5 Environmental Health Tips for your Weekend Barbecue

Having a backyard BBQ to celebrate the holiday this weekend? We have some tips for you that will help you keep your family and friends’ environmental health in mind. Your environmental health is the aspect of your Wellness Wheel that involves the safety and health implications of your surroundings.

1. Use a gas grill if possible because natural gas and propane burn cleaner than charcoal grills. If you use a charcoal grill, choose all-natural lump charcoal to avoid the additives in briquettes that pollute the air you and your guests will be breathing. Use a fire starter or a charcoal chimney to start the fire, not a petroleum based product, for the same reasons.

2. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, and a cover for the grill, so you can act quickly if the fire should get out of hand. Make sure there is always a designated person standing near the grill and watching the fire.

3. Choose a location that is at a safe distance from buildings, trees and bushes. Make sure children and other guests are not playing nearby. Keep guests that have been drinking alcohol away from the grill.

4. Be eco-friendly: select organic and grass-fed meats, and organic vegetables and fruit for your side dishes. Use re-usable or recyclable tableware, with as few plastic products as possible.

5. Clean your grill with household products rather than petro-based cleaners, which can contaminate your food and diminish your air quality. You can clean your grill with a barbecue brush and a baking soda and water paste. Another method is to rub half an onion over the rack once it’s hot, and then brush it lightly with olive oil to stop the food from sticking.