How to Host a Sustainable Summer Barbecue
Who doesn’t love a good cookout? From the social aspect to the joy of eating outdoors, it’s a fun way to relax that’s synonymous with the season. It can also create a lot of waste if you’re not careful—follow our tips to lower your footprint and have your greenest garden party yet. With simple swaps and a bit of planning, you can make a world of difference!
1. Shop Local
Supporting local farmers is always the best idea. Not only does your food travel a shorter distance, it’s typically grown using methods that minimize the impact on the planet. Plus, you’re helping family businesses thrive, and your fruits and vegetables will taste so much better. Imagine biting into a juicy strawberry grown just down the road from where you live, or a sumptous kebab with freshly-picked mushrooms and peppers. We won’t even talk about that perfectly charred ear of corn! If you’re purchasing meat to go on the grill, the same parameters stand. Find a local butcher in your neighborhood with ethical standards and be proud of where your meal came from.
2. Invest in a Quality Grill
Avoid single-use foil barbecues, which are nearly impossible to recycle and will go straight to the landfill. We recommend putting your money toward something high-quality that will last for a long length of time. Electric varieties are preferable, as they’re powered by renewable energy and better for the climate. If you do buy charcoal, look for a sustainably sourced variety that doesn’t include added chemicals.
3. Steer Clear of Single-Use Items
We say this everyday, but we just can’t emphasize it enough: ditch the disposables! If you use your own plates, cups, and cutlery, you’ll not only reduce waste, but your shindig will be that much classier. The same goes for napkins—opt for cloth over non-recyclable paper varieties. It’s easy this day and age to throw these items in the laundry or dishwasher after your guests go home, and if you’re worried about your dishes getting smashed, try bamboo—it’s the world’s fastest growing plant.
4. Avoid Food Waste
Planning ahead is always key. It’s important to make sure you have enough food to go around, but at the same time, you shouldn’t over-do it. Make a shopping list for the amount of guests you’ll have, and if you’re going with a potluck-style event, set up a Google spreadsheet so you don’t get duplicates. If you do end up with leftovers, send them home in reusable containers. You can always remind people ahead of time to bring some along if you don’t have enough or can’t part with yours!
5. Think Big with Drinks
Beverages can often be overlooked when you’re trying to reduce waste, but it’s easier than you think to provide alternative options! Consider getting a keg instead of having people bring their own six-packs (you can always ask everyone to contribute $10 to the cause). If you’re providing non-alcoholic options, a punch bowl is always festive. If you don’t think you can avoid cans and bottles, be sure to put out a bag or bin to collect them for recycling.
6. Be a Borrower
You might be the type of person who hosts events all the time, or you might only do one barbecue per season. If you fall into the latter camp, don’t be afraid to ask friends and family to contribute. Perhaps they can lend you extra tables and chairs, or add some of their dishes to the mix. It’s also a great idea to ask them to bring any lawn games they have, like croquet sets or cornhole, so your guests can stay entertained and you don’t have to purchase anything that will gather dust in your garage or storage room later on.
7. Compost Your Scraps
Nobody wants to send watermelon rinds home with their guests, but you can definitely avoid putting them in the trash. Add them to your compost pile—we’ve got a great guide for how to get started at home, and many towns and cities now offer pick-up services. You can also save them for a friend or neighbor who’s already got something set up.
8. Decorate with the Planet in Mind
When it comes to decor, we love the idea of going back to the earth. What could be better than setting the table with a beautiful bouquet of fresh blooms from your local farmer’s market? You can also light candles and place them in lanterns, mason jars, or upcycled tin cans. If you want to get really extravagant, try using fabric bunting that you can use year after year. The options are endless—just have fun with it!