Grilling outdoors is a very “Texan” thing to do, like taking pictures of your kids in a field of bluebonnets or putting on your nicest pair of cowboy boots for a night of two-steppin’. But have you ever considered the environmental implications of grilling outdoors? Whether you use a gas grill or traditional charcoal, there are facts to ponder for both methods when you light up the fires outside.
Aside from giving your food a natural smoky and wood flavoring, using charcoal has other benefits.
One of the best parts of lump charcoal is it produces very little ash and thus leaves little to clean up and blow into the air. The ash from an additive-free, wood charcoal can be used as fertilizer. This ash contains potash (potassium carbonate), which is nutritious for many plants. Wood ash can also be used to raise the pH level in your soil, which can be beneficial for growing vegetables.
Charcoal briquettes, on the other hand, produce a large amount of ash which not only creates more landfill waste, but also tends to easily waft up and into the air, your neighbor’s yard, and your own food! Remember not to place charcoal briquette ash into your compost pile or garden. That ash is harmful to plants and soil. Instead, place briquette ash into your waste bin, after it’s cooled down.
Regardless of the type of charcoal you use, remember to be a good neighbor. If you step away from your grill, cover it up. Always watch for any embers that could be transported by a breeze and start a fire. An emergency call to the fire department isn’t how you want to end your cookout. Keep a spray bottle of water or a garden hose close by to extinguish any inadvertent fires.
Using propane gas to cook your meat and veggies is simple and faster than lighting up charcoal, which makes it a good choice for those who want a grilled meal quickly.
Using propane creates no ash to dispose of after you cook. It’s a clean burning product that won’t require any extra effort after you’re done grilling.
Once you’ve emptied your propane tank, it doesn’t go in the trash. Never throw away full, partially full, or empty tanks in your waste bin. There are options to refill or reuse it. Many retailers who sell propane will either exchange your empty tank for a new one or refill your old tank.
You could also save your empty tank for a household hazardous waste collection event. Be on the lookout for one in your area. Click here to read more about how to reuse or properly dispose of your used tank.
No matter what method you choose, the best part about cooking outside may be the electricity you save.
Remember that cooking outside during the summer is a great way to keep your house cooler. Cranking up your oven and starting the burners in your kitchen will undoubtedly raise the temperature in your home, thereby making your air conditioner work much harder. The harder your AC works, the more electricity it uses! Additionally, your oven, cooktop, and microwave will all use electricity when you toil in the kitchen preparing your meals. When you cook outdoors, it won’t have an impact on your electric meter or your bill!
We aren’t trying to tell you one way is better than the other, but each grilling method has its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice is yours to make. Either way, just remember to invite me to your next cookout. I like my steaks cooked “medium,” by the way.
