t let your backyard bash go up in flames by using products that can harm the environment or pose potential health risks. Get cooking with these eco-options.

Wrap food in cedar paper.

Sealing seafood, meats, and veggies in cedar paper lends a smoky flavor while locking in moisture and protecting from char-based carcinogens. Choose products that meet the Sustainable Forestry Initiative standard to ensure materials came from responsibly managed forests.

Try: Fire & Flavor cedar papers

Cook with ceramic.

Nontoxic, nonreactive ceramic skillets and spatulas can stand temperatures higher than steel, don't leach trace metal or chemicals, and never scratch. 

Try: Xtrema ceramic cookware

Use biodegradable plates and cutlery.

Branch out with plates, knives, and forks made from alternative eco-materials like bamboo, leaves, corn, and bagasse (a sugarcane byproduct). They’re biodegradable, compostable, and durable enough to stand up to seconds.

Try: VerTerra dinnerware

Clean, naturally.

Who wants caustic and potentially toxic ingredients from conventional cleaners on the grill, where they can end up in food and the environment? Scrub grit and grime from the grate with a natural, plant-based all-purpose or grill-specific cleaner. Look for biodegradable, antibacterial ingredients including parsley and orange, and choose a grill brush made from sustainable materials like bamboo.

Try: Earth Friendly Orange Plus

Discuss this Article 3

Anonymous (not verified)
on May 19, 2011

This is a great article.

In addition to these tips, I am wondering also what grills are the most eco-friendly?? I've read that the EGG grill is made of ceramic, so I'm wondering if it is a good eco- choice both in terms of health and environment?

jrubino
on May 23, 2011

Good question! I didn't look into grill options when researching this piece, as it seems that purchasing eco grilling accessories, cookware, cleaners, etc. is the most accessible way to reduce your environmental impact without having to spend a fortune. BUT if you are on the market for a new grill, I do think ceramic is a great option, since ceramic can stand higher temperatures than steel and doesn't leach trace metals/chemicals or scratch.

jrubino
on May 24, 2011

Funny, today I received an email announcing the "Great Grill Challenge." The prize is an EGG ceramic/energy efficient grill! You may be interested ...

http://www.harmonyvalleyfoods.com/veggie-burger

Post new comment
Sign In or register to use your Delicious Living ID
(optional)
Search Recipes
Search our full collection of recipes by entering a recipe name or ingredient