Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time for getting together with family and friends. It means that summer is on its way.

Your plans may include sticking closer to home this year and celebrating the long weekend with family and friends. It’s the ideal time to have an outdoor picnic or BBQ that supports your eco-lifestyle!

Party Mat

By making this 3-day weekend eco-friendly, you’ll be reducing the carbon footprint of everyone who shares in your Memorial Day festivities. Here are a few green steps you can take before, during and after your back yard partying.

Green Grilling:

A solar powered stove is the cleanest and greenest option for outdoor cooking.  It cooks much slower than a regular grill but doesn’t impart the kind of ”grilled” flavor backyard cooks crave however, it’s a great green option.

The best grill is one fueled by natural gas because it’s clean-burning and doesn’t require repeated trips to stores to renew your supply. All that’s needed is a onetime hookup to a gas line.

The next-best choice is an electric grill, provided it’s powered by electricity generated by wind energy. There are roughly 600 utilities that allow consumers access to electricity that is wind-generated.

Propane is the choice for most people because it burns cleaner than charcoal. Charcoal emits more carbon monoxide, particulate matter and soot than any of the other fuels. That means it also contributes more to ground-level ozone and smog. If you use a charcoal grill, use lump charcoal made from natural and sustainable wood. Some brands are even certified by the Rainforest Alliance’s SmartWood Program. Pre-formed, compressed briquettes, (the easy-light type), contain petrochemicals that use coal dust and other additives as ”binders.” It’s also good to avoid using lighter fluid, which gives off unhealthy compounds too. Instead use a chimney starter or electric probe.

Pre-Party Cleaning:

Clean off dirty outside patio furniture with green and natural cleaning products instead of using toxic chemicals.

Organic Supplies:

Support your local farmer’s market for all your organic party ingredients. Walk or bike to it to reduce your automobile emissions.

Bio Dishes:

Use biodegradable utensils, bowls, plates and cups to create less waste for your local landfill.

Organize Recyclables:

Keep a recycling bin, or bags next to the trash so people know you support plastic, metal and paper recycling.

Napkin Anyone:

Use reusable napkins so that they can be rewashed and used again. But if you must use paper napkins, please use recycled ones.

Bio Bags:

Use biodegradable plastic trash bags to clean up any surrounding trash.

Use Soap:

Clean the grill with soap and water instead of using harsh chemicals.

Compost Scraps:

Compost any leftover food scraps in a special compost pile in your back yard.

Everything we do to the environment we do to ourselves first.