Eco-Friendly Cookout Ideas
In the midst of summer comes the increase in cookouts and outdoor gatherings. While these events are amazing ways to spend time with our friends and family throughout the season, they can also negatively impact the environment. However, this should not prevent one from hosting or attending these parties; instead, there are many easy and effective changes you can make to ensure your summer get-togethers are more eco-friendly.
First, let's think about the equipment used at a cookout. While grills aren’t the leading cause of pollution, they do use fossil fuels and contribute to global emissions. This is why it’s better to opt for sustainable grilling equipment. Deforestation is necessary to produce charcoal, greatly contributing to carbon emissions. So, rather than using charcoal grills, it’s best to consider propane or natural gas grills that have far less of an environmental impact. However, if you have a charcoal grill and aren’t in a position to buy a new one, switch to using lump charcoal. This is sustainably sourced wood or briquettes made from natural ingredients.
Next, a very simple way to lower your environmental impact is to choose local, organic ingredients. Local produce doesn't travel far, reducing carbon emissions from transportation. Also, organic farming practices minimize the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers, helping preserve soil health and biodiversity. Moreover, including more plant-based options at your party is beneficial. Plant-based foods generally have a lower carbon footprint compared to animal products, making vegetarian or vegan dishes a wonderful addition to your cookouts.
One of the biggest issues associated with parties and gatherings is the waste of plastic products. Many buy plastic cups, plates, and cutlery for their convenience; however, this practice is extremely wasteful. While it’s best to use reusable tableware, this may be unrealistic. So, if you want to still use disposable products, try to obtain ones made from biodegradable materials like bamboo or recycled paper. Along with what you do as a host, encourage your guests to bring their own reusable containers for leftovers, reducing the amount of waste generated.
Food waste at these events are often significant. So, to minimize this effect, plan carefully. Look at your guestlist and plan your menu accordingly, preparing enough food for all attending while still avoiding as much excess as possible. Encourage your guests to take only what they can eat, and have a system for storing and reusing leftovers. For example, composting food scraps is a very efficient method for reducing waste. It can minimize waste in landfills and also create nutrient-rich compost for your garden.
Another simplistic but impactful method of reducing a party's carbon footprint is to plan eco-friendly transportation. Encourage guests close by or in your area to walk or bike to your location. If they live further away, encourage your guests to use public transportation or carpool with others nearby. In any amount one can, reducing the number of cars on the road is always helpful in cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions.
Lastly, when it comes to decorations, use your imagination and be creative with reusable or natural materials. Instead of plastic banners and balloons, use reusable cloth bunting, air or potted plants, flowers, solar LED lighting, biodegradable confetti, and more! DIY your own decorations or rent them from party rental stores. Also, do whatever you can to make or obtain items that are reusable. All of these options will still look amazing while contributing to a lower environmental impact.
By incorporating as many of these tips as you can into your summer cookouts and gatherings, you can enjoy your parties while making a positive impact on the environment. Small changes can lead to significant benefits, and your eco-friendly efforts will set a great example to inspire your friends and family. Have fun and be kind to our planet!