Do you want to grill as sustainably as possible? Then you've come to the right place! For the majority of people, barbecuing is just as much a part of summer as the sun's rays or swimming in the lake.
But whether Factory farmingenergy, charcoal, waste or leftover food - while the sausages are sizzling on the barbecue in the garden or on the patio, unfortunately very few people think about the environment and their own ecological footprint.
Yet there are so many good reasons to swing the barbecue tongs together in a more conscious and environmentally friendly way. From reducing your own CO2 emissions, avoiding plastic waste and conserving resources, to a healthier, more animal-friendly and more responsible everyday life.
In this article, I would therefore like to show you how you can barbecue much more sustainably with family and friends. Use the tips to make a real difference at the barbecue too. Let's go!
1. use a reusable grill
Let's start with the object that everything revolves around: the barbecue itself! You should of course stay away from disposable barbecuesas they end up in the bin after a short period of use - and unfortunately often in the environment. A typical product of our Disposable society even.
But charcoal, gas or electric barbecue - which reusable barbecue is the most sustainable? According to a Investigation by TÜV Rheinland the eco-balance of the grills mentioned differs hardly. The choice of food to grill is much more important. However, it should not be forgotten that gas in particular is a finite resource. natural resource is.
I personally currently grill with a Electric grill and solar power from the roof. No fire, no smoke, no danger, no coal and no coal-fired electricity - For me, this is the basis of sustainable barbecuing.
2. use ecological charcoal
But charcoal barbecues are also environmentally friendly if you use the right charcoal. Unfortunately, the Market somewhat opaque.
Here I have you some tips listedthat you should definitely consider when making your choice:
- Switch to domestic alternatives: For example, switch to environmentally friendly barbecue charcoal made from regional corn spindles. That way, you don't have to worry about whether your barbecue is being Forests cut down were.
- Check packaging carefully: Phrases such as "from managed forests", "no tropical wood" or "natural origin" are not protected by law and can be used by suppliers as they wish - including for charcoal from illegal logging.
- Observe certifications: The wood for the barbecue charcoal should be purely natural, come from European forests and have been awarded trustworthy seals recommended by leading environmental organizations for wood from sustainable forestry. These include above all FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), PEFC (program for the recognition of forest certification systems) and Naturland.
3. use environmentally friendly barbecue lighters
Barbecue accidents with alcohol are not uncommon! To avoid the Minimize the risk of serious burn injuries and get the fire going in the charcoal grill in a much more environmentally friendly way, you should simply switch to Chemical-free ecological lighters put
I can recommend Barbecue lighter made from FSC-certified wood wool. Alternatively, you can even make your own barbecue lighters with some cardboard, leftover candle wax and sawdust.
4. vegetarian or vegan grilling
Unfortunately, animal-based foods such as meat, butter, eggs and milk are anything but sustainable. After all, they require, among other things Animal feed grown, harvested and transported. In order to create space for cultivation and grazing areas South America even cleared rainforest.
Fortunately, there are Steaks, sausages, burger patties, salads or Dips also available in vegetarian or vegan form, so that vegan barbecue is child's play even for meat fans these days.
In addition, from A for eggplant to Z for onion Suitable for grilling almost any type of vegetable. I personally love mushrooms stuffed with vegan cheese and herbs!
If only animal meat is really an option for you, it should be at least organically produced have been. Either way, all supermarkets and discount stores in this area now also offer you a Large grill range an.
5. choose regional and seasonal organic food
Of course, sustainable barbecuing starts with shopping. Whether meat or vegetables - prefer Food with origins in your regionso that the Transport routes as short as possible are.
Also try to follow the seasonal calendar. Seasonally sourced food are not only less expensive, but also have to be not in energy-intensive greenhouses or with high water requirements be cultivated.
As a rule, organic products fulfill these conditions and also come from organic farmingwhere no pesticides are used, which contribute significantly to insect mortality.
Tip: Is organic often too expensive for you? Then I'll be happy to show you in the linked blog article how you can Get organic food particularly cheap.
6. grill with care
In Germany, barbecue areas away from your own garden are clearly marked. Larger barbecues must also be registered.
Please follow these safety guidelines, grill only where it is allowed and also follow the instructions of the local fire department. The risk of forest fires should not be underestimated, especially in the dry summer.
Keep up with your barbecue and fire in general - also Distance to forests, moors, heaths and of course also to the Neighboring property and Garden plantswhere insects and birds live.
My recommendation: In another blog article, I have provided you with a few more valuable and Sustainable heat tips for the summer compiled. Have a look there too!
7. avoid food waste
Regardless of what you put on your plate, you should, of course, be aware of any possible risks when barbecuing sustainably. Preventing food waste. Only buy as much as you are actually going to eat.
Whether it's animal meat, vegan steak, salad, baguette or beer: just ask a few days before the barbecue, who wants to eat and drink what and how much.
Also put less food on the grill and prefer to grill some more at a later date if there is still a need.
Ideally, you even save food for the barbecue. For example about Food Sharing or in the supermarket shelf with reduced grilled food that is about to expire.
8. consciously avoid cutlery and packaging waste
Organically produced meat or vegan meat alternatives are also available. unfortunately mostly packed in plasticas well as grilled cheese and its alternatives, and many vegetables.
So try to consciously avoid waste at your barbecue wherever possible. Buy food in bulk and make your own patties, sauces and salads if possible. So you avoid plastic wasteyou save money and have full control over the ingredients.
Also renounce in the sense of the Zero Waste Lifestyle short-lived disposable products such as cups, plates and cutlery made of plastic. And rely on reusable alternatives insteadsuch as glasses, porcelain plates and reusable stainless steel knives and forks.
Tip: I have written a separate blog article for you about plastic free barbecue compiled! Be sure to take a look there too!
9. use reusable grill pans
Aluminum foil is very popular for grilling. However at their production consumes a lot of energy - not least in the recycling process of the disposable product.
If you want to grill in an environmentally friendly way, you should simply place your food in stainless steel trays and pans instead. These are, for example Ideal for mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, asparagus or potatoes suitable, can be washed off and basically used an infinite number of times.
10. clean the barbecue and tidy up the surroundings
After use, you must the grate, the sheet metal and the interior walls clean thoroughly. This will help you avoid the unappetizing burn-in of grease and food residues and ensure that your barbecue will serve you for as long as possible.
Above all, you need a Cleaning brush with metal scraper and ecological barbecue cleaner.
And whether zero waste or not: please make sure that no Plastic waste remains in nature - and leave each barbecue area as you found it.
Tip: More about careless littering - the so-called Littering - can be found in the linked blog article.
Sustainable barbecuing, made easy!
By barbecuing in an environmentally conscious way, you have the usual barbecue fun and at the same time do something to protect our environment. You will also learn new delicious barbecue recipes, save money and be a positive role model for other people who join you at the barbecue.
"What we do today will determine what the world looks like tomorrow."
Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (more at Environmental protection quotes)
I hope that these tips will help you to make future barbecues even more sustainable. Do you have any questions, suggestions or other tips? Then feel free to write me a comment!
Enjoy your meal and stay sustainable,
PS: You also want to be able to enjoy yourself away from the barbecue. Eat a heart-healthier diet? Then read the linked article to find out which foods are really good for your heart in the truest sense of the word!
