Using a chimney starter instead of lighter fluid reduces ozone-depleting pollution.
How to prevent overflowing garbage cans and other “eco no-nos” at your barbecue cookout? Not a problem for the true grill-master who plans ahead:
- When shopping for your favorite barbecue makings, try not to buy the meat in the STYROFOAM® packages. Instead, buy in bulk direct from the butcher counter.
- When it's time to fire up the grill, avoid ozone-depleting starter fluid. Instead, get the coals going by putting them on top of a metal chimney (a coffee can works great!) filled with rumpled newspaper. If you have access to an outlet, use one of the new electric charcoal starter "wands."
- If you can, use reusable plastic dishes and cloth napkins. Otherwise, choose paper napkins, cups and plates with recycled content. (Make sure the packages have the magic word, "post-consumer," on them.) Another hot tip: try the new biodegradable disposables by EarthShell® made from vegetable starches. Whether paper or starch, make sure the disposable items go into a separate bag from the trash, and put them in your compost bin when you get home.
- At the end of the day, send guests home with leftovers packed in reusable containers, like margarine tubs.
For more information on how to light coals without starter fluid, check out outdoorcook.com.
For sources of biodegradable serving ware (plates, cups, bowls and utensils), check your local Smart & Final or go online to earthshell.com. Another brand to look for in stores or online is NatureWorks.
