Red, White and Green for 4th of July, 2010
The 4th of July is the pinnacle of the summer barbecue season. Last year, over 66 million Americans participated in a barbecue, with a large number of these events taking place on the Fourth. And, according to the Women's Day Magazine, the 4th of July is the day with most beer consumed in the US.
While the 4th of July is a time to celebrate and spend time with friends and family, it is also an opportunity to spread the green love. As a sustainability consultant, I encourage clients to expand eco awareness in all areas of their life- holidays are a great place to start! There are a number of ways to add eco awareness to your celebration. Here are a few green tips from Sierra Magazine to help reduce the impacts of your grill this weekend:-
Cleaner-burning propane or electric grills are preferable over charcoal fired grills, which contribute more to poor air quality. For those seeking a more sustainable lifestyle, consider a solar oven or a stove avoids emissions altogether.
-
For those who do use charcoal, consider lump brands. These are made from real hardwood firewood chunks which have been charred and do not contain chemical binders or igniting agents.
-
Switch from lighter fluid, which releases smog-forming VOCs, to a chimney starter.
